Chronological coverage updated 3rd October 2026 13:25.
Update 1 · 3rd October 2026
Verstappen Takes Pole at Sepang as Red Bull Upgrades Excel and Mercedes Struggles
Max Verstappen claimed his first pole position of the 2026 Formula 1 season at the Sepang track in Malaysia, demonstrating dominant pace following a major upgrade package introduced by Red Bull. Returning to the Sepang circuit for the first time since 2017, Red Bull brought significant floor modifications that drastically improved the car's stability in high-temperature conditions. Source: BBC News.
BBC News reportedly quoted Max Verstappen (Red Bull Formula 1 driver) as saying: “It's been an incredible result for us”.
Verstappen arrived in Malaysia following three consecutive podium finishes, with the team building on progress shown at the previous race in Baku. The Dutchman highlighted that the new components provided a connected balance essential for managing sensitive tyres on Sepang's abrasive surface.
Verstappen outqualified front-row partner Lewis Hamilton by nearly 0.3 seconds at the Sepang track. — according to BBC News.
Lewis Hamilton qualified on the front row alongside his former championship rival, matching his best grid position of the season. However, the Mercedes driver expressed realistic expectations regarding his race prospects given Red Bull's long-run rhythm.
BBC News reportedly quoted Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes Formula 1 driver) as saying: “just try my best to hold on to him tomorrow”.
Contrasting Fortunes for Team-mates and Upgrades
Red Bull's Isack Hadjar qualified third after returning from a three-race absence due to a broken wrist suffered in training. Although Hadjar praise the transformed handling of the car, he will start eighth on the grid after incurring a penalty for exceeding allowed engine components.
BBC News reportedly quoted Isack Hadjar (Red Bull Formula 1 driver) as saying: “I jumped in a car that's way better than when I left it in Budapest”.
Meanwhile, Mercedes experienced severe frustration with their latest aerodynamic developments. Team principal Toto Wolff admitted surprise and confusion after qualifying, acknowledging that the new upgrade package appeared to move the team backwards in performance compared to their rivals. Source: Skysports.
Kimi Antonelli holds a 66-point lead over Mercedes team-mate George Russell in the drivers' championship standings. — according to BBC News.
Kimi Antonelli qualified fourth and will inherit third on the grid following Hadjar's penalty. Antonelli continues to lead team-mate George Russell in the drivers' standings, with Russell starting four places further back after failing to extract pace from his Mercedes package.
- Verstappen took his first pole of 2026 as Red Bull's upgraded floor resolved early-season balance issues.
- Lewis Hamilton starts second but anticipates a tough race against Red Bull's superior pace.
- Mercedes upgrades failed to yield expected lap-time improvements, leaving team leadership perplexed.
