The reigning Formula 1 World Champion, Max Verstappen, will start Sunday’s Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne in pole position.

The Red Bull driver set the fastest time on Saturday during qualifying at Albert Park Circuit for this third-straight pole of the season. This is his 35th pole position of his career.

The flying Dutchman, Verstappen, drove a fastest lap of 1:15.915 to and in the process became the first-ever driver to clock an average speed of over 250km/h on every single lap.

Spain’s Carlos Sainz was impressive in his Ferrari as he also secured a spot on the front row of the grid to clock the second fastest lap which was just 0.270 seconds off the pace on Verstappen. What made this even more impressive is the fact that just two weeks ago he missed out on the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix after having to undergo emergency surgery to have his appendix removed.

Verstappen’s Red Bull teammate, Sergio Perez, who was the third fastest in qualifying and will start on the second row.

Verstappen said he was a bit surprised his his performance on Sunday, but he has happy with a hat-trick of poles for the season.

“A bit unexpected today, but very happy with Q3 - both laps felt very nice,” said Verstappen.

“A bit of a tricky weekend so far, Ferrari seem very quick in the long runs so that makes tomorrow exciting.”

The seven-time World Champion, Lewis Hamilton, of Mercedes could only secure 11th on the grid, while the local hero, Daniel Ricciardo, will start Sunday's race in a disappointing 18th position.

Sunday’s race in Melbourne will get underway at 18:00.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport