Max Verstappen claims first victory of season in rain-delayed Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang

Max Verstappen clinched his maiden victory of the 2026 Formula One season at the rain-interrupted Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia on Sunday, following an 90-minute race start delay caused by challenging track conditions at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia. The Dutch driver overtook championship leader Kimi Antonelli from Mercedes to claim the top spot, while Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton secured second place, marking his first podium finish since the Silverstone circuit.

Mercedes’ George Russell, who was in third position and in contention for the lead, suffered a heartbreaking retirement with five laps remaining due to a suspected power unit failure. The race began with a standing start on lap two, as several drivers, including Oscar Piastri and Gabriel Bortoleto, made early pit stops for intermediate tyres.

Verstappen methodically chased down the leaders, capitalizing on track drying conditions to execute a clean pass near Turn 1 during a lap nine Safety Car deployment triggered by Valtteri Bottas spinning out in the gravel. Despite a Virtual Safety Car episode that momentarily handed Antonelli the lead during pit stop sequences, Verstappen regained control and dominated the final four laps after a late restart.

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc finished fourth, while Racing Bulls’ Isack Hadjar claimed fifth, and McLaren’s Oscar Piastri secured sixth place behind the podium finishers.