After a dry spell since the 2025 Abu Dhabi finale, Verstappen topped Sepang’s time sheets, delighting fans of the four‑time champion as he eyes Sunday’s race.
Beating Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton by 0.3 seconds, he delivered Red Bull‑Ford’s first pole together.
Isack Hadjar also shone, clinching third before a five‑place grid penalty drops him to eighth, handing Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli the spot.
What Verstappen said about Red Bull’s progress
In the post‑session press briefing, Verstappen expressed enthusiasm about leading a demanding race.
‘We were close at some circuits, but this weekend felt very positive. From FP1 we got off to a solid start and have kept tweaking the car. Honestly, I’m thrilled to be on pole here,’ he said. In my view, the team’s progress is finally paying off.
‘The conditions are brutal—heat bites the drivers, brakes and tyres alike. The race will be a real test, demanding careful management. Nobody can predict who will master it best,’ he noted.
A strong launch can flip the script, so we must stay alert and ready. So far I’ve felt strong and confident this weekend, and I hope to prove it tomorrow,” Verstappen added.
He’s not worried about rivals’ race pace
When asked if rivals might have sacrificed qualifying speed for race pace, the Dutchman waved away any concern.
‘I trust my performance. If others gamble, good luck to them. I’m prepared,’ he concluded, issuing a stark warning to the rest of the grid.
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– The Team