The lights will soon go out for the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix, the 16th round of the Formula 1 World Championship, with Max Verstappen returning to pole position and Ferrari firmly in contention at Sepang. Lewis Hamilton will start alongside the Red Bull driver on the front row, while Kimi Antonelli and Charles Leclerc share the second row.
The final starting grid has been reshaped by penalties and sets up a race in which strategy, tyre management and the possibility of unexpected incidents could prove decisive. Formula 1 is returning to the Malaysian circuit after a long absence, adding another variable to a Grand Prix expected to place significant demands on both drivers and teams.
For the complete weekend timetable and circuit information, see the 2026 Bahrain GP at Sepang schedule and circuit guide.
Final 2026 Bahrain GP starting grid at Sepang
Max Verstappen secured pole position ahead of Lewis Hamilton, while Kimi Antonelli moves onto the second row alongside Charles Leclerc. Isack Hadjar, who originally set the third-fastest time in qualifying, drops to eighth after his grid penalty.
| Position | Driver | Team |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Max Verstappen | Red Bull |
| 2 | Lewis Hamilton | Ferrari |
| 3 | Kimi Antonelli | Mercedes |
| 4 | Charles Leclerc | Ferrari |
| 5 | Lando Norris | McLaren |
| 6 | Oscar Piastri | McLaren |
| 7 | George Russell | Mercedes |
| 8 | Isack Hadjar | Red Bull |
| 9 | Pierre Gasly | Alpine |
| 10 | Gabriel Bortoleto | Audi |
| 11 | Liam Lawson | Racing Bulls |
| 12 | Fernando Alonso | Aston Martin |
| 13 | Carlos Sainz | Williams |
| 14 | Lance Stroll | Aston Martin |
| 15 | Nico Hülkenberg | Audi |
| 16 | Oliver Bearman | Haas |
| 17 | Esteban Ocon | Haas |
| 18 | Alexander Albon | Williams |
| 19 | Valtteri Bottas | Cadillac |
| 20 | Sergio Pérez | Cadillac |
| 21 | Franco Colapinto | Alpine |
| 22 | Arvid Lindblad | Racing Bulls |
Ferrari starts the Bahrain GP with both cars in the top four
The final grid gives Ferrari a strong platform for the race. Lewis Hamilton starts from second place alongside Max Verstappen, while Charles Leclerc lines up fourth behind championship leader Kimi Antonelli.
Lewis Hamilton produced an excellent final qualifying lap to put Ferrari on the front row, with the complete session covered in our Bahrain GP qualifying report from Sepang.
Behind the leading four, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri occupy the third row for McLaren, with George Russell seventh and Isack Hadjar eighth after the Red Bull driver’s penalty.
Strategy and tyre management could decide the race
The starting order will only be one part of the equation at Sepang. Strategy and tyre management are expected to play a major role, with the Malaysian heat and demanding track surface creating the prospect of significant degradation and multiple pit stops.
Ferrari therefore enters the race with both track position and strategic opportunities. The available tyre sets, expected degradation levels and potential pit-stop windows are examined in our Bahrain GP strategy preview for Sepang.
With Max Verstappen back on pole, Lewis Hamilton alongside him and Kimi Antonelli and Charles Leclerc directly behind, the opening laps could immediately shape the tactical battle in Malaysia.
Leave a Reply