--- title: "'Incredible' Red Bull upgrade enlivens F1 in Malaysia" url: https://noti.group/incredible-red-bull-upgrade-enlivens-f1-in-malaysia/ language: en publisher: "Noti Group" section: "Sports" published: 2026-10-03T12:25:57.000Z updated: 2026-10-03T16:38:20.474Z id: 870c5d3b-442b-4ca2-8f27-82347ba51194 source: "BBC Sport https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/articles/c5vgj31224kmo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss" attribution: "Link to https://noti.group/incredible-red-bull-upgrade-enlivens-f1-in-malaysia/ and name Noti Group when you quote or summarize this story." --- # 'Incredible' Red Bull upgrade enlivens F1 in Malaysia Verstappen's dominance on the Sepang track this weekend is a testament to Red Bull's resurgence after a slow start to the season. The Formula One season has taken an exciting turn as Max Verstappen secured his first pole position of the year at the Malaysian Grand Prix. Verstappen's dominance on the Sepang track this weekend is a testament to Red Bull's resurgence after a slow start to the season. The team was more than 0.5 seconds per lap slower than Mercedes in the first half of the year, raising questions about their chances. However, Verstappen and his team have been working tirelessly to improve the car, and it appears they have made significant strides. This upgrade has given them a competitive edge, allowing Verstappen to qualify on pole position for the first time this season. The Sepang track is familiar territory for many drivers, but its return to the Formula One calendar after a five-year absence has brought new challenges. The circuit's unique layout and weather conditions have proven to be a test for even the most experienced drivers. Lewis Hamilton will start from second place on the grid alongside Verstappen, having qualified at his equal best grid position of the year so far. The Red Bull team had been working tirelessly to perfect their car, and it paid off in Malaysia as they took advantage of an upgrade that saw them narrowly miss victory in Baku just days ago. The new floor at the heart of the upgrade has proven to be a game-changer for Verstappen and his team, allowing them to navigate the demanding corners of the Malaysian track with increased precision. Verstappen was effusive in his praise for the upgrade, saying it had been an "incredible result" for Red Bull. He acknowledged that the team's progress over the season has been steady, but this weekend marked a significant step forward. The new floor has given Verstappen and his teammates a crucial edge in terms of balance and stability, particularly on tyres that are sensitive to even slight changes in handling. The upgrade has had a significant impact on Red Bull's performance, according to Isack Hadjar, who returned from a three-race absence due to injury. The French driver was impressed by the improved handling of the car when he rejoined the team in Baku last weekend. Hadjar's experience is not unique, as several drivers have noted a substantial difference in the car's performance since the summer break. This upgrade has given Red Bull a significant advantage over its competitors, particularly on tyres that are sensitive to even slight changes in handling. Mercedes' aerodynamic upgrade has raised questions about their development pace this season. The team's spending on car upgrades appears to have been concentrated in the early stages of the season, which may be contributing to their current struggles. The new parts brought by Mercedes to the Malaysian Grand Prix have not delivered the expected performance gain so far. This could be due to various factors, including the specific conditions of this weekend's event, where extreme heat and a rough track surface are putting tyres under immense pressure. As a result, teams are facing challenges in fine-tuning their cars for optimal performance. The high-speed corners have been particularly demanding, with Mercedes struggling to match their rivals' pace in these sections. Mercedes' technical director is working to understand the intricacies of their new package and find ways to improve its performance. The scorching heat is expected to be a major factor at the upcoming Formula 1 race in Malaysia, where drivers will have to contend with extremely high temperatures. The racing strategy for this event may involve multiple pit stops, but Red Bull's focus remains on executing an undercut move whenever possible to gain an advantage over their rivals. --- Source: [BBC Sport](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/articles/c5vgj31224kmo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss) Published by Noti Group: https://noti.group/incredible-red-bull-upgrade-enlivens-f1-in-malaysia/