# Verstappen Targets Sepang Win After Logging Ford Pole

> Verstappen aims for Ford’s first F1 win at Sepang after logging first pole in 27 years.
- Title: Verstappen Targets Sepang Win After Logging Ford Pole
- Summary: Verstappen aims for Ford’s first F1 win at Sepang after logging first pole in 27 years. Max Verstappen secured Ford’s first F1 pole position since 1999…
- Keywords: max verstappen, ford red bull, sepang, pole position, 2026 season, mercedes, lewis hamilton, kimi antonelli, ferrari, cars, sports, Verstappen
- Source: Road & Track — https://roadandtrack.com/news/a74005292/verstappen-targets-sepang-win-after-logging-ford-first-f1-pole-since-1999
- Author: Adam Cooper
- Published: 2026-10-03T15:20:37+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: max verstappen, ford red bull, sepang, f1, pole position, 2026 season, mercedes, lewis hamilton, kimi antonelli, ferrari, cars, sports
## Ford Red Bull Logs First Pole
Max Verstappen achieved Ford’s first F1 pole position in 27 years at Sepang.
## Sepang Returns After Nine-Year Hiatus
The Sepang circuit returned to the F1 calendar after a nine-year absence, challenging drivers with its abrasive surface.
## First Pole Since 1999
This pole marks the first for a blue oval car since Rubens Barrichello’s Stewart-Ford victory in 1999.
## Ford’s First Win Since 2003
Verstappen targets Ford’s first F1 victory since Giancarlo Fisichella won for Jordan in Brazil in 2003.
## Red Bull’s Straight-Line Speed
Red Bull achieved the first pole without a Mercedes, showing a straight-line speed advantage for the 2026 season.
## Verstappen’s Car Progression
Verstappen noted improved car balance and lap times after recent upgrades, especially on hot tracks with sensitive tires.
## Sepang Race Challenges
The race faces heat, humidity, potential rain, and tire management as key challenges for Verstappen’s team.
## Key takeaway

Max Verstappen secured Ford’s first F1 pole position since 1999, targeting a win at Sepang after a nine-year track return.