Verstappen claims first pole of season at Sepang
Max Verstappen won pole at Malaysia, with Lewis Hamilton on the front row.
Verstappen posted 1 minute 35.130 seconds in Saturday qualifying at Sepang. The Dutchman won here in 2017 before the race left the calendar.
Verstappen said it was amazing to finally get pole after a tough start to the season. Hamilton took second place in the final qualifying session after managing tyre wear in the hot heat.
Verstappen's teammate Isack Hadjar was third fastest but faces a five-place grid penalty for exceeding his seasonal engine allowance and will start eighth. Mercedes brought a big upgrade package but had a tough day.
George Russell will start seventh after winning last week in Azerbaijan.
- 1:35.130
- Verstappen's qualifying time
- 5 places
- Hadjar's grid penalty
- 2017
- Verstappen's last Malaysia win
- 8th
- Hadjar's starting position
Why it mattersVerstappen's first pole ends his early season struggles and shows Red Bull can bounce back.
AustraliaAustralian F1 fans follow Verstappen and Hamilton closely; the race in Malaysia runs Sunday and will be broadcast locally.
Corroborated bytheguardian.com
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 3 h ago
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