Zakir, Bahrain (AP): Max Verstappen advanced to the final training session of the Bahrain Grand Prix after defeating Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton.

The Red Bull driver is 26th ahead of Hamilton and 37th ahead of Hamilton’s Mercedes teammate Voltaire Botas.

In both practice runs on Friday, Hamilton advanced quickly and scored a hat-trick, overtaking Verstappen and Botas. But Verstappen came out again and went back to the top of the leaderboard.

Hamilton recently won a record seventh F1 title, calling for a record auction for the 98th pole position of his career.

He faced competition from Verstappen, who was bidding only for his third pole.

Alexander Alban attached a new chassis to the Red Bull following an error in the second training session. Alban ran well this time and finished fourth.

Hamilton and other drivers complain about the new Pirelli tires, saying they are too heavy and the wheels are worse than before.

___

More AP Auto Racing: https://apnews.com/apf-AutoRacing, https://twitter.com/AP_Sport