{
  "id": 11679324,
  "title": "Hamilton steals the cheers as Verstappen masters Sepang again",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/03/hamilton-steals-the-cheers-as-verstappen-masters-sepang-again",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-03T11:23:36.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/sports/motor-sports/2026/10/1546917/hamilton-steals-cheers-verstappen-masters-sepang-again"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "SEPANG: Lewis Hamilton received the loudest cheers from the fans at the historic Sepang Circuit during the Bahrain Grand Prix's qualifying session, despite Max Verstappen claiming pole position. Verstappen, who triumphed in the last Malaysia GP nine years ago, clocked a lap time of 1 minute, 35.130 seconds, while Hamilton secured second place with a time of 1:35.428. The seven-time champion expressed his gratitude for the enthusiastic crowd, which numbered nearly 100,000, deeming it the largest gathering he has observed at the circuit. Hamilton praised the atmosphere, stating, \"I love this energy. A big, big thank you to Malaysia for welcoming us.\" He also admitted that making the tires last through the challenging track conditions was a significant challenge. Verstappen, making his first pole of the season, explained that his goal for the upcoming race is to secure a victory, following his teammate Isack Hadjar, who secured third place but will start eighth due to a grid penalty for exceeding engine allowances. The race features championship leader Kimi Antolin from Mercedes and Charles Leclerc from Ferrari, who will start from third and fourth, providing them with the opportunity to challenge the crowd favorites Verstappen and Hamilton in an exciting race on Sunday.",
  "summary": "SEPANG: Red Bull's Max Verstappen proved he is still the master of the Sepang Circuit by grabbing pole position at the Bahrain Grand Prix, but Lewis Hamilton received the biggest cheers at the famous circuit.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "New Straits Times",
        "title": "Hamilton storms to front row, savours biggest Sepang crowd: 'I love this energy'",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/03/hamilton-storms-to-front-row-savours-biggest-sepang-crowd-i-love-this",
        "published": "2026-10-03T11:30:49.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}