F1 Results: Verstappen Wins Chaotic Bahrain GP in Malaysia as Antonelli Extends Lead
Max Verstappen took Red Bull's first win of 2026 at Sepang after a long rain delay, while Kimi Antonelli stretched his title lead when George Russell retired.
What happened at Sepang
Max Verstappen produced a dominant drive to win a chaotic Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, held at the Sepang circuit near Kuala Lumpur. It was his and Red Bull's first win of the season, and the first for Red Bull Ford Powertrains, according to Formula 1.
The race started more than an hour and a half late. Heavy rain caused the initial delay, and then several cars were reported to have software issues. Some crawled or ran out of position while forming up behind the safety car, so the start procedure was suspended.
When racing finally began in mixed conditions, Verstappen was passed by the Mercedes pair of Antonelli and Russell. BBC Sport said divergent tyre choices produced several overtakes off the start. Verstappen later regained the lead and kept control through a late Virtual Safety Car and a full Safety Car period.
Antonelli takes a big step toward the title
Antonelli finished second. His team-mate Russell was running third when his power unit failed with five laps left, which handed Antonelli a major advantage in the championship. The Italian now leads Russell by 84 points.
Hamilton had a strong race after an incorrect tyre choice for the wet start dropped him toward the back. He recovered to pass Red Bull's Isack Hadjar for third with three laps to go. Ferrari's Charles Leclerc finished fourth, and Fernando Alonso took eighth for Aston Martin.
Verstappen called the win "really nice" after the season Red Bull has had. He said the team made the right call on intermediate tyres. He also described the start as "very hectic", with no power at first while he waited for it to "kick in".
The constructors' picture
Mercedes lead Ferrari by 151 points in the constructors' championship. Verstappen's win puts Red Bull within 18 points of McLaren in the fight for third. Racing Bulls scored another double points finish and are 22 points clear of Alpine in the battle for fifth.
Leclerc said Ferrari are losing performance compared with Red Bull and Mercedes and must bring upgrades. He added that he struggled with the car and thought a normal race would have given Ferrari a P3 or P4 finish.
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What happens next
The championship moves to Singapore next, at the Marina Bay Street Circuit. It is the sixth and final sprint event of the season, so there are extra points on offer on Saturday. The only practice session starts at 09:30 BST on Friday, 9 October.
Whether Verstappen and Red Bull can follow up their first win will be the main question in Singapore.
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