A ‘wholesome’ moment between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton has gone viral after qualifying for the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia.
Verstappen took the first non-Mercedes-powered pole position of the 2026 season at the Sepang International Circuit. Hamilton qualified second for Ferrari, marking his fifth consecutive front row start at the circuit.
Despite their controversial history, the two champions were photographed warmly congratulating each other at parc ferme after getting out of their car.
Fans were quick to praise the moment on social media. “Divorced couple, but happy for each other,” one wrote on Reddit, while another added: “Healthy, but I also felt Hamilton was trying to stay away from MBS as long as possible.”
“If only fans could show as much respect for each other as these two champion drivers,” someone else wrote.
Other comments included: “Game recognizes game” and “Max has been waiting for this hug since that race years ago where he was trying to converse with Lewis in the car on the way to the podium and Lewis wasn’t interested.”
Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing
Photo by: Srinivasa Krishnan
Others shared their excitement at seeing the once intense rivalry between Verstappen and Hamilton reignite at the start of the race. “Flashbacks 2021,” another fan posted.
Ahead of the race, Hamilton highlighted tire degradation as the main challenge, while also acknowledging Verstappen’s impressive pace on long runs in the upgraded Red Bull.
“I’m much happier with where the car is, but tomorrow is a completely different game,” explained the seven-time champion. “Making these tires last on this track – I mean, they overheat right off the bat.
“Every little slip of the wheels, every little snap that you have, makes a difference in how far you’re going to go.
“I like to think we have a good balance. Max was very fast on his long runs, so I will do my best to maintain that tomorrow.”
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