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via RacingNews365Lewis Hamilton shares plan to fight Max Verstappen in 'different ball game'Lewis Hamilton is set to compete against Max Verstappen at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, where both drivers secured the front row for the race. Hamilton qualified second, three-tenths of a second behind Verstappen, and is focused on maintaining pace with the Dutch driver during the 56-lap race.
Hamilton highlighted the challenges posed by the Sepang International Circuit, particularly the abrasive track surface and oppressive temperatures. He emphasised the need for effective tyre management, stating that the race conditions will be significantly different from qualifying. Despite the challenges, Hamilton expressed optimism about his car's performance and his ability to keep up with Verstappen.
via thejudge13.comMax Verstappen gains unique tyre advantage after Red Bull strategy gambleMax Verstappen has positioned himself strategically for the upcoming Grand Prix by altering Red Bull's tyre plan. He is the only driver in the top eight with a new set of every tyre compound, which provides him with significant flexibility during the race. After starting the weekend with two sets of C4 soft tyres, Verstappen decided to conserve them rather than use them in practice, ultimately setting the fastest time in the opening session.
In subsequent practice sessions, Verstappen adjusted his strategy by testing medium tyres but found them lacking compared to the softs. This led to a decision to preserve additional soft tyres while gathering data on harder compounds. As a result, Verstappen's unique tyre allocation could be advantageous if race conditions change unexpectedly, allowing him to adapt his strategy more effectively than some of his rivals.
via RacingNews365Max Verstappen facing possible Red Bull error as F1 set end-of-season plans - RacingNews365 ReviewMax Verstappen is potentially facing a significant strategic disadvantage due to a possible error by Red Bull Racing before the Bahrain Grand Prix. This situation has raised concerns about how it might affect his performance in the upcoming race.
Additionally, Formula 1 has confirmed its plans for the 2026 season, which will conclude with a double-header in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, while keeping Imola as a backup option for the final race. This announcement comes amid discussions about various teams' performances and strategies leading into the season's end.
via RacingNews365How Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton turned the tables on exposed MercedesMax Verstappen achieved his first pole position of the season at the Bahrain Grand Prix, showcasing Red Bull's strong performance at the Sepang International Circuit. Lewis Hamilton qualified second, demonstrating the competitiveness of Ferrari, while Mercedes faced challenges, with Kimi Antonelli and George Russell starting fourth and eighth respectively.
The qualifying session highlighted ongoing issues for Mercedes, who struggled to integrate a significant upgrade package. This marked the first time this season that no Mercedes car made it into the top three, raising concerns about the timing of their development changes and their impact on performance.
via gpfans.comMax Verstappen delivers brutal putdown to Red Bull team-mate at Bahrain Grand PrixMax Verstappen secured his first pole position of the season at the Bahrain Grand Prix, finishing nearly three tenths ahead of Lewis Hamilton. Isack Hadjar, Verstappen's team-mate at Red Bull, qualified third, prompting Verstappen to make a light-hearted remark about Hadjar's lack of pole positions in his career.
During the post-qualifying press conference, Verstappen reflected on the difficulty of ranking pole positions due to varying track conditions. He acknowledged that while he doesn't remember all of his poles, he encouraged Hadjar, suggesting that more would come in the future.
via f1technical.netSRATEGY GUIDE: Did Leclerc and Verstappen put themselves under pressure with their tyre allocation?Max Verstappen achieved his first pole position of the 2026 season at the Bahrain Grand Prix, finishing ahead of Lewis Hamilton by 0.298 seconds. The Red Bull driver set his fastest lap of 1:35.130 during his final run, while Hamilton qualified second with a time of 1:35.428. Isack Hadjar, who initially placed third, will start further down the grid due to a five-place penalty, allowing Kimi Antonelli to take his spot on the front row.
The race strategy is expected to revolve around tyre allocation, with Pirelli highlighting the importance of the Hard compound. Both Verstappen and Charles Leclerc have only one set of Hard tyres available, which may force them to adapt their strategies. Pirelli anticipates that a two-stop strategy will be the baseline for the race, with the potential for rain adding further complexity to the teams' plans.
via RacingNews365Has Red Bull made a strategic blunder that could cost Max Verstappen in Malaysia?Max Verstappen has only one set of hard tyres for the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia — how costly could that decision prove to be for the Red Bull driver?
via f1oversteer.comHamilton's Bahrain qualifying lap impresses punditsLewis Hamilton's second-place finish in Bahrain Grand Prix qualifying has been described as a 'massive mic drop' moment, particularly in light of ongoing Ferrari rumours. David Coulthard noted that Hamilton's performance was remarkable, placing him alongside Max Verstappen on the front row for the race.
