Max Verstappen takes Australian GP pole as Carlos Sainz promises to go 'flat out'

Three-time F1 world champion Max Verstappen continued his dominant start to the season as he clinched pole position for the Australian Grand Prix on Saturday with Ferrari's Carlos Sainz qualifying alongside on the front row.

While Verstappen taking pole was on expected lines, the more surprising result was record eight-time Australian pole winner Lewis Hamilton not making it into the final round of qualifying.

Verstappen has won both races so far this season in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. His Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez was second both times and Red Bull will be looking continue their excellent start at the Albert Park street circuit. Perez qualified third for Sunday's race.

Verstappen lapped in one minute, 15.915 seconds, 0.27 seconds ahead of Sainz, to claim his third pole for the season and fourth in succession.

"It was a bit unexpected today in qualifying, but very happy with Q3," said the triple world champion.

Another mighty lap from Max Verstappen earns him a 35th career pole