Absolute dominance was on display as Max Verstappen swept all three qualifying sessions in Sepang without facing any serious threat from the chasing pack. The Dutchman laid down a benchmark lap of 1m35.130s in Q3 to finish nearly three-tenths clear of his closest rivals.
This stellar performance marked the 49th pole position of Verstappen's career and the historic maiden pole for RBPT Ford. It also extends his phenomenal record at the Malaysian circuit, where he famously took victory the last time Formula 1 raced there back in 2017.
Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton delivered a stunning qualifying masterclass to secure his first front-row start since Barcelona. His late flying lap split the Red Bull cars, triggering an ecstatic radio celebration from the British veteran.
Isack Hadjar looked poised to lock down second after running closely behind throughout the sessions, but ultimately lacked the ultimate pace when it mattered most and will serve a five-place grid penalty for an engine change.
Kimi Antonelli bounced back from a Q2 scare to grab fourth ahead of Charles Leclerc and the McLaren pair of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. Conversely, it was a frustrating afternoon for George Russell, who struggled for pace in eighth despite major upgrades brought to Sepang.
Baca Juga
Andrea Kimi Antonelli soroti kendala paket upgrade Mercedes di Kualifikasi F1 GP Malaysia usai terkendala track limits dan amankan posisi start.
Fred Vasseur minta Ferrari abaikan rumor panas paddock F1. Dukungan Hamilton dan Leclerc jadi kunci kebangkitan tim di GP Malaysia.
Toto Wolff bingung dengan masalah misterius yang melanda Mercedes di kualifikasi F1 GP Bahrain 2026 setelah upgrade gagal berikan kecepatan.
Lanjutkan dengan Google
Diskusi & Komentar (0)
Mari Bergabung dalam Diskusi!
Masuk dengan mudah untuk mulai memberikan komentar, membalas, dan berinteraksi dengan pembaca lainnya.
Komentar Terbaru
Belum ada komentar. Jadilah yang pertama!