{
  "id": 11936445,
  "title": "So, the rivals were right about Mad Max",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/04/so-the-rivals-were-right-about-mad-max",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-04T13:37:06.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/sports/motor-sports/2026/10/1547640/so-rivals-were-right-about-mad-max"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In Sepang, Max Verstappen, the four-time world champion, secured his first win of the season at the Bahrain Grand Prix after the race was delayed due to rain. Pre-race, his rivals had predicted Verstappen would have the upper hand due to his familiarity with the Sepang track, a fact that proved accurate. This marked a nostalgic return for Verstappen, who was the last F1 driver to win at Sepang before the Malaysian GP was cancelled. Initially trailing championship leader Kimi Antontelli, Verstappen fought back to cross the finish line in one hour, 47 minutes, and 14.808 seconds, much like his 2017 Malaysia GP victory. Verstappen, known as 'Mad Max' for his aggressive driving, expressed his delight, stating, \"It's really nice to win after the year we've had and all the progression we've made.\" He attributed his victory to the strategic use of intermediate tyres during the race.",
  "summary": "SEPANG: His rivals had said pre-race that Max Verstappen had the edge because of his familiarity with the Sepang track.",
  "key_points": [
    "Max Verstappen wins Bahrain GP after rain delay",
    "Rivals predicted Verstappen would have upper hand",
    "Verstappen attributes victory to strategic tyre use"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}