Verstappen: It Feels Incredible to Finally Be on Pole

Pulse Sports Team 10:22 - 03 October 2026

It took Max Verstappen a full 16 attempts to secure his first pole position of the 2026 Formula 1 season, but he finally got the job done and will line up at the front of the grid for tomorrow's Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia.

The Dutchman was unequivocally the fastest driver at Sepang, thoroughly earning his qualifying triumph with two separate laps that were each fast enough for first place. Speaking afterwards, the four-time world champion admitted that given Red Bull's deficit at the start of the season, taking pole in Malaysia is an incredible achievement.

"It's fantastic. We've been trying to grab pole for many races now. We came close several times, but to finally achieve it, especially considering where we were at the start of the year, is pretty incredible. I'm definitely pleased with today, and tomorrow I'll be going for the win. When you start from pole, that's always the target," Verstappen said.