French GP Qualifying: Charles Leclerc storms to pole position ahead of title rival Max Verstappen

Watch Sunday’s race live on Sky Sports F1 at 2pm, with build-up from 12.30pm

Charles Leclerc will start on pole position for the French Grand Prix after a superb final lap of qualifying saw off the threat of Max Verstappen.

Leclerc and Verstappen, who are locked in a thrilling title battle, were split by just 0.008s heading into the closing stages but the Ferrari driver found huge improvement when it mattered most and took pole by three-tenths.

Leclerc was helped by a tow from team-mate Carlos Sainz – who will be at the back of the grid for Sunday’s race due to engine penalties – and the result continues his new-found momentum as he bids to eat into Verstappen’s 38-point lead.

Sergio Perez was third for the Red Bull and he will be joined on the second row by Lewis Hamilton, although Mercedes yet again failed to hit expectations at the Paul Ricard circuit.

Hamilton was the lead Silver Arrow but a whopping 0.893s off Leclerc, while George Russell was outpaced by Lando Norris after an epic final effort from the Brit in an upgraded McLaren landed him fifth.

More to follow.

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French GP: Sky Sports F1’s live Sunday schedule

8.30am: F2 Feature Race
12.30pm: Grand Prix Sunday: French GP Build-up
2pm: The French Grand Prix
4pm: Chequered Flag: French GP Reaction
5pm: Ted’s Notebook
5.30pm: French GP Highlights