McLaren Front-Row Lockout in Australia with Norris at the Point

Lando Norris scored an outstanding pole position at Albert Park for the Australian Grand Prix, with his McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri completing a McLaren 1-2. The Briton made 1:15.096, beating his teammate by 0.084 seconds in a tight last session.

Defending champion Max Verstappen was third for Red Bull, and George Russell of Mercedes was fourth. But Ferrari had a frustrating session, with Charles Leclerc seventh and Lewis Hamilton eighth and struggling for pace.

“It’s the best way to start the year,” Norris said. “I’m confident in the car, but we’ve never had the wet.”

Race day is expected to be wet, which could scramble the order. Verstappen, who struggled with his car’s handling in practice, embraced his closeness in the front row.

“Dry or wet, doesn’t bother me,” the Dutchman said.

Further back, Racing Bulls' Yuki Tsunoda in fifth made a statement, ahead of Williams' Alex Albon in sixth. Alpine’s Pierre Gasly was ninth and rookie Isack Hadjar yielded an impressive 11th in his first Formula 1 qualifying.

Haas' Oliver Bearman suffered a transmission failure, while Red Bull's Liam Lawson was forced to retire in Q1 due to power unit problems. Mercedes’ Andrea Kimi Antonelli also failed to reach Q2.

As McLaren lock out the front row the stage is set for a showdown in Melbourne.