# Max Verstappen's pole to Red Bull's pace

> Max Verstappen secures first pole of 2026 after Red Bull's upgrades.
- Title: Max Verstappen's pole to Red Bull's pace · Motorsport
- Summary: 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…
- Keywords: max verstappen, red bull racing, sepang international circuit, pole position, baku upgrade, mercedes, sports, cars, Max, Verstappen's, pole, Red
- Source: Motorsport — https://motorsport.com/f1/news/from-paper-car-to-pole-in-malaysia-whats-behind-max-verstappen-and-red-bulls-pace/10861525
- Author: Ronald Vording
- Published: 2026-10-03T11:56:01+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: max verstappen, red bull racing, sepang international circuit, f1, pole position, baku upgrade, mercedes, sports, cars
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Max Verstappen achieved his first pole position of the 2026 season at Sepang after Red Bull's Baku upgrades improved car performance.