Australian Grand Prix – Qualifying: Norris on pole, McLaren blocks the front row, Williams astonishes

The qualifications began under tension with two drivers at risk: Oliver Bearman (Haas) and Liam Lawson (Red Bull). Haas had assured that the British driver’s car would be ready after his crash in FP3, while Red Bull was confident about resolving Lawson’s turbo issues.

But as early as Q1, it’s a cold shower for Bearman. Gearbox problem, he announces on the radio before returning to the pits without setting a single time. Total disappointment. On the track, Norris takes the best time in 1’15″912, only 15 thousandths ahead of Verstappen. Piastri follows in 3rd place, determined to shine in front of his home crowd.

Meanwhile, Liam Lawson struggles with his car. After an initial off-track excursion into the gravel, he goes all out but ends his final lap in the grass. Result: P18 and elimination in Q1.

On the Mercedes side, Kimi Antonelli, a highly anticipated rookie, did not shine and was also eliminated in the first session. The German team mentions a technical issue: « We discovered damage to the T-tray, which caused a loss of performance », explains the team.

Gasly saves the honor

The Q2 starts at a fast pace, and it’s Oscar Piastri who strikes first! The McLaren driver clocks a time of 1’15″468, before Norris improves with a 1’15″415. McLaren is dominating, while Verstappen remains a bit behind.

Heatwave for Lewis Hamilton. The Brit goes into a spin with his Ferrari, causing a short-lived yellow flag. Several drivers have to abort their efforts and see their chances compromised.

At the end of this Q2, it’s over for **Isack Hadjar** (11th), who misses out on Q3. **Fernando Alonso** is also eliminated after only one fast lap. His team, Aston Martin, later reveals damage discovered on the floor of his car. On the French side, **Pierre Gasly** makes it through and will be the only French representative in Q3!

Verstappen defeated

Tension rises in Q3, and from the first run, Verstappen takes the lead in 1’15″671. Norris sees his time canceled for exceeding track limits, but there is still time for another attempt!

McLaren is going all out, and both drivers are giving it their all in the final lap. Norris delivers a monstrous final sector and with a time of 1’15″096, snatches pole position! He beats Piastri by 84 thousandths and Verstappen by 0″385. “The car was incredible,” he exclaims on the radio. The British driver savors his 10th career pole.

George Russell places his Mercedes in 4th position, while Yuki Tsunoda surprises with a superb 5th place. Meanwhile, at Ferrari, the disappointment is immense: Leclerc is 7th, Hamilton 8th.

The results of the qualifying for the 2025 Australian Grand Prix