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Verstappen wins chaotic rain-delayed Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia
Verstappen overcame a 90-minute delay and multiple safety cars as Antonelli finished second and Hamilton third in the season’s first wet race.
- On Sunday, October 4, 2026, Red Bull driver Max Verstappen claimed his first victory of the season at the rain-delayed Bahrain Grand Prix, held at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia.
- Heavy rain and software glitches affecting hybrid power units delayed the start by over 90 minutes, as the event relocated to Sepang after the original Bahrain venue was cancelled earlier this year due to Middle East conflict.
- Championship leader Kimi Antonelli finished second for Mercedes, while Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton secured third despite dropping to 18th after an early tyre gamble; George Russell retired with a suspected power-unit issue with five laps remaining.
- Antonelli extended his championship lead to 84 points over Russell following his teammate's retirement, while Verstappen's victory marked the inaugural win for the Red Bull Ford Powertrains partnership.
- With 200,000 spectators expected, the region anticipates significant economic spillover for tourism and hospitality sectors as part of the Visit Malaysia 2026-2027 initiative, marking F1's first return to Sepang since 2017.
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Ford Returns to Formula 1 Victory Lane for First Time since 2003
When four-time Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen took victory at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia last weekend, it marked the first time a driver powered by an engine with a Ford Blue Oval stood on the top step of an F1 podium since 2003.
This is Verstappen's first victory in 2026, and the result confirms the improvement of the Red Bulls in the last races.
·Guayaquil, Ecuador
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Max Verstappen has finally secured his first victory of the year. The Dutchman won a chaotic race in Malaysia on Sunday, where rain, delays, and strategic errors provided plenty of spectacle. Kimi Antonelli finished second, while Lewis Hamilton surprisingly completed the podium. Who...
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Total News Sources681
Leaning Left70Leaning Right70Center114Last UpdatedBias Distribution45% Center
Bias Distribution
- 45% of the sources are Center
45% Center
L 28%
C 45%
R 27%
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