Verstappen dominates at Sepang

Max Verstappen took his first pole position of 2026 at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia at Sepang, the track's first Formula 1 return since 2017. Lewis Hamilton qualified second, nearly 0.3 seconds slower.

Red Bull's difficult start to 2026

Red Bull began the year off the pace, averaging more than 0.5 seconds a lap slower than Mercedes in the first half. Questions arose about whether Verstappen would stay for 2027 after being courted by McLaren.

Verstappen commits to Red Bull

Over the summer break, Verstappen signed a two-year contract extension with Red Bull, saying he believed in the project and didn't mind putting in the work to turn things around.

The upgrade arrives in Malaysia

Red Bull brought an upgrade centred on a new floor to Malaysia after finishing less than 0.2 seconds off victory in Baku last Sunday. In the tropical heat and rough track surface, the upgrade proved its worth.

Verstappen on the improvements

Verstappen said the progression from the season's start was very positive. We have been adding bits to the car and they have worked, he explained, giving better overall balance and more lap time with sensitive tyres.

“We have been adding bits to the car and they have worked. It's simple as that.”

Hadjar notices the transformation

Team-mate Isack Hadjar, returning after missing three races with a broken wrist from boxing training, said the car felt transformed when he returned in Baku. He qualified third but will start eighth after a grid penalty for engine parts.

“I jumped in a car that's way better than when I left it in Budapest.”

Mercedes struggles with their upgrade

Mercedes brought their first big aerodynamic update since the Canadian Grand Prix in June, but it has not yet proved the step they expected. The question is whether the parts themselves or the specific conditions of this weekend are to blame.

Antonelli's challenge ahead

Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli qualified fourth, becoming third on the grid with Hadjar's penalty. He trails team-mate George Russell by 66 points and will focus on understanding the new package's performance window in high and low speed corners.

Race strategy in the heat

Antonelli said track position and strategy will be very important in Sunday's race. The undercut will be incredibly powerful, and the stifling heat means the race could involve two or three stops as tyre degradation dominates.

“It's a race where we will attack. Because undercut is incredibly powerful.”