Morbidity with Verstappen and Hamilton at the start, as in 2021, and sanctions applied: this is how the grid for the Bahrain GP in Malaysia of F1 2026 looks like

ByDavid Mitchell

Like in 2021. The two old enemies, face to face, five years later. Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton faces will be seen from the first row on the starting grid of the Bahrain GP in Malaysia of F1 2026at the Sepang Circuit, this Sunday, in a grid that suffered up to three variations with respect to the classification due to the application of sanctions imposed before the fight against the clock.

In that start, Max Verstappen will start from pole with a Red Bull much improved since Baku that already allows Max to push. It allowed him to take his first pole of the year for the moment and he will look for his first victory of the course in a Sunday race in which the key will be the great degradation of the tires, the strategic variety on a very damaged asphalt, as well as the probability of rain. At any moment a downpour could fall, causing a red flag that could change everything.

And behind the two great enemies will be the one who has everything in mind to become the new F1 champion in some races, a Kimi Antonelli who limited damage after a mistake in Q2. It is the second error he has accumulated in two consecutive classifications, but at least he was able to save the furniture by being 4th, thus achieving third place on the grid after Max and Lewis by gaining a place due to a 5-position penalty to Hadjar, who therefore went from 3rd to 8th on the grid.

Kimi, World Cup leaderwill be able to fight for an uncertain victory due to that tire management and great degradation. But this time, he will have to go one step further in his demonstration of quality this year: he will face not only Hamilton, but also the ‘bogeyman’ Max, who on this occasion, a priori, already has a car that allows him to defend and attack the Mercedes.

It seems like the last test for Kimi’s title to gain even more relevance: winning who everyone sees as the best driver in current F1.in a face-to-face duel in the race.

In fourth position will be Leclercwho with Lewis in second place will have to look for something different in the race or a great start to avoid having a strategic disadvantage.

Fernando Alonso will start from 12th position on the starting grid. The good tire degradation of your Aston Martin can help you aspire to points. He will have to defend himself in curves to avoid losing positions on the straight, where his Honda engine continues to have little power.

Right behind him comes Carlos Sainz who also maximized the result of his Williams. He will start close to Fernando again, two races after his touch with Alonso in Madring, so we will have to see if sparks fly again between the two Spaniards.

As for the sanctions, apart from the already mentioned 5 positions for Hadjar (will be 8th on the grid),

Lindblad He got into Q2 to help Lawson with the slipstream to be 11th and will start last for its multiple changes of engine elements. While, Colapinto accumulated 5 penalty positions for his accident in Baku plus another 5 positions for a change of elements, which resulted in a penalty of 10 positions that took him to the penultimate place on the starting grid in Sepang after being 15th in qualifying.

The grid for the Bahrain GP in Malaysia 2026 F1, in Sepang:

  1. Max Verstappen (PB/Red Bull) — 1’35″130
  2. Lewis Hamilton (GBR/Ferrari) — 1’35″428
  3. Andrea Kimi Antonelli (ITA/Mercedes) — 1’35″631
  4. Charles Leclerc (MON/Ferrari) — 1’35″666
  5. Lando Norris (GBR/McLaren) — 1’35″757
  6. Oscar Piastri (AUS/McLaren) — 1’35″762
  7. George Russell (GBR/Mercedes) — 1’35″871
  8. Isack Hadjar (FRA/Red Bull) — 1’35″558* *5 penalty positions already applied.
  9. Pierre Gasly (FRA/Alpine) — 1’37″210
  10. Gabriel Bortoleto (BRA/Audi) — 1’37″673
  11. Liam Lawson (NZL/Racing Bulls) — 1’37″023
  12. Fernando Alonso (ESP/Aston Martin) — 1’37″220
  13. Carlos Sainz (ESP/Williams) — 1’37″527
  14. Lance Stroll (CAN/Aston Martin) — 1’37″566
  15. Nico Hülkenberg (ALE/Audi) — 1’37″970
  16. Oliver Bearman (GBR/Haas F1) — 1’37″980
  17. Esteban Ocon (FRA/Haas F1) — 1’38″233
  18. Alexander Albon (TAI/Williams) — 1’38″600
  19. Valtteri Bottas (FIN/Cadillac) — 1’38″611
  20. Sergio Pérez (MEX/Cadillac) — 1’38″933
  21. Franco Colapinto (ARG/Alpine) — 1’37″179** **10 penalty positions
  22. Arvid Lindblad (GBR/Racing Bulls) — 1’37″883*** ***Penalty, to the back of the grid
David Mitchell
David Mitchell

As a passionate sports journalist with over a decade of experience, I strive to uncover the heart and soul behind every game. Supported by a dedicated team of fellow enthusiasts and storytellers, I am committed to delivering insightful and engaging content that connects fans worldwide. Together, we celebrate the victories, challenges, and unifying spirit of sports through every article we craft.