Max Verstappen saves best for last, taking thrilling Bahrain GP pole for Red Bull

[ASFN Admin]

A fractured camp and 'grumpy' with Mercedes - this could be the start of Lewis Hamilton's last lap F1 2021 season predictions: from drivers' title to breakthrough star Max Verstappen beat Lewis Hamilton to pole position for the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix following an exhilarating qualifying session. Red Bull's Verstappen delivered a supreme final lap to see off seven-time world champion Hamilton by almost four tenths of a second with his Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas third. The Dutchman's performance confirms his status as a genuine title contender to Hamilton and raises the prospect of a scintillating championship battle. "Finally," said Verstappen. "That lap was good." Red Bull team principal Christian Horner congratulated his star driver over the radio, saying: "Well done, Max that is the perfect start to the season." Red Bull arrived here confident following an encouraging pre-season test, and Verstappen finished 0.388 seconds ahead of Hamilton, who had no answer to the flying Dutchman.

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