{
  "id": 11665583,
  "title": "Verstappen in the hunt to end winless run",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/03/verstappen-in-the-hunt-to-end-winless-run",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-03T10:50:56.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/sports/motor-sports/2026/10/1546900/verstappen-hunt-end-winless-run"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Sepang, Malaysia saw Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen secure pole position for the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, marking a significant achievement for the Dutchman as he aims to end his winless run this season. Verstappen expressed his elation, stating that conquering pole position was a remarkable feat given Red Bull's challenging start to the season and the hurdles he faced in previous qualifying rounds.\n\nThe 29-year-old is set on converting his pole position into his maiden victory of the season, adding that his top priority remains a win at the upcoming race in Malaysia. Verstappen, who previously clinched the Malaysian Grand Prix in 2017, was recorded with a time of 1 minute 35.130 seconds during qualifying.\n\nRed Bull Racing teammate Isack Hadjar secured the second spot, finishing a fraction of a second behind Verstappen with a time of 1:35.428s. Lewis Hamilton of Ferrari, the seven-time world champion, is set to start alongside Verstappen on the front row, clocking a time of 1:35.558s.",
  "summary": "SEPANG: Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen believes he is in a strong position to end his winless run this season after securing pole position for the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia at Sepang International Circuit (SIC) here today.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}