F1 Australian Grand Prix: Hamilton sets blistering pace to grab pole in Melbourne

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We make our way "Down Under" for the opening race of the F-1 season, the Australian Grand Prix. There's been lots of talk that Red Bull and Ferrari will be challenging Mercedes, and Lewis Hamilton for the top spot overall this year. But the Briton, would show everyone that he is still the man to catch, as he set a blistering pace in qualifying to snag the pole for a record seventh time in Melbourne.

Former world champ Nico Rosberg signing an autograph for a young fan. He would get a good seat to watch his one-time teammate Hamilton, try and break the record of 6 poles at the race he shares with Ayrton Senna.

And the Brit is out quick on lap one of his session, setting the fast pace at Albert Park. Four-time world champ, Sebastian Vettel betters that, and has the best run around the circuit in the second round of qualifying -- as he tries to become the pole-sitter.

The third session, is marred by an accident, as Valterri Bottas would have issues. He can't control his car and slams into the wall on this turn, much to the chagrin of his team.

But his teammate, Hamilton, would not be bothered by any such problems, and trumps Vettel's time, beating it by two-thirds of a second.

The German's Ferrari teammate, Kimi Raikkonen ends up second on the timesheets, and will join Hamilton in the front row. The pole is the 73rd for the Brit, who is congratulated by former champ Niki Lauda.

So it's Mercedes and Ferrari in the front row, with Vettel and Red Bull's Max Verstappen starting right behind them. Team Haas starts in row three.