# Hamilton's mixed emotions after Bahrain GP

> Hamilton's podium finish after chaotic Bahrain race sparks mixed feelings.
- Title: Hamilton's mixed emotions after Bahrain GP · Sportstar
- Summary: Hamilton's podium finish after chaotic Bahrain race sparks mixed feelings. Hamilton secured third place after a risky tyre strategy during a rain-affected…
- Keywords: lewis hamilton, ferrari, red bull, bahrain grand prix, september 2026, f1 2026, tyre strategy, podium finish, sports, Hamilton's, mixed, emotions
- Source: Sportstar — https://sportstar.thehindu.com/motorsport/f1/f1-bahrain-gp-in-malaysia-lewis-hamilton-reaction-mixed-emotions-charles-leclerc-ferrari/article71543833.ece
- Author: Team Sportstar
- Published: 2026-10-04T15:48:07+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: lewis hamilton, ferrari, red bull, bahrain grand prix, september 2026, f1 2026, tyre strategy, podium finish, sports
## Hamilton's race strategy
Hamilton switched from intermediates to slicks on a still-drying track in Sepang during the Bahrain Grand Prix.

> No, we’ve already waited another 26 seconds. What’s the difference?
## Hamilton's race outcome
Hamilton dropped to 18th after a poor start but recovered to finish third after the track dried.
## Hamilton's reaction
Hamilton said his heart sank when he saw Max Verstappen’s car spray, but he waited for the track to dry to secure a podium finish.

> As a team, we ended up taking that soft (tyre) and at the end of the pit lane, these two (Verstappen and Antonelli) took off their (tyre) blankets, and my heart just sank, because I knew straight away that we were in trouble
## Leclerc's perspective
Leclerc finished fourth, calling it the best result for Ferrari given Red Bull and Mercedes’ pace.

> Honestly, the first part of the race, everything that could have gone wrong went wrong. And on the second part, everything that could have gone right went our way
## Hamilton's gratitude
Hamilton credited his team’s strategy and pit stops for his podium finish, saying he was grateful for the result.

> I’m really, really grateful.
## Key takeaway

Hamilton secured third place after a risky tyre strategy during a rain-affected Bahrain Grand Prix, despite starting 18th due to a late switch to slicks.