Hamilton takes pole for Styrian GP after rainy qualifying session

Reigning Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton will start at the pole position for the Styrian Grand Prix after posting the fastest time in qualifying Saturday at the rain-soaked track in Spielberg, Austria.

Red Bull's Max Verstappen will join the Mercedes star on the front row for Sunday's race.

The result marks the 89th time in Hamilton's brilliant racing career that he's claimed the pole.

Qualifying for the second event of the shortened F1 season was delayed by 46 minutes after a storm hit the Styrian mountains. The third practice was also washed out due to the conditions.

"What a tricky day," Hamilton said. "A lot of time you can't see where you are going ... I love these days! I think we are prepared for both conditions (for Sunday's race)."

Ferrari's Charles Leclerc received a three-spot penalty following qualifying for impeding Daniil Kvyat and will start 14th on the grid, according to Phillip Horton of Motorsport Week.