By James Broughton, March 15, 2025
Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri highlighted McLaren’s pre-season testing form by securing a front-row lockout at the 2025 Australian Grand Prix qualifying session. Norris narrowly pipped his teammate to pole position. The top 10 positions were separated by less than a second—a clear sign of a competitive season ahead. However, the conclusion of qualifying revealed that McLaren holds a slight advantage, and in a tightly matched grid, a three-tenth gap over Max Verstappen is significant.
Red Bull arrived at the Australian Grand Prix under a cloud of uncertainty regarding the pace of their car, but Verstappen is making the difference, compensating for the RB21’s deficit. George Russell secured fourth place on the grid, dispelling any doubts about Mercedes’ competitiveness.
Yuki Tsunoda delivered a standout performance in qualifying, securing fifth place and putting pressure on Liam Lawson, who was eliminated in Q1, finishing P18. Lawson was favoured over Tsunoda as a potential replacement for Sergio Perez, but it seems he is determined to continue the Red Bull second driver tradition of inconsistency.
Alex Albon underscored Williams’ improved pace with a strong sixth-place finish, while Ferrari’s struggles were evident as Charles Leclerc managed only seventh. Lewis Hamilton, finishing eighth, admitted he is still adjusting to life at Ferrari—he had better learn quickly.
Pierre Gasly finished ninth, while Williams’ new recruit, Carlos Sainz, rounded out the top 10.
What we learned: McLaren is the team to beat, Ferrari isn’t as fast as they had hoped, Oliver Bearman is already gunning for the Spinner of The Year award, and Verstappen will win the 2025 Australian Grand Prix.
2025 Australian Grand Prix: Qualifying Results
1 Lando Norris McLaren 1:15.096
2 Oscar Piastri McLaren +0.084
3 Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing +0.385
4 George Russell Mercedes +0.450
5 Yuki Tsunoda Racing Bulls +0.574
6 Alexander Albon Williams +0.641
7 Charles Leclerc Ferrari +0.659
8 Lewis Hamilton Ferrari +0.877
9 Pierre Gasly Alpine +0.884
10 Carlos Sainz Williams +0.966
11 Isack Hadjar Racing Bulls 1:16.175
12 Fernando Alonso Aston Martin 1:16.453
13 Lance Stroll Aston Martin 1:16.483
14 Jack Doohan Alpine 1:16.863
15 Gabriel Bortoleto Sauber 1:17.520
16 Andrea Kimi Antonelli Mercedes 1:16.525
17 Nico Hulkenberg Sauber 1:16.579
18 Liam Lawson Red Bull Racing 1:17.094
19 Esteban Ocon Haas F1 Team 1:17.147
20 Oliver Bearman Haas F1 Team no time
