Dennis Hauger Dominates 2024 Australian Grand Prix F2 Qualifying as Grid Shakes Up in Melbourne
The streets of Melbourne roared with anticipation as Formula 2 returned to Albert Park for the third round of the 2024 championship. With the season gaining momentum, all eyes were on qualifying—and it was MP Motorsport’s Dennis Hauger who rose to the occasion. The Norwegian delivered a near-perfect lap to claim pole position, outpacing a competitive field and setting the tone for a dramatic weekend down under.
🇦🇺 Qualifying Report: Hauger Lays Down the Marker
Under clear skies and optimal conditions, the F2 field took to the ever-evolving Albert Park Circuit in a tense 30-minute session. As the drivers adapted to the semi-permanent layout and rising grip levels, it was Dennis Hauger who found the sweet spot.
With a fastest lap of 1:28.694, Hauger delivered a clinical performance—balancing aggression and precision through the circuit’s high-speed chicanes and flowing corners. His pole marks a significant statement from the MP Motorsport driver, who is keen to reignite his title campaign after a steady but unspectacular start to the season.
“It felt like a perfect lap. We’ve worked hard to dial in the car this weekend, and it all came together,” Hauger said in the post-session press conference. “Melbourne’s not easy, but I love the challenge.”
🥈 Antonelli and Verschoor Close Behind
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Prema Racing’s 17-year-old sensation and Mercedes junior, continued to show maturity beyond his years. He came within three-tenths of Hauger, securing P2 on the grid and further cementing his status as one of the breakout stars of 2024.
Trident’s Richard Verschoor rounded out the top three with a solid performance, just under half a second behind the pole time. The Dutch driver showed excellent form across all practice sessions and appears well-positioned to contend for a podium in the Feature Race.
🏁 Top 10 – Qualifying Results
- Dennis Hauger (MP Motorsport) – 1:28.694
- Andrea Kimi Antonelli (Prema Racing) – +0.344s
- Richard Verschoor (Trident) – +0.479s
- Kush Maini (Invicta Racing)
- Zane Maloney (Rodin Motorsport)
- Paul Aron (Hitech Pulse-Eight)
- Pepe Martí (Campos Racing)
- Isack Hadjar (Campos Racing)
- Gabriel Bortoleto (Invicta Racing)
- Roman Staněk (Trident)
⚠️ Tight Margins and Midfield Surprises
The Melbourne qualifying session also highlighted just how competitive the 2024 F2 grid is. The top 10 were separated by less than a second, with minimal margins defining front-runners and midfield contenders.
Notably, Theo Pourchaire, one of the pre-season title favorites, could only manage 12th on the grid after struggling with oversteer in Sector 2. Meanwhile, Jack Doohan, racing in front of a home crowd, narrowly missed out on the top 10 and will start the Feature Race from P11.
🌀 Strategy, Weather, and the Sprint Shuffle
As always in Formula 2, qualifying results do more than set the Feature Race grid—they determine the reverse top 10 for Saturday’s Sprint Race. With Roman Staněk qualifying 10th, he’ll line up on pole for the Sprint, with Bortoleto alongside him on the front row.
But Melbourne’s notoriously unpredictable weather could throw everything into chaos. With rain forecast for Sunday, tire strategy, timing of pit stops, and adaptability could define the outcome more than raw pace.
🗣️ What They Said
Andrea Kimi Antonelli:
“I’m still learning every weekend, and P2 here feels amazing. The car felt hooked up, and I think we can fight tomorrow and Sunday.”
Richard Verschoor:
“It’s a good spot to be in. The car’s balance was solid, and I think we have a great shot at the podium.”
🔍 Looking Ahead
With the grid set and momentum building, the 2024 Australian Grand Prix F2 weekend is primed for action. Can Hauger convert pole into victory? Will Antonelli claim his first Feature Race win? And could the Sprint Race shuffle deliver a surprise result?
As F2 continues to deliver wheel-to-wheel drama and showcase F1’s stars of tomorrow, Melbourne’s stage is perfectly set.