Verstappen takes pole for Red Bull at Australian Grand Prix

Australian Grand Prix
Formula One F1 - Australian Grand Prix - Melbourne Grand Prix Circuit, Melbourne, Australia - April 1, 2023 Red Bull's Max Verstappen during qualifying REUTERS/Darrian Traynor

MELBOURNE, April 1 (Reuters) - Max Verstappen took pole position for Red Bull at the Formula One Australian Grand Prix on Saturday.

Mercedes driver George Russell joins Verstappen on the front row for Sunday's race at Albert Park after making the second-fastest lap, with Lewis Hamilton to start third.

Red Bull's Sergio Perez will start from the back of the grid after skidding off track and beaching himself in gravel in the first session of qualifying.

Reporting by Ian Ransom in Melbourne; Editing by William Mallard

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