Verstappen wins chaotic rain-delayed Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia
- On Sunday, Max Verstappen claimed his first victory of the 2026 season at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, finishing ahead of Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli and Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton at the Sepang International Circuit.
- Following cancellation of the original Bahrain event due to the Iran-US conflict, organizers relocated the race to Malaysia after reaching an agreement with Formula 1 and the FIA; heavy rain and software failures delayed the start by more than 90 minutes.
- Alpine driver Franco Colapinto, Racing Bulls' Arvid Lindblad, and Red Bull's Isack Hadjar served grid penalties for exceeding engine component allowances this season. Teams struggled with engine mapping issues caused by wet conditions and reduced speeds.
- Mercedes driver George Russell retired late with a suspected power unit failure, allowing championship leader Kimi Antonelli to extend his lead to 84 points over teammate Russell. Hamilton secured third place for Ferrari.
- Sepang's return to the Formula 1 calendar after a nine-year absence ensured the 2026 season met its minimum event requirements. Verstappen also won the last Malaysian Grand Prix at the circuit in 2017.
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For the first time in ten months, Max Verstappen has won a Grand Prix again. The race in Malaysia started comically: many cars were confused by the rainy conditions and refused to step on the gas.
Max Verstappen wins rain-delayed Bahrain Grand Prix as George Russell retires
Red Bull's Max Verstappen won the rain-hit Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia on Sunday, claiming his first win of the season after the race was delayed by more than 90 minutes due to heavy rain at the Sepang International Circuit.
The 16th round of the Formula 1 race took place in Malaysia on Sunday, with Max Verstappen (Red Bull) taking his first victory of the season. However, the start of the race was significantly delayed due to prolonged rain.
Strolling rain, striking cars, delayed start: Formula 1 is experiencing an exciting comeback in Sepang. Max Verstappen is celebrating his first win in the season, but the World Cup fight seems decided.
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