Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton go viral after "wholesome" Sepang F1 moment
Formula 1 drivers Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton shared a friendly moment after qualifying for the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, drawing positive reactions from fans. The interaction highlights a potential thaw in their historically intense rivalry as they prepare for the upcoming race.
Why it matters
The relationship between these two high-profile athletes is a major narrative in professional sports, impacting fan engagement and media coverage.
A "wholesome" moment between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton has gone viral after qualifying for the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia.
Verstappen secured 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 contentious history, the two champions were photographed warmly congratulating each other in parc ferme after climbing out of their cars.
Fans were quick to praise the moment on social media. "Divorced couple, but happy for each other," one wrote on Reddit , while another added: "Wholesome, but I also felt that Hamilton was trying to stay away from MBS as long as possible."
"If only the fans could show as much respect for each other as these two champion drivers do," someone else wrote.
Also covering this story
13 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
F1 Bahrain GP in Malaysia: Max Verstappen tops FP1
‘It’s happening in Malaysia’: Bahrain GP switch surprised race chief
Bahrain circuit chief recalls surprise call that moved race to Sepang
Double top 10 practice finishes for Lawson in unpredictable Malaysia
F1 Bahrain GP in Malaysia: Leclerc tops FP2 with Mercedes seventh and eighth
F1 Bahrain GP in Malaysia: Verstappen pips Russell to top FP1
Bahrain GP in Malaysia 2026: Max Verstappen tops first practice
Verstappen takes first 2026 pole ahead of Hamilton
Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia LIVE: Practice Three & Qualifying
Bahrain GP in Malaysia: F1 fans complain of gridlocked traffic, over three-hour waits for shuttles
Bahrain GP in Malaysia: Max Verstappen beats Lewis Hamilton to pole position to claim first Red Bull pole of 2026 Formula 1 season
Verstappen ends pole wait at Bahrain GP in Malaysia but Russell risks losing more ground
Three drivers facing grid penalties for F1's Malaysia return
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in