Verstappen wins rain-delayed Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang for first win of season

Max Verstappen ended his wait for a first win of the 2026 season on Sunday, mastering chaotic wet conditions to win the rain-delayed Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia.

The Red Bull driver, who had taken pole position at the Sepang International Circuit, survived a start delayed by more than 90 minutes because of treacherous conditions — and an early setback after losing the lead before the first corner — to take the chequered flag. Verstappen was also the last driver to win at Sepang, back in 2017, before the circuit was dropped from the calendar.

Championship leader Kimi Antonelli brought his Mercedes home in second, while Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton recovered from 18th at the start — after an early tyre gamble backfired — to snatch third. The final four laps became a shootout for the podium after a lengthy safety car period, with Hamilton passing Red Bull’s Isack Hadjar to claim the final podium place.

Antonelli’s title advantage gained breathing room as teammate and closest rival George Russell retired from third with a suspected power unit issue with five laps remaining. Charles Leclerc salvaged fourth for Ferrari, overtaking Hadjar with two laps to go.