Max Verstappen Secures Pole for Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia; Hamilton, Hadjar Close Behind
The relocated Sepang race, Round 16 of the season, is crucial for George Russell to challenge Kimi Antonelli's 66-point championship lead.
The story
Formula 1 returns to the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia this weekend for the FORMULA 1 GULF AIR BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX 2026, a race relocated from its original Bahrain International Circuit due to geopolitical events in the Middle East. Red Bull Racing's Max Verstappen secured pole position for Sunday's race, setting the stage ahead of Lewis Hamilton for Ferrari and his Red Bull teammate Isack Hadjar.
The 5.543-kilometer Sepang circuit, which F1 last visited in 2017, presents a demanding technical challenge with its long straights, a mix of medium and high-speed corners, and an abrasive surface. Teams are also contending with extreme heat, high humidity, and the potential for sudden tropical thunderstorms, which could disrupt data collection during practice and impact race strategy.
Championship leader Kimi Antonelli, driving for Mercedes, holds a 66-point advantage over teammate George Russell, who is looking to build on his recent win in Azerbaijan. Mercedes has introduced a major W17 upgrade package, while Red Bull's latest package delivered a double podium in Baku.
Championship
| Pos | Driver | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kimi Antonelli | Mercedes | 302 |
| 2 | George Russell | Mercedes | 236 |
| 3 | Lewis Hamilton | Ferrari | 199 |
| 4 | Lando Norris | McLaren | 186 |
| 5 | Charles Leclerc | Ferrari | 179 |
Next race
The FORMULA 1 GULF AIR BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX 2026 will take place on Sunday, October 4th, at the Sepang International Circuit in Sepang, Malaysia. This marks F1's return to Sepang for the first time since 2017, with drivers navigating its challenging layout, high temperatures, and potential for rain. The race is crucial for championship contenders, particularly George Russell, as he aims to close the gap on leader Kimi Antonelli.
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