Max Verstappen starts from pole position in Bahrain / Hamilton and Hadjar follow him in qualifying

Max Verstappen will start from pole position at the Bahrain Grand Prix, scheduled for Sunday at the Sepang circuit in Malaysia, after setting the fastest time in Saturday’s qualifying session. It is the first pole position secured by the Red Bull driver this season, and he will be joined on the front row by seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who races for Ferrari.

Verstappen’s teammate, Frenchman Isack Hadjar, finished qualifying in third place but will drop five positions on the starting grid. Red Bull was penalized for using engine components above the permitted quota.

The result confirms Red Bull’s resurgence after a difficult start to the season, with the team securing a double podium finish at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix and dominating the free practice sessions at Sepang. Verstappen is chasing his first victory of 2026.

Championship leader Kimi Antonelli and Charles Leclerc complete the top five. The race will start at 10:00 a.m. Romania time on a demanding circuit featuring high temperatures, abrasive asphalt and the possibility of monsoon rain. The Bahrain Grand Prix is being held in Malaysia after the race initially scheduled for April was cancelled.