LEWIS FIRE LIT UP BY NEW CAR

Hamilton energised after Mercedes find model they can compete with at last

- Harry Smith

LEWIS HAMILTON believes Mercedes finally have "a car they can fight with" qualifying for today's Bahrain Grand Prix showed this season may not be a one-horse race.

While world champion Max Verstappen secured pole position, the times were closer than they have been in years, with Ferrari's Charles Leclerc just 0.228 seconds behind.

Mercedes' George Russell will start third and Hamilton ninth, just 0.225 seconds behind his team-mate.

Hamilton, right, who has one season left at Mercedes before joining Ferrari, said: "George's position and pace highlights and is a testament to the team - how hard everyone has worked over the winter.

"It's amazing to have a car we can fight with. It really unites the fire and flame within us drivers.