Max Verstappen claims first F1 pole of 2026 at Bahrain Grand Prix
Max Verstappen took his first pole position of the 2026 F1 season. He finished three tenths ahead of Lewis Hamilton at Bahrain.
Max Verstappen topped all three qualifying sessions Saturday at the Bahrain Grand Prix and claimed pole position. He finished three tenths clear of Lewis Hamilton, marking his first pole since Abu Dhabi last season.
Verstappen said it felt amazing after chasing pole throughout 2026. Red Bull teammate Isack Hadjar qualified third but drops to eighth after a grid penalty for his seventh engine.
This promotes Australian Oscar Piastri into sixth place. McLaren teammate Lando Norris finishes just ahead.
Mercedes could not find the pace they showed in practice, leaving principal Toto Wolff puzzled. Kimi Antonelli recovered from a Q2 error to take fourth, with Charles Leclerc fifth.
Why it mattersVerstappen's pole position is a major statement before Sunday's race. It suggests Red Bull has found the right setup for Bahrain.
AustraliaOscar Piastri's improved grid position from the penalty gives the Australian driver a better chance to score points on Sunday.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 10 h ago
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