Verstappen wins chaotic Sepang race but Antonelli still smiling
Red Bull's Max Verstappen won a turbulent Bahrain Grand Prix held in Malaysia on Sunday, withstanding bad weather, technical issues and being overtaken off the grid to record his first victory of the Formula One season. Championship leader Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes finished second and was boosted in the overall standings by team-mate George Russell having to retire from the race late on when…
Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing clinched a chaotic victory at the Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, overcoming adverse weather conditions, technical hiccups, and being shuffled off the grid. The race, postponed from April and relocated to Malaysia due to Middle Eastern conflict, commenced around 90 minutes late because of heavy rain and software issues.
Verstappen, who secured pole position for the first time this season, initially faced a challenging start, allowing Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes and George Russell to overtake him. However, Verstappen swiftly regained the lead after a safety car period and later overtook Antonelli to claim his first win of the Formula One season. Championship leader Kimi Antonelli finished second, with George Russell trailing in third after retiring late due to mechanical issues.
Lewis Hamilton of Ferrari secured third place, while Verstappen's Mercedes teammate, George Russell, retired with a technical fault. Seven races remain in the season, with the season-ending Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix under threat due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
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