# Verstappen's Pole Position Breakthrough

> Max Verstappen secures first 2026 pole after Red Bull upgrades.
- Title: Verstappen's Pole Position Breakthrough · Autosport | Shortify
- Summary: Max Verstappen secures first 2026 pole after Red Bull upgrades. Max Verstappen achieved his first pole position of 2026 at Sepang after Red Bull's Baku…
- Keywords: max verstappen, red bull racing, sepang, pole position, baku upgrade, mercedes, formula one, sports, cars, Verstappen's, Pole, Position
- Source: Autosport — https://autosport.com/f1/news/from-paper-car-to-pole-what-changed-for-verstappen-and-red-bull/10861532
- Author: Ronald Vording
- Published: 2026-10-03T12:05:21+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: max verstappen, red bull racing, sepang, f1, pole position, baku upgrade, mercedes, formula one, sports, cars
## Verstappen's first pole
Max Verstappen secured his first pole position of the 2026 season at Sepang.
## Red Bull car improvement
The Red Bull RB22 car has improved significantly in the Malaysian heat.
## Mercedes off-weekend
Verstappen believes Mercedes is having an off-weekend in the Malaysian heat.
## Baku upgrade impact
The Baku upgrade has improved Red Bull's car handling and race pace.
## Car stability improvement
Verstappen's car has become more stable and predictable after the Baku upgrade.

> At the start of the season, I really had weekends where I would turn the steering wheel and strange things would happen. Now it’s all a bit more normal again.
## Mercedes comparison
Verstappen states Mercedes remains the benchmark but had an off-weekend in Malaysia.

> I think they are generally still very efficient in many areas. We just have to look at it race by race. Last weekend they were obviously faster and actually they have been all season, just not now.
## Race strategy focus
Pirelli's rough tarmac makes tyre management critical for this weekend's race.
## Verstappen's confidence
Verstappen is confident in his race pace despite the challenges of the season.

> Personally, I’m confident with what I did. If others make bigger sacrifices [for the race], then good luck to them, but I’m ready.
## Key takeaway

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