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Max Verstappen secures pole position in Malaysia as Red Bull upgrades shine

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 3, 2026, 12:25 PM

Last updated Oct 3, 2026

Max Verstappen secures pole position in Malaysia as Red Bull upgrades shine

Summary

Max Verstappen achieved his first pole position of the 2026 season at the Sepang track in Malaysia, ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix. Lewis Hamilton will start alongside Verstappen in second place after qualifying nearly 0.3 seconds slower. Verstappen's recent upgrades have significantly improved Red Bull's performance after a slow start to the season. The team aims to build on this momentum amid concerns of tyre degradation during the race. With Hamilton eyeing a way to challenge Verstappen, the race is set to see intense competition in hot conditions.

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By the Numbers

•Verstappen leads qualifying at Sepang for the Bahrain Grand Prix.
•Hamilton starts second with hopes to challenge Verstappen.
•Red Bull's recent upgrades have enhanced car performance.
•Isack Hadjar qualified third but will start eighth due to penalties.
•Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli qualified fourth, facing challenges with car development.

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