Lewis Hamilton turned a difficult opening phase into third place at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. The Ferrari driver started on the front row, but choosing slicks on a still-wet circuit sent him backwards and left him around a minute behind the leaders.

When the asphalt failed to dry quickly enough, Ferrari suggested a change. Hamilton chose to stay on the soft tyres and wait for conditions to swing towards him. After that punishing opening, the long recovery began.

Safety Car periods helped reduce the damage. Hamilton had soft tyres again for the closing phase and passed Isack Hadjar to secure a podium. Charles Leclerc also recovered, finishing fourth.

Speaking to Formula1.com, Hamilton reflected on the result with mixed feelings: satisfaction at salvaging third, alongside a sense that an opportunity had slipped away. Ferrari’s remaining question is how much more might have been possible with a stronger opening to the race.

Sources: Formula1.com · Formula1.com · Motorsport.com