Verstappen takes Sepang pole as Hamilton joins him on the front row
Max Verstappen claimed pole position in Formula 1’s first qualifying session at Sepang in eight years, delivering Red Bull the fastest lap of the weekend and his first pole of the 2026 campaign.
The Dutchman set a benchmark of 1:35.130. He improved by a tenth on his final run, but his opening effort had already been quick enough to secure the top spot. Red Bull had threatened the front throughout the weekend; Verstappen converted that pace when it mattered most.
Lewis Hamilton surged to second amid a flurry of late improvements, while Red Bull’s Isack Hadjar completed the top three. Hadjar, however, is due to take a five-place grid penalty for a new engine component, reshuffling the order behind the pole-sitter. The full Sepang weekend schedule sets the scene for the qualifying session and Sunday’s race.
Mercedes and Ferrari face contrasting outcomes
Kimi Antonelli moves up one position as a result of Hadjar’s penalty, giving the Italian an opportunity to extend his championship lead. His closest rival and team-mate, George Russell, could manage only eighth in qualifying, leaving him further down the order.
Charles Leclerc finished fifth, behind Hadjar, and ahead of the McLaren pair. Lando Norris again outpaced Oscar Piastri, while Pierre Gasly and Gabriel Bortoleto put Alpine and Audi respectively into the top 10. Gasly was four-tenths quicker than Bortoleto, giving him the advantage in their starting positions.
Aston Martin puts both cars through Q2
Liam Lawson narrowly missed the top-10 shootout but qualified 11th, ahead of Fernando Alonso. Aston Martin’s double Q2 appearance was a notable step for a team that has struggled for much of the season: Lance Stroll qualified 14th, with Carlos Sainz between the two Aston Martin drivers.
Franco Colapinto and Arvid Lindblad were slowest in Q2, having entered the session facing engine-related penalties that would send them to the back of the field. Nico Hulkenberg was the quickest driver eliminated in Q1, qualifying 17th ahead of Haas drivers Oliver Bearman and Esteban Ocon.
Alex Albon ended the session 20th. Valtteri Bottas outqualified Cadillac team-mate Sergio Perez, although both brought up the rear. Verstappen starts from pole after a decisive final phase; behind him, Hadjar’s penalty and Antonelli’s promotion add an extra layer to the front of the grid.
Simone Scanu
He’s a software engineer with a deep passion for Formula 1 and motorsport. He co-founded Formula Live Pulse to make live telemetry and race insights accessible, visual, and easy to follow.