Verstappen Leads Hamilton on Sepang Front Row for First Repeat Since 2021
Updated
Updated · Formula 1 · Oct 3
Verstappen Leads Hamilton on Sepang Front Row for First Repeat Since 2021
3 articles · Updated · Formula 1 · Oct 3
Summary
Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton will start side by side at Sepang, recreating a front row pairing not seen since the 2021 Abu Dhabi finale.
Verstappen earned his first pole of 2026 with a 1:35.130 lap, beating Hamilton by 0.298 seconds in qualifying for the Bahrain Grand Prix staged in Malaysia.
That setup puts two of Formula 1's most successful drivers back in direct contention for victory after few chances to fight at the front in recent seasons.
Sepang is hosting Bahrain's race for the first time since 2017 after conflict in the Middle East forced the event away from its usual venue.