Max Verstappen claims first pole of 2026 season in Malaysia
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 3, 2026, 9:25 AM
Last updated Oct 3, 2026
Max Verstappen achieved his first pole position of the 2026 season during qualifying for the Bahrain Grand Prix, held in Malaysia. The Red Bull Racing driver expressed relief and joy after finally securing pole, stating his goal is to convert that position into a race win. Isack Hadjar completed a strong showing for Red Bull by finishing third in qualifying, but will incur a grid penalty due to an engine change, starting from eighth position.
- •Verstappen took his first pole of the season at the Bahrain Grand Prix.
- •He aims for a win after a challenging start to the season.
- •Hadjar finished third but will start from eighth due to a penalty.
- •Qualifying took place on October 3, 2026, in Malaysia.
- 9:25 AMYahoo Sports — Verstappen ecstatic after first pole in 2026: 'I'm going to try and win tomorrow'
"It was relief and joy. After a long wait in Malaysia, Max Verstappen finally managed to take his first pole of the season.
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