Max Verstappen claimed his first victory of the 2026 Formula One season after winning the rain-affected Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia on October 4. The Red Bull driver finished ahead of Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli, while Lewis Hamilton took third place for Ferrari.
Heavy rain delayed the start at Sepang International Circuit, leaving standing water on parts of the track. The race eventually began in slippery conditions, with drivers using intermediate tyres before switching to slicks as the surface dried.
Verstappen started from pole position but lost places to Antonelli and George Russell on the opening lap. He gradually recovered, passing the Mercedes drivers as tyre strategies and safety-car periods reshaped the order.
A Virtual Safety Car was deployed on lap 43 after Alex Albon stopped on track. Several drivers made pit stops, and Verstappen briefly lost the lead after changing tyres. Antonelli also pitted, returning Verstappen to the front.
Russell’s race ended shortly afterwards when his Mercedes stopped just before Turn 1. The late retirement removed one of Verstappen’s main challengers and ended Mercedes’ hopes of securing the top two positions.
Antonelli finished 2.307 seconds behind Verstappen after 55 laps. Hamilton completed the podium, followed by Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc in fourth. Verstappen’s victory delivered Red Bull its first win of the season.
The changing weather made tyre management and timing critical throughout the race. Verstappen’s recovery after losing positions at the start proved decisive, while the late safety-car sequence further altered the contest.
The result also strengthened Antonelli’s championship campaign, despite missing out on victory. Russell’s retirement, meanwhile, cost Mercedes a potential strong points finish.
