F1: Verstappen takes pole position in wet conditions at Imola

Formula One world champion Max Verstappen put Red Bull on pole position in a wet and crash-interrupted Emilia Romagna Grand Prix qualifying on Friday to secure top slot for the first sprint of the season.

Ferrari's world championship leader Charles Leclerc will line up alongside the Dutchman on the front row for Saturday's 100km sprint race that decides who starts first in Sunday's main grand prix at Imola.

The chaotic qualifying session was characterised by repeated stoppages including five red flags.

It's reigning champion Verstappen's first pole position of the 2022 season and he acknowledged they were difficult driving conditions.

"It was tricky out there, dry, rain, very slippery. It was hectic, a long qualifying but at the end I'm very happy to be here. It's a great track, I know tomorrow and Sunday will be different in terms of weather conditions but a great start to the weekend," Verstappen said in a post-session interview.

McLaren's Lando Norris secured third position, next to Danish Haas driver Kevin Magnussen.

Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton only 13th position, his Mercedes teammate George Russell will start from 11th place.