Sport
CROSS-SPECTRUMBROAD COVERAGE
Verstappen secures pole, Hamilton second and Antonelli third for Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang
In qualifying for the Bahrain Grand Prix held at Malaysia's Sepang International Circuit, Max Verstappen recorded the fastest time, giving him pole position. Lewis Hamilton qualified second for Ferrari, while Andrea Kimi Antonelli took third place. The race, scheduled as round 16 of the 2026 Formula 1 season, returns to Sepang after a hiatus since 2017. Meanwhile, the championship battle has narrowed to Mercedes teammates Kimi Antonelli and George Russell, with Red Bull seeking to improve its pace after a winless start to the year.
How this was covered
- Left-leaning outlets covered this 24h later
Why it matters
The starting grid and the shifting title fight could shape the outcome of the season’s pivotal Bahrain round.
How this story developed
- Sep 29 Mercedes duo Antonelli and Russell set to clash at Bahrain GP, Norris in pursuit
- Oct 4 The Bahrain Grand Prix is now being run at Sepang as round 16, and Verstappen claimed pole with Hamilton and Antonelli completing the top three in qualifying.
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