Verstappen wins Bahrain GP in Malaysia after long delays

A rain-soaked Bahrain Grand Prix concluded with Max Verstappen securing Red Bull's inaugural victory of the 2026 season at Sepang International Circuit. Kimi Antonelli solidified his title race position, finishing second, while his Mercedes teammate George Russell experienced an engine failure five laps from the end, potentially squandering any remaining chances of clinching the driver championship.

Antonelli's lead over Russell now stands at 84 points, with seven races remaining following a race delayed by over 90 minutes due to heavy rain and subsequent grid order confusion. Two safety cars also made appearances following the retirements of Valtteri Bottas and Alex Albon, a race rescheduled from April due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Verstappen, who had also secured pole position, delivered a masterful performance, earning his first win since last season's Abu Dhabi GP. He finished just under two-and-a-half seconds ahead of Antonelli, with Lewis Hamilton recovering from a disastrous start to claim third place. Hamilton's Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc secured fourth, while Red Bull's Isack Hadjar dropped from a podium finish to fifth.

Oscar Piastri claimed sixth place, while Liam Lawson of Racing Bulls and Fernando Norris of Aston Martin rounded out the top ten. Verstappen expressed his pride and gratitude, acknowledging the challenges faced throughout the year and the team's progress. Antonelli, while satisfied with his second-place finish, emphasized the need for further improvements.

Hamilton praised the spectators, the team's pit stops, and the overall experience at Sepang, hailing it as one of the best races he's had at the circuit.