Verstappen Takes First Pole of 2026 at Sepang

The 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix took place at Malaysia’s Sepang International Circuit this year, with the venue returning to the Formula 1 calendar for the first time since 2017.The unusual conditions at Sepang made tyre management a key factor throughout the weekend. The dusty, abrasive track surface caused increased sliding and rapid tyre degradation, creating an unpredictable competitive picture.After Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc and Kimi Antonelli led the three practice sessions, Verstappen emerged as the driver to beat in qualifying.The Red Bull driver topped Q1 and Q2 before delivering another strong performance in the final session. Verstappen improved to 1:35.130 on his final run to secure pole position.The result marked Verstappen’s first pole of the 2026 season and the 49th of his Formula 1 career. Lewis Hamilton qualified second, finishing 0.298 seconds behind the Red Bull driver.Isack Hadjar recorded the third-fastest time but will start five places lower due to a power unit penalty.Verstappen and Hamilton will therefore occupy the front row for Sunday’s race, while Antonelli and Leclerc will start from the second row. Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri will line up third.