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Max Verstappen Claims First Pole Position at Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia

Formula One's Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia sees Max Verstappen take pole position amid returned attendance after nine years.

3 October 2026Tagblick Newsdesk

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Max Verstappen Claims First Pole Position at Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia — Photo: Morio · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0

Formula One returned to Malaysia for the Bahrain Grand Prix at the Sepang Circuit, marking the event's first occurrence in nine years. This race was relocated to Malaysia after its cancellation earlier this season due to the Middle East conflict.

During qualifying, Max Verstappen set a remarkable pace, claiming pole position for the first time this season with a lap time of 1:36.477. Verstappen, driving for Red Bull, finished ahead of Lewis Hamilton, who qualified second for Ferrari.

Kimi Antonelli achieved a fourth-place start, while George Russell, driving for Mercedes, was positioned lower in eighth. Verstappen's performance signaled a strong start to his season following last year's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where he last secured pole.

The attendance marked a return to the much-loved Sepang circuit as the F1 grid prepared for the rearranged race. Q1 qualifying sessions featured a notable queue in the pit lane, resembling a drive-thru, as teams executed their strategies.

It was reported that Verstappen's commanding run outpaced both Antonelli and the two Mercedes drivers. Hadjar, Verstappen’s teammate, also performed well, demonstrating the strength of the Red Bull team this season.

The Bahrain Grand Prix is scheduled to take place on Sunday, with Verstappen's placement promising an intriguing contest against Hamilton, who is also a significant contender in the championship race.

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