Australian GP 2022: Three drivers who could bag the pole position in Saturday’s qualifying session

Australian GP 2022: Three drivers who could bag the pole position in Saturday’s qualifying session

2019 Australian GP

Australian GP has finally returned after two years, having last raced in 2019, as the subsequent editions were called off due to the COVID-19 pandemic. And, the timing of the return couldn’t have been better as we’ll see the cars of the new regulations in their freshest and rawest forms.

On Saturday, Albert Park will be hosting the last practice session before the qualifying. And if the first two practice sessions are indicative of anything, we’ll be witnessing another weekend of Ferrari and Red Bull’s domination. Here are the drivers poised for taking the pole on Sunday for the main race:

Charles Leclerc

Charles Leclerc in FP1 of Australian GP
Charles Leclerc

The Ferrari driver seems to have finally arrived. His patience with the team has finally paid off. In the first practice session of the Australian GP, Charles finished second behind his teammate and finished first in the second session. This indicates that the team is still far ahead of the others, and Leclerc is amongst the favorites to start on pole and win the Australian GP. Although there are four DRS zones, they aren’t entirely straight so that can’t play entirely in Red Bull’s favour

Max Verstappen

Max Verstappen on podium of the 2019 Australian GP
Max Verstappen on the podium of the 2019 Australian GP

The reigning champion is facing strong resistance from Leclerc but is a strong contender to start on the pole. While the pace with the wing open is still an advantage for Red Bull, Max Verstappen’s RB18 is off in the corners. But with his aggression and determination and experience, chances are he comes out on top in the battle against Charles Leclerc. He finished 4th and 2nd in the first two sessions, putting him second on the list for the pole.

Carlos Sainz

Carlos Sainz in the F1-75 at the Bahrain GP
Carlos Sainz in the F1-75 at the Bahrain GP

Carlos Sainz’s fantastic driving alongside Leclec’s is just what Ferrari needed this season. The driver was fast on Friday and looks in great shape. He finished 1st in FP1, showing his prowess and skills on the track. Even if we don’t see Sainz on the pole, we expect him to be in the second row, squashing Max Verstappen if Leclerc takes the pole.

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