From Motorsport · Ronald Vording · · 1m 10s
Max Verstappen's pole to Red Bull's pace
Max Verstappen secures first pole of 2026 after Red Bull's upgrades.
In brief
Max Verstappen secures first pole of 2026 after Red Bull's upgrades. Max Verstappen achieved his first pole position of the 2026 season at Sepang after Red Bull's Baku upgrades improved car performance. Originally reported by Motorsport.
Verstappen's pole position
Max Verstappen secured his first pole of the 2026 season at Sepang International Circuit.
Red Bull's heat performance
The Red Bull car performed well in the Malaysian heat, with Verstappen noting it was in a good operating window.
Mercedes' off-weekend theory
Verstappen believes Mercedes is having an off-weekend in the Malaysian heat, not a car degradation issue.
Baku upgrade impact
The Baku upgrade improved Red Bull's car performance and driver confidence for the 2026 season.
Car degradation resolved
Red Bull resolved car degradation issues after Verstappen's initial 'paper car' comment at Monza.
Mercedes' benchmark status
Verstappen states Mercedes remains the benchmark but had an off-weekend in Malaysia.
Race pace confidence
Verstappen is confident in his race pace despite Pirelli's rough tarmac and high degradation concerns.
Next race focus
Red Bull aims to secure a first win of the 2026 season after Verstappen's pole position.
The headline
Max Verstappen achieved his first pole position of the 2026 season at Sepang after Red Bull's Baku upgrades improved car performance.
