MAX THRUST

Hamilton’s under pressure as Verstappen takes desert pole

- CLAIRE COTTINGHAM

MAX VERSTAPPEN laid down the first marker of the new F1 season in Bahrain, and Lewis Hamilton knows all about it.

For the first time in his Formula One career, Verstappen topped the timing sheets in every practice session ahead of qualifying – snatching the top spot by a whopping 0.388s ahead of both of the Mercedes with a 1:28.997.

Three purple sectors on the final flying lap from Verstappen (above, left) sent a clear warning sign to Mercedes that he is a force to be reckoned with this season, with Hamilton starting P2 ahead of his teammate Valtteri Bottas.

And Hamilton (above, right) admitted he gave all he had throughout the session, but it just wasn’t enough to beat the flying Dutchman.

He said: “Congratulations to Max, he did such a great job. So fast on that last lap.

“I absolutely gave it all I have, but it, unfortunately, wasn’t good enough. It was the best I could do that’s for sure.