Formula 1 2026: Verstappen takes first pole ahead of Hamilton
Max Verstappen claimed his first pole position of 2026 at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, edging out Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton by 0.298 seconds.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Max Verstappen secured his first pole position of the 2026 season ahead of Lewis Hamilton by 0.298s.
- Red Bull teammate Isack Hadjar finished third but faces a five-place grid penalty.
- Malaysia's Sepang circuit hosts a Grand Prix for the first time since 2017.
- Red Bull's recent aerodynamic upgrades at Azerbaijan have proven to be a major step forward.
The 2026 Formula 1 season delivered high drama during qualifying at the Sepang circuit in Malaysia, where four-time world champion Max Verstappen secured his and Red Bull's first pole position of the year with an imperious performance across all sessions.
Verstappen finished 0.298 seconds clear of Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton after topping every phase of the qualifying knockout. The front-row lockout between the two long-time rivals immediately revives memories of their intense 2021 title fight, setting the stage for a compelling showdown on race day.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
Meanwhile, Red Bull's Isack Hadjar recorded the third-fastest time but will serve a five-place grid penalty, promoting championship leader Kimi Antonelli to third. Antonelli's Mercedes teammate George Russell struggled for pace throughout the day, managing only the eighth-fastest time.
Ferrari's Charles Leclerc claimed fifth position, followed by McLaren's Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. Further down the grid, Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso showed encouraging progress after the team introduced structural upgrades to improve car weight and aerodynamics.
"old rivals reunited: Verstappen and Hamilton share the front row - the first corner could be interesting"
BBC Sport
The return of Formula 1 to Malaysia's Sepang circuit for the 2026 calendar marks a nostalgic and challenging test for the teams, given the venue has been absent from the schedule since 2017. With various constructors introducing crucial car upgrades early in the season, this race weekend serves as a critical indicator of competitive hierarchy and technical development.
Source: BBC Sport
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