Ford has claimed its first Formula 1 pole position since 1999, courtesy of its engine partnership with Red Bull. Max Verstappen set the pace in qualifying at Malaysia's Sepang International Circuit, the stand-in venue for this year's Bahrain Grand Prix, with Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton joining him on the front row. Further down the order, Aston Martin caused a stir in the paddock. For the first time this season, both cars made it through to Q2, the second phase of qualifying, with Fernando Alonso finishing 12th and Lance Stroll 14th.
Mercedes driver George Russell had to settle for seventh on the grid. Oscar Piastri, meanwhile, was blunt about the balance of his McLaren and pointed to the car's technical shortcomings.
