WATCH: Ferrari's Charles Leclerc wins first ever pole with lap record at Bahrain GP

Charles Leclerc has claimed his maiden Formula 1 pole position, with a terrific performance during qualifying for the 2019 Bahrain Grand Prix.

Bahrain: Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc confirmed he is a driver to be reckoned with by taking his first career pole position at the Bahrain Grand Prix on Saturday.

The 21-year-old from Monaco topped all three sections of qualifying, having already been quickest in two of the three practice sessions over the weekend.

• Ferrari secured a 1-2 on the grid as four-time Formula One champion Sebastian Vettel qualified in second place.
• Defending champion Lewis Hamilton was third, ahead of Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas.

Leclerc carried the day, even surpassing his own leading time on his last lap to set a new record in Bahrain of 1 minute, 27.866 seconds on the 5.4-kilometre (3.3-mile) circuit.

Leclerc impressed last year with the Alfa Romeo Sauber team in his debut season, with 10 top-10 finishes and the best result of sixth in one of the grid's least competitive cars.