Max Verstappen delivered a stunning final lap at Sepang to take pole position for the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, beating Lewis Hamilton and Isack Hadjar in a dramatic qualifying session.

Verstappen produced a 1:35.250 in Q3 to secure his first pole of the 2026 season and Red Bull’s first pole of the year. The four time world champion found the pace when it mattered most, edging Hamilton and Hadjar in a closely fought battle at the front.

Hamilton put together a strong qualifying performance for Ferrari to secure second on the provisional grid, while Hadjar qualified third fastest for Red Bull. However, Hadjar carries a five place grid penalty for an engine change, meaning he will drop down the starting order for Sunday’s race.

Kimi Antonelli recovered from a difficult Q2 after having a lap deleted for track limits to qualify fourth fastest. The championship leader had topped FP3 earlier in the day and looked capable of challenging for pole, but could not match Verstappen’s final effort.

Charles Leclerc qualified fifth for Ferrari, while George Russell endured a more difficult session after Mercedes had shown strong pace in final practice. Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri were also unable to match the leading Red Bull and Ferrari cars.

Verstappen’s pole is particularly significant after Red Bull showed strong pace throughout the weekend. He had already topped FP1, while Hadjar was second in FP2 and Antonelli responded by going fastest in FP3.

The return to Sepang has produced an unpredictable qualifying battle, with the extreme heat, humidity and abrasive circuit surface making tyre preparation particularly challenging. Drivers had to carefully manage their tyres while also finding clear track space for their final flying laps.

Antonelli will now start the race with the championship fight firmly in mind. His main title rival George Russell qualified behind him, while Verstappen will start from the front after finally converting Red Bull’s weekend pace into pole position.

With Hadjar’s penalty reshuffling the front of the grid, Verstappen and Hamilton will share the front row for the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, setting up a fascinating battle when the lights go out at Sepang.