Mercedes brought a substantial upgrade package to Sepang for the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix, and pace was supposed to be strong for the Silver Arrows. Kimi Antonelli teased something special after he topped FP3, but qualifying proved to be difficult. Toto Wolff believes there is "something else is going on" that is hindering his team's pace.
Championship leader Antonelli qualified on the second row in forth while George Russell will start a disappointing eighth (both drivers will move up one place after Isack Hadjar's grid penalty is applied). After what has been a mostly dominant season for Mercedes, this comes as a surprise to the team chief.
