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Hamilton aims to stay with Verstappen as Sepang race brings tyre test

Conceptual AI-generated editorial motorsport illustration; not a documentary photograph or evidence that a pictured event, meeting or transfer occurred. · 2026-10-04GPBeat newsroom · News Made Clear generated illustration

Lewis Hamilton says he will try to stay with Max Verstappen in the Sepang race, while warning that managing overheating tyres will be a different challenge from qualifying.

From the GPBeat newsroomPublished · · 1 min

Lewis Hamilton says he will do his best to stay with Max Verstappen in the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, after qualifying second behind the Red Bull driver at Sepang.

Verstappen secured pole by 0.298 seconds, the FIA’s qualifying report says. Hamilton said the race would present a different challenge from the one-lap qualifying contest, particularly in making the tyres last over 56 laps.

Hamilton described the tyres as overheating early and said wheelspin, small slides and wind could affect how far they would go. He also acknowledged Verstappen’s long-run pace, saying he would try to “hold on to him”.

Sources 02
  1. SOURCELewis Hamilton shares plan to fight Max Verstappen in 'different ball game'RacingNews365 English
  2. PRIMARY SOURCEF1 – Verstappen storms to first pole of 2026 at Sepang as Hamilton hands Ferrari front row startFIA news and transcripts
Source context

Hamilton’s remarks describe his own approach and assessment; they do not establish how the race or tyre performance will unfold.