Verstappen to start Bahrain GP in Malaysia in pole position, Hamilton second

Max Verstappen secured the first pole position of the season for Red Bull at the Bahrain GP in Malaysia, held at Sepang. Lewis Hamilton claimed second place on the front row, marking his first pole since the previous Abu Dhabi GP. Championship leader Kimi Antonelli qualified in fourth position. Meanwhile, his Mercedes teammate George Russell struggled during the session, ultimately starting the race from eighth place, which carries significant implications for the ongoing title race.