Verstappen claims first win of year in chaotic Bahrain GP in Malaysia

Four-time world champion Max Verstappen claimed his first victory of the year in a chaotic Bahrain Grand Prix, held at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia. The race was delayed for 100 minutes due to a tropical rainstorm, and began with half the field on intermediate tyres. Verstappen secured a 72nd win and first since Abu Dhabi last year, finishing 2.307 seconds ahead of championship leader Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes.

Lewis Hamilton, who took third place after a thrilling recovery drive, had to battle through the pack to finish in that position. Charles Leclerc of Ferrari came in fourth, followed by Isack Hadjar in the second Red Bull, Oscar Piastri in McLaren, and Liam Lawson in Racing Bull. Fernando Alonso of Aston Martin finished eighth, with Lando Norris and Arvid Lindblad of Racing Bull in ninth and tenth places, respectively.

Verstappen expressed delight in securing the win and praised his team's tyre decision. Antonelli congratulated Verstappen, acknowledging the team's struggle but happy with the result. Hamilton, who had made the wrong tyre call at the start, acknowledged the race's difficulty and his team's progression.