Formula 1 2019 Australian Grand Prix 5:10 Sunday 17 March

[SteveB]

Formula 1 2019 Australian Grand Prix - Qualifying Results

1. Lewis Hamilton Mercedes 1m20.486s
2. Valtteri Bottas Mercedes + 0.112s
3. Sebastian Vettel Ferrari + 0.704s
4. Max Verstappen Red Bull + 0.834s
5. Charles Leclerc Ferrari + 0.956s
6. Romain Grosjean Haas + 1.340s
7. Kevin Magnussen Haas + 1.613s
8. Lando Norris McLaren + 1.818s
9. Kimi Raikkonen Sauber + 1.828s
10. Sergio Perez Point (Old Force India F1 Team) + 2.295s

11. Nico Hulkenberg Renault 1m22.562s
12. Daniel Ricciardo Renault 1m22.570s
13. Alexander Albon Toro Rosso 1m22.636s
14. Antonio Giovinazzi Sauber 1m22.714s
15. Daniil Kvyat Toro Rosso 1m22.774s

16. Lance Stroll Point 1m23.017s
17. Pierre Gasly Red Bull 1m23.020s
18. Carlos Sainz McLaren 1m23.084s
19. George Russell Williams 1m24.360s
20. Robert Kubica Williams 1m26.067s

Race is an early start because of Australian time difference. 5.10am Saint Patrick’s Day.

[SteveB]

Is there some new rule this year that u get extra point for fastest lap? Or were they only talking about introducing it?

Yes, that has been introduced. It is being pointed out it would have made no difference to finishing positions to most races.

[SteveB]

Valtteri Bottas gets a good start. Leads from Lewis Hamilton. Daniel Ricciardo has damage and pits. Loses a lot of time.

[SteveB]

Valtteri Bottas going well setting fastest laps.

[SteveB]

Lewis Hamilton pits.

[SteveB]

The leader, Valtteri Bottas pits. Will probably go to the end on those tyres.

[SteveB]

Valtteri Bottas going well. Best race of his career. He didn't win a single race last year but he is eighteen seconds clear of Lewis Hamilton in second.

[SteveB]

Lewis Hamilton in danger of coming under pressure from Max Verstappen.

[SteveB]

Valtteri Bottas now twenty-two seconds ahead. Lewis Hamilton still second and a half ahead of Max Verstappen. Max Verstappen's challenge for second being held off at the moment.

[SteveB]

Lewis Hamilton is now 25 seconds behind Valtteri Bottas. Eleven laps to go. Valtteri Bottas also has the fastest lap. Looking at twenty-six points at the moment.