Verstappen takes first Red Bull F1 pole of 2026 in Sepang

First reported 1 day, 7 hours ago · latest an hour ago

Max Verstappen secured his first pole position of the 2026 Formula 1 season at the Malaysian Grand Prix in Sepang, ending Mercedes' qualifying dominance. He now rates his chances of converting it into his first win of the year.

Max Verstappen Red Bull

How the sources differ

The Race leads on the broader context of Mercedes' worst qualifying and the first non-Mercedes pole, while PlanetF1 and Crash.net focus on Verstappen's reaction and win chances. F1i frames it as a long-awaited step toward a 2026 win.

Recommended first read: The Race provides the most complete context, including Mercedes' struggles and the significance of the pole, with an image and no paywall.

Verstappen takes first Red Bull F1 pole of 2026 in Sepang

How the sources differ

Coverage

‘I’m ready’: Verstappen sets sights on long-awaited 2026 win

Max Verstappen’s pole verdict on Red Bull’s Sepang breakthrough

Max Verstappen rates chances of first F1 2026 win after ending pole wait

Verstappen takes first Red Bull F1 pole of 2026