Hamilton’s Tyre Gamble Backfires but He Climbs to Third in Rain‑Hit Bahrain GP

Lewis Hamilton began the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia on the second row but fell to 18th after a risky tyre switch from intermediates to slicks on a still‑dry track. Ferrari urged a pit stop, but Hamilton stayed on the original plan. As the race progressed, the track dried and safety‑car periods worked in his favour, allowing him to claw back positions. He overtook Red Bull’s Isack Hadjar in the closing laps to finish third, behind Max Verstappen and Kimi Antonelli. Hamilton described the moment his heart sank when the team’s tyre blankets were removed, yet he remained confident in the strategy. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc also recovered to finish fourth, noting the race’s chaotic nature.