The key weakness Red Bull has eradicated in Malaysia

Max Verstappen achieved his first pole position of the 2026 Formula 1 season in Malaysia, marking Red Bull's first pole as an engine manufacturer. He demonstrated strong performance throughout qualifying, finishing ahead of rivals with a significant advantage in straight-line speed and improved cornering capabilities.

The upgrades Red Bull implemented, particularly those from the Baku race, appear to have addressed previous weaknesses in their car's performance. Rivals, including McLaren's Andrea Stella, noted a shift in competitive dynamics, with Red Bull showing enhanced speed and balance, particularly in high and medium-speed corners. However, some caution remains regarding the consistency of this performance in future races.