SEPANG — Max Verstappen returned to pole position for the first time since the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix finale, topping the time sheets at Sepang for the Bahrain Grand Prix. The four-time champion beat Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton to secure the top spot in qualifying ahead of Sunday's race, a special moment for fans after his drought stretching back to last season's closer.
The breakthrough marks Verstappen's first pole since Abu Dhabi closed the 2025 Formula 1 season. Following his performance at Sepang, he hailed his team's improvements and progress with the car, pointing to clear steps forward as Red Bull delivered at the Malaysian circuit heading into race day.
Formula 1's weekend at Sepang comes with added significance as the circuit hosts the Bahrain Grand Prix as a one-off, following F1's return to Sepang as a one-off host for the Bahrain Grand Prix. With pole secured, Verstappen will start at the front on Sunday looking to convert qualifying momentum into a race result.