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Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton go viral after "wholesome" Sepang F1 moment
Motorsport.com • • general
Key Points:
- Max Verstappen secured pole position at the Bahrain Grand Prix qualifying in Malaysia, marking the first non-Mercedes-powered pole of the 2026 season, while Lewis Hamilton qualified second for Ferrari, achieving his fifth consecutive front-row start at Sepang International Circuit.
- Despite their intense rivalry, Verstappen and Hamilton shared a warm congratulatory moment in parc fermé, which quickly went viral and was praised by fans for its sportsmanship and mutual respect.
- Social media users highlighted the significance of the interaction, with some recalling past moments between the two drivers and expressing hope for a renewed competitive rivalry reminiscent of 2021.
- Hamilton acknowledged tyre degradation as the key challenge for the race, praising Verstappen’s strong long-run pace and expressing confidence in his car’s balance while preparing to compete closely with Verstappen.
