French Grand Prix: Charles Leclerc clinches pole position ahead of Max Verstappen

Lewis Hamilton will start his 300th Formula One race from fourth on the grid after Charles Leclerc secured pole position at the French Grand Prix.

Leclerc breathed fresh life into his championship bid with a comprehensive victory at the last round in Austria a fortnight ago.

And the Monegasque will be in prime position to secure another much-needed win in his title fight against Red Bull's Max Verstappen.

World champion Verstappen qualified second - three tenths back - with Sergio Perez third in the other Red Bull.

Leclerc heads into Sunday's race 38 points behind Verstappen, and with Carlos Sainz already due to start last for changing the engine which caught fire so spectacularly in Austria, Ferrari used the Spaniard as a tow to pull Leclerc along. It worked to tremendous effect with Leclerc roaring to front spot.

After taking his 16th career pole and seventh of the season, Leclerc said: "It was a great lap. I have struggled all weekend to put a lap together but I managed to do it.