Max Verstappen claimed his first pole position of the 2026 Formula 1 season with a commanding qualifying performance for the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, beating Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton by 0.298 seconds at Sepang.
The Red Bull driver produced a 1:35.130 to secure the top spot, with Hamilton delivering a late 1:35.428 to join him on the front row.
Verstappen topped all three sections of qualifying on his way to pole, ending a run that had seen Red Bull go without a pole position throughout the season to this point.
“It’s fantastic,” Verstappen said.
“We have been trying many grands prix to get pole. Sometimes a bit closer than others but to finally get it, from where we started the season, pretty incredible.
“I’m happy with today and, for sure, I’m going to try and win tomorrow. When you start first, that’s the target.”
Ferrari makes late step forward
Ferrari found considerably more performance in qualifying after Hamilton and Charles Leclerc had ended final practice sixth and fifth respectively.
Both drivers began Q1 on medium tyres, Hamilton recording a 1:36.595 and Leclerc a 1:36.730 to safely progress.
Switching to new softs for Q2, Leclerc improved to 1:35.970 while Hamilton posted a 1:36.032 to book their places in the final shootout.
Hamilton’s first Q3 effort of 1:35.745 provisionally put him third before he improved to 1:35.428 on his final run.
“I’m really, really thankful to my team. We made so many changes through all these practice sessions,” Hamilton said.
“Because the cars are sliding, the tyres are overheating, it was really hard to find a good balance, and we made one last change going into qualifying and I think we hit the sweet spot.
“To be able to close the gap to two or three tenths to Max, who’s been so quick all weekend, is great, and I’m so grateful.”
Leclerc also improved on his final attempt, recording a 1:35.666 to qualify fifth.
Hadjar impresses but takes grid penalty
Isack Hadjar continued Red Bull’s strong weekend by setting the third-fastest time, finishing 0.428 seconds behind Verstappen.
However, an engine penalty means Hadjar will drop five positions and start Sunday’s race from eighth, promoting Antonelli to third and Leclerc to fourth.
“The car has been very good since last week,” Hadjar said.
“It’s good to come back [from his wrist injury] at such a time and I’m enjoying it, fighting for the top three. Even though it wasn’t my finest qualifying session it’s a good feeling.”
Despite the penalty, Hadjar remains confident of recovering during the race.
“It’s a bit unfortunate we take a penalty on a track where we are that fast but, from eighth, I’m confident we can come through the field and come back for a good result.”
Antonelli unable to convert FP3 pace
Kimi Antonelli had entered qualifying as one of the favourites for pole after topping final practice with a 1:36.302, 0.278 seconds clear of Verstappen.
The Mercedes driver ultimately qualified fourth, 0.501 seconds away from pole, but will start third following Hadjar’s penalty.
“It’s a shame for the mistake, but all in all, I think with a clean qualifying without the track limit, maybe P2, P3 on the road would have been possible, because obviously with only one set in Q3 it’s never easy, especially with the track cooling down,” Antonelli said.
“But Max did an incredible job and was very quick. And also Ferrari, they made a huge a step compared to FP3.
“All in all, we have to be happy because it could have been much worse. We’ll focus on tomorrow.”
Behind the leading five, Norris qualified sixth for McLaren, just 0.005 seconds ahead of teammate Piastri in seventh.
Russell could only manage eighth for Mercedes, while Gasly put Alpine ninth and Bortoleto completed the top 10 for Audi.
Qualifying top 10
- Max Verstappen – Red Bull – 1:35.130
- Lewis Hamilton – Ferrari – +0.298
- Isack Hadjar – Red Bull – +0.428*
- Kimi Antonelli – Mercedes – +0.501
- Charles Leclerc – Ferrari – +0.536
- Lando Norris – McLaren – +0.627
- Oscar Piastri – McLaren – +0.632
- George Russell – Mercedes – +0.741
- Pierre Gasly – Alpine – +2.080
- Gabriel Bortoleto – Audi – +2.543
*Hadjar carries a five-place grid penalty and is set to start eighth.
Verstappen and Hamilton will therefore share the front row for Sunday’s 56-lap race, with Antonelli and Leclerc promoted to the second row as tyre management is set to play a significant role in the intense Sepang heat.
