Hamilton qualifies second behind Verstappen for Bahrain GP
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 3, 2026, 9:41 AM
Last updated Oct 3, 2026
Lewis Hamilton qualified second for the Bahrain Grand Prix, starting alongside Max Verstappen, who secured pole position. Hamilton's lap included a strong performance amidst challenging heat conditions, reducing the gap to Verstappen to just a few tenths. The drivers will face significant tyre management challenges in the race due to the extreme temperatures. Hamilton expressed satisfaction with Ferrari's improvements leading into the race day and aims to stay competitive with Verstappen.
- •Hamilton qualified second, under three-tenths behind Verstappen.
- •Both drivers start on the front row for the Bahrain GP.
- •Extreme temperatures pose tyre management challenges for the race.
- •Hamilton praised Ferrari's setup adjustments before qualifying.
- •He aims to compete closely with Verstappen during the race.
- 9:41 AMMotorsport.com — Max Verstappen-Lewis Hamilton Sepang front row has fans braced for "absolute cinema"
- 9:19 AMYahoo Sports — Hamilton sees no easy ride against Verstappen despite front-row spot
"Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton will share the front row for the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, setting up a race start that has fans excited to see their former rivalry reignite. Verstappen secured pole position for the race at the Sepang International Circuit, edging out Hamilton by 0.298 seconds. Rounding out the top five in qualifying were Red Bull's Isack Hadjar, Mercedes' Kimi ...Keep reading
"Lewis Hamilton managed to put his SF26 on the front row for the Bahrain GP, with the Ferrari driver even posting a purple sector in the middle sector. However, it was still not enough to beat a Max Verstappen who was in sublime form at Sepang today.
Sources
External links- Motorsport.comOct 3, 2026, 9:41 AMMax Verstappen-Lewis Hamilton Sepang front row has fans braced for "absolute cinema"
Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton will share the front row for the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, setting up a race start that has fans excited to see their former rivalry reignite. Verstappen secured pole position for the race at the Sepang International Circuit, edging out Hamilton by 0.298 seconds. Rounding out the top five in qualifying were Red Bull's Isack Hadjar, Mercedes' Kimi ...Keep reading
- Yahoo SportsOct 3, 2026, 9:19 AMHamilton sees no easy ride against Verstappen despite front-row spot
Lewis Hamilton managed to put his SF26 on the front row for the Bahrain GP, with the Ferrari driver even posting a purple sector in the middle sector. However, it was still not enough to beat a Max Verstappen who was in sublime form at Sepang today.
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