# Verstappen Secures 2026 Pole in Sepang

> Max Verstappen claims first 2026 pole position ahead of Hamilton and Antonelli at Sepang.
- Title: Verstappen Secures 2026 Pole in Sepang · RaceFans | Shortify
- Summary: Max Verstappen claims first 2026 pole position ahead of Hamilton and Antonelli at Sepang. Max Verstappen takes pole for 2026 Malaysia Grand Prix after…
- Keywords: max verstappen, lewis hamilton, andrea kimi antonelli, sepang international circuit, formula 1, 2026 malaysia grand prix, red bull, mercedes, ferrari, mclaren, sports, cars
- Source: RaceFans — https://racefans.net/2026/10/03/verstappen-takes-first-pole-of-2026-ahead-of-hamilton-and-antonelli-in-sepang
- Published: 2026-10-03T09:10:21+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: max verstappen, lewis hamilton, andrea kimi antonelli, sepang international circuit, formula 1, 2026 malaysia grand prix, red bull, mercedes, ferrari, mclaren, sports, cars
## Verstappen dominates Sepang qualifying
Max Verstappen claimed his first pole position of the 2026 season at Sepang International Circuit.
## Hamilton joins Verstappen on front row
Lewis Hamilton will start the 2026 Malaysia Grand Prix in the same order they finished the last race at Sepang.
## Antonelli's track limits breach
Andrea Kimi Antonelli compromised his session with a track limits breach at turn six on his first lap in Q2.
## Antonelli's tyre strategy
Antonelli had to take a second fresh set of Pirelli soft tyres to ensure he reached Q3 after his first lap.
## Verstappen's pole time
Verstappen cut another tenth of a second off his best time to set a benchmark of 1 minute 35.130 seconds.
## Hadjar's grid penalty
Isack Hadjar qualified third but his grid penalty drops him to eighth on the grid.
## Mercedes drivers benefit from Antonelli
Antonelli moving up to third, Russell seventh, both Mercedes drivers benefit from Antonelli's session.
## Lindblad's team tow
Arvid Lindblad Racing Bulls used Lindblad to give his team mate a tow down the back straight after crashing in Baku.
## Bortoleto takes 10th
Liam Lawson took 10th place but was eliminated by Gabriel Bortoleto in the final lap.
## Key takeaway

Max Verstappen takes pole for 2026 Malaysia Grand Prix after dominating qualifying, with Lewis Hamilton and Andrea Kimi Antonelli following.