From Autosport · Ed Hardy · · 1m 20s
Verstappen Takes Pole for 2026 Bahrain GP
Verstappen secures first pole of 2026 at Bahrain GP in Malaysia.
In brief
Verstappen secures first pole of 2026 at Bahrain GP in Malaysia. Max Verstappen claimed his first pole position of the 2026 Formula 1 season at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, beating Lewis Hamilton by 0.298 seconds. Originally reported by Autosport.
Qualifying Report
Max Verstappen topped all three sessions to secure his first pole of the 2026 Formula 1 campaign at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia.
Verstappen Dominates
Verstappen achieved a 1m35.130s time at Sepang, his first pole since the 2025 Abu Dhabi finale.
Hamilton Joins Front Row
Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari, secured second place with a 1m35.428s time, 0.298s behind Verstappen.
Hadjar's Penalty
Isack Hadjar received a five-place grid penalty for an engine change, starting from eighth place.
Antonelli's Struggle
Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes, took fourth with a 1m35.631s time after a Q2 lap deletion due to track limits.
Leclerc and Norris
Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, started fourth with a 1m35.666s time, 0.035s behind Antonelli.
Grid Penalties
George Russell, Mercedes, started seventh due to Hadjar's penalty, while Pierre Gasly, Alpine, began ninth.
Final Grid
Liam Lawson finished 11th after being pushed into Q2 elimination zone by Bortoleto, completing the top 10.
In short
Max Verstappen claimed his first pole position of the 2026 Formula 1 season at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, beating Lewis Hamilton by 0.298 seconds.
