Max Verstappen secured pole position at the 2026 Malaysian Grand Prix in Sepang, powered by a Red Bull Powertrains/Ford engine, marking the first time this season that a non-Mercedes engine has claimed pole after 16 races.
Lewis Hamilton will start alongside him on the front row, with Kimi Antonelli and Charles Leclerc just behind. However, experts suggest qualifying positions may have limited influence on the race due to challenging track conditions.
The Sepang circuit features extreme temperatures and a rough asphalt surface, similar to the Bahrain Grand Prix, expected to cause significant tire degradation—contrasting with the nearly negligible wear seen in the last two races.