HIGHLIGHTS: See all the action from the first qualifying session of 2021 in Bahrain

Max Verstappen was quickest in each of the three practice sessions for the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix – the question was whether he could carry that speed into qualifying when it really mattered.

And the answer was a resounding 'yes' – the Red Bull driver taking pole position by just under four tenths of a second from Lewis Hamilton behind him.

Qualifying report: Verstappen takes pole for 2021 season opener after outpacing Mercedes in Bahrain

Valtteri Bottas was third quickest for Mercedes, with Charles Leclerc an impressive fourth for Ferrari, who are looking to bounce back after a difficult season last year.

Returning two-time champion Fernando Alonso made it to Q3 and 9th place for Alpine, whereas his fellow champ Sebastian Vettel had a debut to forget for Aston Martin as he was knocked out in Q1 and will start down in 18th place.

Hit play in the video above to see how the first qualifying session of the year played out under the lights.