Verstappen on pole for season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix

Max Verstappen's quest for a fourth consecutive Formula One world championship began in style on Friday with the Red Bull ace claiming pole for the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix.

LIVE | Bahrain Grand Prix - Qualifying

Charles Leclerc's Ferrari will start alongside Verstappen on the front row for Saturday's first of a record 24 races this year.

Verstappen's 33rd career pole and third in Bahrain was a welcome boost for the Red Bull team in the wake of the inappropriate behaviour inquiry into team boss Christian Horner.

Horner, who had always denied any wrongdoing, was cleared by an internal investigation of allegations of controlling behaviour by a female colleague on Wednesday.

But he found himself under renewed pressure on Friday after private messages allegedly between him and a female staff member were leaked to Formula One officials and journalists.

READ | Red Bull boss Horner under renewed pressure over leak of alleged messages

Horner, who was on Friday supervising Red Bull's cars in qualifying, said: "I won't comment on anonymous speculation, but to reiterate, I have always denied the allegations."

MAX VERSTAPPEN TAKES POLE IN BAHRAIN ????The Dutchman edges out Charles Leclerc with George Russell finishing third ??#F1 #BahrainGP pic.twitter.com/UrxscFt51n

Verstappen ensured events on the track went more smoothly and he will be favourite to emulate last year's result when he won the first of 19 races as he swept to his third title.

"That was a lot of fun, very happy to be on pole, to be honest a little bit unexpected," said the Dutch driver.

"It was difficult to get the lap together, but we found the balance and the car came to us. It was close and I think the race will be close too, but I am confident. Let's see."

Leclerc,