via Motorsport.comKimi Antonelli reacts to Bahrain GP P3 starting positionKimi Antonelli expressed surprise after learning he will start the Bahrain Grand Prix from third position. The Mercedes driver struggled during qualifying, finishing five-tenths behind polesitter Max Verstappen.
via PlanetF1Max Verstappen mocks George Russell over cost cap issueMax Verstappen has made light of George Russell's complaints regarding Mercedes' decision not to provide him with a cooling vest due to cost cap restrictions. Verstappen suggested that Russell's concerns were exaggerated, joking that he might take him to the sauna instead.
via BBC Sport'Incredible' Red Bull upgrade enlivens F1 in 'roasting hot' MalaysiaMax Verstappen achieved his first pole position of the 2026 season at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, showcasing a dominant performance throughout the weekend. Lewis Hamilton, starting from second, expressed concerns about Verstappen's pace, recalling their intense rivalry from previous seasons. Red Bull's recent upgrades have significantly improved their car's performance, allowing Verstappen to take the lead in qualifying.
Isack Hadjar, who missed the first three races after an injury, noted a marked improvement in the car's handling since his return. Meanwhile, Mercedes faced challenges with their new aerodynamic upgrade, struggling to find the right balance on the demanding Sepang track. Kimi Antonelli, starting from third, highlighted the importance of strategy and track position for the upcoming race, particularly in the hot conditions expected.
via Motorsport.comHamilton calls Bahrain qualifying his best of 2026Lewis Hamilton described his front-row qualifying performance for the Bahrain Grand Prix as the 'best lap' of his 2026 Formula 1 season. He expressed surprise at achieving this position alongside Max Verstappen, noting that the Mercedes car felt great.
via Sky Sports F1Hamilton and Verstappen set for Bahrain Grand Prix duelLewis Hamilton expressed excitement about the prospect of a competitive race against Max Verstappen at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. Both drivers will start from the front row, heightening anticipation for a thrilling showdown.
via Motorsport.comMax Verstappen takes pole position in Bahrain Grand PrixMax Verstappen secured pole position for the Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang, marking the first non-Mercedes-powered pole in recent history. Lewis Hamilton expressed excitement about the potential for an intense race, highlighting the importance for Ferrari to focus on their own performance.
via Motorsport.comVerstappen praises Red Bull's improvements after poleMax Verstappen has acknowledged significant improvements in the Red Bull car after securing pole position in Malaysia. This comes less than a month after he described the car as 'made of paper' due to concerns over its degradation during the Monza qualifying.
via RaceFansVerstappen praises Red Bull's progress after pole positionMax Verstappen stated that his first pole position of the 2026 season reflects the significant progress Red Bull Racing has made with their car. He noted that the team has successfully addressed key weaknesses, which was evident during the qualifying session in Malaysia.
via F1i‘I’m ready’: Verstappen sets sights on long-awaited 2026 winMax Verstappen has finally put himself in the perfect position to end his long wait for a 2026...
via Motorsport.comMika Hakkinen returns to F1 cockpit in Ayrton Senna's title-winning McLaren MP4/6Mika Hakkinen, a two-time Formula 1 champion, returned to the F1 cockpit at the Allwyn x McLaren Racing event in Athens, where he drove Ayrton Senna's iconic McLaren MP4/6. The event featured a bespoke track layout and showcased the MCL39, which won the 2025 constructors' championship.
The MP4/6, powered by a Honda V12 engine, was a significant car in F1 history, winning the constructors' title in 1991. McLaren's chief marketing officer, Louise McEwan, highlighted the importance of connecting with fans through such events. The event also included simulators and was expected to attract other former F1 drivers.
via gpfans.comF1 confirms Qatar and Abu Dhabi races will proceedFormula One CEO Stefano Domenicali has confirmed that the final two races of the season in Qatar and Abu Dhabi will go ahead as scheduled. This decision comes despite ongoing conflicts in the region and follows the cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabia races.
via racer.comFive years on from the Abu Dhabi debacle, Verstappen and Hamilton are sharing the front row againMax Verstappen achieved his first pole position of the season during qualifying for the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. His impressive lap time placed him nearly three-tenths of a second ahead of Lewis Hamilton, who qualified in second place for Ferrari.
Isack Hadjar qualified third, while Kimi Antonelli, the current title leader, secured fourth in his Mercedes. Charles Leclerc completed the top five, finishing half a second slower than Verstappen's leading time.Page 1 of 33