Max Verstappen split the Ferrari drivers in the first qualifying session for Red Bull-Honda's new partnership, and will start the season-opening Australian Grand Prix from fourth place.

Verstappen was 0.834s slower than Mercedes' poleman Lewis Hamilton in Melbourne, having lapped only seven tenths off the pace in qualifying for this race a year ago with Renault power.

However, when asked by Motorsport.com about Honda's encouragement from splitting the Ferraris and whether he expected to see Red Bull as more of a threat, Wolff said:

"I felt that Honda has certainly made a huge step forward.

"If you look at the speed trace, it looks a very different Red Bull than before. They're very fast on the straights and that's good to see.

"We want them in the mix and we want to have a big fight.

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