George Russell: Grabs Australia Pole

Russell sealed pole position for the first race of the season in Australia, beating Kimi Antonelli and Isack Hadjar's efforts while Max Verstappen suffered an unexpected early exit, Formula1.com reports.

Analysis:

In a qualifying session that would see Verstappen crash out, Russell would dominate each of the three segments. His Mercedes would be the clear front runner and only his teammate Antonelli could field a close challenge. Russell would post a 1:18.518 in Q3 and the lap would hold up by three-tenths over Antonelli. The Mercedes star will start P1 Sunday at the Albert Park Circuit, and have the inside track on victory.