Verstappen takes 2026's first non-Mercedes pole as Hamilton hug goes viral at Sepang

Max Verstappen claimed pole position for the Bahrain Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit, securing the first non-Mercedes-powered front-row start of the 2026 Formula 1 season. Lewis Hamilton qualified second for Ferrari, his fifth consecutive front-row appearance at the Malaysian venue.

The result itself was notable, but it was what happened in parc ferme that captured the wider public’s attention. Despite one of the most contentious rivalries in recent F1 history, Verstappen and Hamilton were photographed warmly congratulating each other after climbing from their cars — a moment that spread rapidly across social media.

Fans were quick to embrace the image. “Divorced couple, but happy for each other,” one Reddit user wrote. Another added: “If only the fans could show as much respect for each other as these two champion drivers do.” Further reactions ranged from “Game recognises game” to nostalgic references to their bruising 2021 title battle: “2021 flashbacks,” one fan posted, reflecting on the prospect of the old rivals lining up side by side on the grid once more.

One comment drew particular attention, noting that Verstappen had “been waiting for this hug since that one race years ago when he was trying to make conversation with Lewis in the car on the way to the podium and Lewis wasn’t interested.”

Looking ahead to the race, Hamilton identified tyre management around the high-temperature Sepang circuit as the defining challenge, while openly acknowledging Verstappen’s threatening long-run pace in the upgraded Red Bull.

“I’m much happier with where the car is, but tomorrow is a completely different ballgame,” the seven-time champion said. “Making these tyres last around this track — I mean, they’re overheating from the get-go. Every little bit of wheelspin you have, every little snap you have, makes a difference of how far you’re going to go.”

Hamilton added: “I like to think we’ve got a good balance. Max was really quick on his long runs, so I’ll just try my best to hold onto him tomorrow.”