Formula 1-Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) during the kwalificatieritten for the Grand prix of Australia in Melbourne, the first pole of the season to his name. The reigning world champion was the fastest in 1:20.486, a new circuitrecord at Albert Park.

Hamilton on the first weekend of his teammate Valtteri Bottas next to him. The Fin gave more than a tenth with 1:20.598. The third place in the qualifications was for the ex-world champion Sebastian Vettel of Ferrari (1:21.190). The difference between him and Hamilton was 0,704 second.

Max Verstappen (Red Bull) is the fourth addition to Vettel. He klokte 1:21.320. The third weekend will be populated by Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) and Romain Grosjean (Haas). The last two places are occupied by the two Williams drivers George Russell and Robert Kubica.

Hamilton was earlier in the day at Albert Park even though the fastest during the third free heats. The five-fold world champion in tackles for the eighth time in his career, the pole in Australia, the sixth year in a row. It is the 83rd pole of his career. The first Grand prix of the season starts Sunday at 6u10. Belgian time.