Max Verstappen sees off Mercedes to take Australian Grand Prix pole position

POLE SITTER: Max Verstappen will start the Australian Grand Prix from pole position. Pic: Asanka Brendon Ratnayake/AP

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.