F1 world championship leader Leclerc beat Max Verstappen to pole position in Australia with his final Q3 lap, a 1m17.868s, to claim top spot by 0.286s ahead of the Red Bull driver.
Verstappen’s team-mate Sergio Perez claimed third place, while the other Ferrari of Carlos Sainz Jr endured a tough Q3 session and will start down in ninth. Sainz lost his first timed lap due to a red flag caused by a crash by Fernando Alonso and was then delayed in beginning his final run due to a starter issue, which resulted in rushed preparation for his last effort.
McLaren produced a return to form with Lando Norris taking fourth place in qualifying ahead of both Mercedes drivers, Lewis Hamilton in fifth and George Russell in sixth, while home favourite Daniel Ricciardo missed out late on to drop to seventh.
After Alonso’s crash – caused by a hydraulic issue – relegated him to 10th place, Esteban Ocon led the Alpine efforts with eighth ahead of Sainz.
Nicholas Latifi and Lance Stroll clashed in…
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