Hamilton, Vettel congratulate Leclerc on first pole

World champion pair Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel paid tribute to Charles Leclerc after he came the 99th pole-sitter in the history of Formula 1 at the Bahrain Grand Prix. Leclerc became Ferrari's youngest qualifying winner with his success in Sakhir, leading Vettel in an all-red front-row lockout.

Only Vettel has ever secured pole position at a younger age than Leclerc in Formula 1 history, Leclerc eclipsing the likes of Fernando Alonso, Hamilton and others among F1's youngest pole-winners.

Asked for a word on his team-mate's achievement, Vettel said: "Well congratulations, I said to him earlier to suck it in, enjoy it.

"It's his day in the end of the day. Certainly my day was not ideal but even, I think, with an ideal day, it would have been very difficult to beat him today.

"So, well done. My first pole is a while ago but certainly it's a day you never forget."

From taking his first pole at Canada in 2007, Hamilton has become the most successful qualifier in F1 history, with P1 in Australia a fortnight ago his 84th Saturday success.

"He did an incredible job, [I'm] really, really happy for him," the reigning world champion said.

"The first pole is a dream that you set for yourself when you're young. It only comes once, so he truly deserves it."

Hamilton and Vettel both converted their maiden poles into race wins come the Sunday, so would they enjoy seeing Leclerc match that?

Vettel quipped: "I think we both hope he doesn't win! Straightforward!"

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