Hamilton admits race comeback won't be easy

Lewis Hamilton says that he is facing a big challenge for the Bahrain Grand Prix, as he will attempt to make a comeback to the front. The Briton will start the race from ninth place after being handed a grid penalty for changing his gearbox before it completed six races.

The reigning world champion qualified in fourth place, behind the two Ferrari's and his teammate Valtteri Bottas. After missing out on victory in Melbourne two weeks ago, the Mercedes driver faces a huge wall to climb to take the win tomorrow, with Ferrari and Red Bull's race pace looking strong.

"It’s not going to be the easiest tomorrow that’s for sure," he said. "I’ll give it everything I’ve got. The goal was to get P1 today but the Ferraris were just too quick. Valtteri put in a good time at the end but I wasn’t able to capitalise on the new tyres at the end.

"It is what it is and we will try to recover from where we are. I’ve got the softer tyre so I should be able to go longer. There are a couple of different strategies tomorrow so I will try and eek out every last bit of power and strength from this car."