Vettel on pole as Lewis struggles
Lewis Hamilton will start today’s Bahrain Grand Prix from only ninth on the grid, as rival Sebastian Vettel stormed to pole position.
Defending world champion Hamilton has been off the pace all weekend and, while he posted the fourth quickest lap in a thrill-aminute qualifying session, he will be shunted down the order following a penalty for a gearbox change.
Kimi Raikkonen joins Vettel at the sharp end as Ferrari secured a front-row lockout to lay down the championship gauntlet to Mercedes.
Hamilton’s Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas was third.
Vettel was trailing Raikkonen following the opening runs in the desert, but the championship leader – who beat Hamilton at the opening race in Australia – delivered the goods when it mattered most.
Vettel finished 0.134seconds clear of Raikkonen, with Bottas marginally farther back. Hamilton was 0.262secs down.
“I was very happy that I got the second run and I got it clean,” Vettel said. “The car has been excellent all weekend so far, so I am looking forward to the race.
“If the car is responding to what you want to do, it is a pleasure to drive, otherwise it is a fight. Australia was more of a fight, but we have improved here.
“I feel good now, but tomorrow is a different story and it is a long race, but the car is quick so that usually helps.”
Daniel Ricciardo lines up in fifth for Red Bull, but his teammate Max Verstappen – expected to be a contender for pole here – saw his ragged start to the new campaign continue after a 140mph shunt.
The 20-year-old, who spun in Melbourne a fortnight ago, lost control of his car on the exit of turn two, before sliding into the barrier on the opposing side of the circuit. Only his pride had taken a knock, as he stalked back to the paddock with his helmet still firmly on.
Verstappen did manage to complete a speedy lap before his crash meaning he’ll start 15th.