Qualifying concludes at Sepang as penalty reshuffles Bahrain GP grid
The qualifying session at the Malaysian Sepang circuit, returning to Formula 1 after nine years, has concluded. Unusually, Sepang is hosting the Bahrain Grand Prix this season. Max Verstappen clinched pole position, followed by Lewis Hamilton. Meanwhile, Mercedes finds itself further back on the grid.
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Starting grid at Sepang for Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia
- Max Verstappen, Red Bull
- Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari
- Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes
- Charles Leclerc, Ferrari
- Lando Norris, McLaren
- Oscar Piastri, McLaren
- George Russell, Mercedes
- Isack Hadjar, Red Bull *
- Pierre Gasly, Alpine
- Gabriel Bortoleto, Audi
- Liam Lawson, Visa Cash App Racing Bulls
- Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin
- Carlos Sainz, Williams
- Lance Stroll, Aston Martin
- Nico Hulkenberg, Audi
- Oliver Bearman, Haas
- Esteban Ocon, Haas
- Alexander Albon, Williams
- Valtteri Bottas, Cadillac
- Sergio Perez, Cadillac
- Arvid Lindblad, Visa Cash App Racing Bulls **
- Franco Colapinto, Alpine ***
*5-place penalty
**10-place penalty
***15-place penalty
Qualifying highlights and race outlook
The Sepang qualifying session delivered excitement on this more traditional style circuit, evoking a sense of motorsport’s past. Kimi Antonelli faced a challenge in Q2 after his first lap was deleted for exceeding track limits at turn 6. He needed a second set of soft tires to secure a Top 10 spot, which limited his attempts in Q3.
Verstappen dominated, seizing pole from Hamilton, while Mercedes struggled with pace. Questions remain about race strategy as tire degradation and potential rain loom. Ferrari showed promising race pace in practice sessions, matching Red Bull’s strong performance with Verstappen.
Mercedes hopes their recent upgrades will improve their competitiveness. Given these factors, the upcoming race promises to be intensely contested.