Max Verstappen edges out Mercedes to take pole in Australia

Max Verstappen saw off a spirited Mercedes fightback to put his Red Bull on pole position for the Australian Grand Prix.

Verstappen beat George Russell to top spot by 0.236 seconds to claim his second pole of the year and 22nd of his career.

Lewis Hamilton will line up in third position, one place ahead of Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso.

Verstappen's Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez starts last after he crashed out.

Mercedes have endured a poor start to the new season, but the Silver Arrows suddenly find themselves in contention for a surprise victory at Melbourne's Albert Park with Russell leading their charge.

Hamilton was just nine thousandths adrift of Verstappen before the final runs, but preparations for his last lap were disrupted when he got caught up behind Haas' Nico Hulkenberg.

Although the seven-time world champion improved on his time, he was unable to join Verstappen on the front row with Russell edging out his team-mate by one tenth.

"Not too shabby," said a surprised Russell on the radio.

"We were not expecting that, that is for sure," he later added. "Wow, what a session for us. The car felt alive. The lap on the end was on the limit, and I am disappointed we didn't get pole."

Hamilton added: "I am so happy with this. This is totally unexpected and I am really proud of the team. "To be on the front row is a dream for us. To be this close to Red Bull is incredible. I hope tomorrow we can give them a run for the money.

"The second lap was not as good as the first. I lost out a little bit at the beginning of the lap, but I am not disappointed. I am super-grateful."

Perez starts Sunday's race from the back of the field after his qualifying appearance lasted just three corners.

Perez, who won in Saudi Arabia a fortnight