It has happened! Max Verstappen takes first place in the race in Malaysia!

Max Verstappen secured Red Bull’s first pole position of the current Formula 1 season, displaying blistering qualifying pace at the Sepang circuit during the Malaysian Grand Prix in Bahrain.

Details: For the first time this season, the reigning world champion topped the session, beating Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton by 0.298 seconds and dominating all three segments.

Isaac Hadjar (Red Bull) posted the third-fastest time, but a five-place grid penalty means he will surrender the spot to championship leader Andrea Kimi Antonelli. Meanwhile, the Italian’s main title rival and teammate, George Russell, could manage only the eighth-fastest time. Fernando Alonso, who recently confirmed a contract extension through 2027, delivered Aston Martin’s best qualifying result of the season by taking 12th place.

Verstappen’s success was made possible by a major aerodynamic upgrade package brought to the previous round in Azerbaijan. The updates finally allowed the team to overcome the car’s balance problems and give fans a glimpse of the thrilling title battles of previous years.

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