Max Verstappen secures pole position at F1 Bahrain GP

Max Verstappen achieved pole position for the F1 Grand Prix of Bahrain at the Sepang Circuit in Malaysia on October 3, 2026, marking the first pole for the Red Bull Ford partnership this season. Verstappen's time was 0.289 seconds faster than that of Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton, who qualified second despite a grid penalty that will move him to eighth. Verstappen expressed confidence in Red Bull's strategy despite potential sacrifices made for one-lap speed, acknowledging the challenges posed by the track's heat. He anticipates a tough race but remains optimistic about his team's performance.

• 2:38 PMYahoo Sports — Max Verstappen Confident with Potential Race Sacrifice at Bahrain GP