Red Bull's Max Verstappen took pole position at Sepang in Malaysia, his first of the 2026 season and ending a run of 15 races without one, after topping all three qualifying sessions. The race is being run at the Sepang circuit under the Bahrain Grand Prix name after the Bahrain event was cancelled and moved there; Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton starts second, with championship leader Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes third. The result marks a notable turnaround for Verstappen after a difficult season with Red Bull's new car and first in-house engine, though he warned that the heat and a tricky start could make Sunday's race tough.