Verstappen takes first 2026 pole at Sepang

Max Verstappen claimed his first pole position of the 2026 season for Red Bull on Saturday, qualifying for the Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang with a lap of 1:35.130. He finished 0.298 seconds ahead of Lewis Hamilton, who secured second place for Ferrari. Isack Hadjar was third-fastest for Red Bull but is set to drop five places on the starting grid after an engine-component change exceeded the permitted quota. The result puts Verstappen at the front for Sunday’s race at the Malaysian circuit, where the Bahrain-branded Grand Prix is being held. He topped all three practice sessions as well as qualifying, according to the event’s qualifying account. Hamilton’s second place gives Ferrari a front-row start. Verstappen said Red Bull had made progress by understanding the car better over recent races and by introducing upgrades that, in his assessment, had reduced some of its weaknesses. He said the changes had improved the car’s balance and lap time, particularly relevant at a circuit where tyre performance is sensitive to balance.