The grid for Sunday's race is determined by the finishing order of the sprint, which means Verstappen will start with Leclerc on the front row.
Throughout the race, the Dutchman loomed in Leclerc's mirrors and was in DRS range with a few laps to go, stalking the Ferrari and making his move for the lead with two laps to go.
The Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari, or simply Imola, has been part of racing history since 1953.
Verstappen said he lost a chance at a "easy P2" finish after retiring on Lap 39 in Melbourne, and that he was "miles behind" championship leader Charles Leclerc.
In what concluded in a dominating victory for Charles Leclerc, there were significant other stories that unfurled throughout.
After missing out in 2020 and 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic and travel restrictions, Melbourne was reintroduced to the calendar this year.
On his way to his first win at Albert Park, Charles Leclerc led all 58 laps with Max Verstappen challenging until his retirement.
On Lap 39 of 58, Verstappen was forced to retire, leaving him in sixth place in the drivers' standings, with only 25 points for his Jeddah victory.
Sergio Perez of Red Bull finished second, with Mercedes' George Russell rounding out the podium.
The Monegasque driver put in a scintillating final flying lap which saw him record a time of 1:17.868s.