MELBOURNE, March 23 ― Red Bull's Formula One world champion Max Verstappen took pole position for the Australian Grand Prix today with Carlos Sainz qualifying alongside on the front row for Ferrari two weeks after undergoing surgery for appendicitis.

Verstappen's team mate Sergio Perez qualified third but must face the stewards after allegedly impeding Haas driver Nico Hulkenberg. Lando Norris secured fourth on the grid for McLaren, one place ahead of Ferrari's Charles Leclerc.