Australian Grand Prix – Norris edges out Piastri to start pole in Melbourne

Today at 02:16 AM

Lando Norris will start the season-opening Australian Grand Prix from pole position.

The Brit beat McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri by 0.081s as the pre-season favourites send out an ominous message to rest of the field.

2024 World Champion Max Verstappen will start third on the grid ahead of Mercedes rival George Russell, while it was a disappointing session for Lewis Hamilton and his new Ferrari team.

Hamilton will start only eighth having struggled with rear instability all session, but he’s only one spot behind teammate Charles Leclerc as two midfield teams usurped the Scuderia.

Alex Albon confirmed Williams’ solid pre season form with sixth place on the grid, behind Yuki Tsunoda and his Racing Bull in fifth.

Pierre Gasly for Alpine and Carlos Sainz’s Williams round out the top 10.

More to follow…..