Verstappen wins chaotic rain-delayed Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia
The FIA delayed the start after heavy rain left standing water on the Sepang circuit and forced drivers to wait for safer conditions.
- On Sunday, October 4, 2026, Red Bull driver Max Verstappen won the Bahrain Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia, claiming his first victory of the 2026 season after a rain-delayed start.
- Formula 1 relocated the race to Malaysia due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, replacing the cancelled Sakhir event, while new 2026 car regulations caused software failures for multiple drivers in wet conditions.
- Mercedes driver George Russell retired with engine trouble five laps from the finish, while Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton completed a remarkable recovery from 18th place to claim the final podium position.
- Championship leader Kimi Antonelli finished second, extending his title lead, while Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc secured fourth place after overtaking Red Bull driver Isack Hadjar in the closing laps.
- The 2026 season continues with the Singaporean Grand Prix, with Antonelli holding an 84-point lead over Russell as the championship enters its final seven races.
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241 Articles
Max Verstappen picks up first victory of the season in Malaysia
Max Verstappen picked up his first win of the season in the Bahrain Grand Prix, which was held at the Sepang Circuit in Malaysia on Sunday. Verstappen finished ahead of Kimi Antonelli, with Lewis Hamilton finishing third, after a dominant race from the Dutch Red Bull driver.
Red Bull's Verstappen wins Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia
Verstappen gained the lead after an early safety car and led home the Mercedes of championship leader Kimi Antonelli and the Ferrari of Lewis Hamilton at the Sepang International Circuit. But there was agony for George Russell who had to retire from third place in the second Mercedes with five laps to go when his power unit appeared to fail under a late safety car. An eventual standing start saw four-time world champion Verstappen start from po…
The 29-year-old Dutch driver, quadruple F1 world champion, won his first win of the season on Sunday after a confused start on the Sepang circuit. As for Esteban Ocon, 15th, his future on the grid is becoming increasingly blurred.
Verstappen takes victory amid farcical scenes in Malaysia
Max Verstappen won a rain-hit Bahrain Grand Prix which was farcically delayed by one hour and 33 minutes after multiple cars broke down in the wet conditions before George Russell's outside world championship bid was derailed by a late engine failure.
Max Verstappen is celebrating his first win in Malaysia in a chaotic race. Mercedes-man George Russell is experiencing a bitter moment in the fight for the World Cup.
At the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, the four-time world champion wins ahead of Kimi Antonelli and Lewis Hamilton. The turbulent race can only start with delay.
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