F1 Australian GP live commentary and updates - qualifying
Follow along for the action in qualifying for Formula 1's Australian Grand Prix
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The second runs are about to start, with the Racing Bulls now joining the fray. Neither Lindblad or Lawson have laps on the board.
Antonelli kicks us off with a second effort.
It's a 1m18.811s for Antonelli there, a good lap. But Russell's about to do something here...
...and it's a 1m18.518s, that's surely pole?
Piastri moves up to third, 0.8s off Russell's effort. Leclerc then goes up into third, but he's then replaced by Hadjar.
Lawson outqualifies Lindblad, as the rookie's lap wasn't all that good.
Top 10
1. Russell
2. Antonelli
3. Hadjar
4. Leclerc
5. Piastri
6. Norris
7. Hamilton
8. Lawson
9. Lindblad
10. Bortoleto
Russell on pole, Mercedes flexes an advantage
So, Russell does a 1m18.518s, which is 0.3s clear of Antonelli and 0.785s clear of Hadjar - the best non-Mercedes car. That's a hefty advantage, one obscured by sandbags until the final moments of Q3.
Ferrari's pace seemed to disappear a bit through qualifying, while Hadjar has enjoyed a good run to third. It all feels a bit 2014, doesn't it - two Mercs at the front, and the 'second' Red Bull in the top three.
Antonelli: Mechanics were the heroes
"The mechanics today were the heroes," Antonelli said after qualifying second. "We didn't even have time to set up the car. It was not easy and I had to dig deep. I need to have a clean weekend next time as I definitely compromised qualifying today."
Hadjar happy with "smooth qualifying" after difficult weekend
"It was a very smooth qualifying, the run-up was a bit difficult and we were not really in the position to fight for the top three," Hadjar said. "I felt like the Ferraris and the McLarens were a bit clear. But we built up to it and it was a good last lap."
"I want to keep my position - a second podium would be cool".
It's all shaping up to be an interesting race tomorrow - if there's more moments of powertrain newness and gremlins, it might be an old-school encounter of attrition.
Russell and Antonelli have the floor, but let's not forget how quick the Ferrari-powered cars are off the line. The starts will be a new variable too - so it should be a fascinating Australian Grand Prix on Sunday.
That's all from us, and thank you very much for joining.
We'll see you tomorrow for the grand prix - catch you bright and early on Sunday morning!
