The seven-time champion will start the 2024 season opener from a disappointing ninth on the grid, with his best time around six-tenths slower than pole-sitter Max Verstappen.
Joining the Red Bull on the front row is Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, while Hamilton’s Mercedes teammate George Russell is third.
While many expected reigning champion Verstappen to be quickest, Hamilton lead a Mercedes 1-2 in Friday practice, giving hope that they would at least be close to the Red Bulls.
Speaking after qualifying, Hamilton admitted his car was holding back some speed however, which he thinks could well propel him up the order: ‘It was not great. But I was genuinely really excited to be here.
‘I think George’s position and pace really highlights, and is a real testament to the team, how hard everyone has worked over winter. It’s amazing to have a car we can fight with.
‘It really unites the fire and flame within us drivers. For me, Bono [Peter Bonnington, his race engineer] and everyone did a great job, and I struggled in qualifying today.
‘Yesterday, was really good. Me and George were on the same setups but he went left and I went right. Right was definitely not good for a single lap but I felt more comfortable with more fuel, so I hope that reflects tomorrow.
‘I’ve definitely sacrificed more than I hoped to and I hope it pays off tomorrow. It’s a lot of work to do to get past all those quick cars ahead of me but it will be fun.’
‘Everybody at the factory has done an amazing job to give Lewis and I a car that we feel much happier with and a base we can build upon,’ Russell added.
‘Ultimately, Max is still out there in front and we still have a lot of catching up to do. When we look at our qualifying performances in the last two years in Bahrain, and the race pace, starting in P3 for tomorrow is a great place.
‘There’s been a huge amount of work. We have obviously made a big step forward in one lap pace and we hope we haven’t compromised the race pace. I think it will be a close fight between everybody apart from Max.
‘Red Bull are so strong at the moment and Max is doing a great job. He’s got the new tyres. If there’s an opportunity to take the lead but ultimately the race for all of us is for second.
‘But, nobody knows, it’s the first race of the season, I’m so excited to be back and let’s hope for some craziness.’
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