Max Verstappen won a chaotic Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. Here are the biggest hits and misses from the rain-hit F1 race at Sepang.
The Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia had almost everything Formula 1 could offer. Heavy rain delayed the start, changing conditions created a tyre gamble, and several late incidents completely changed the result. In the end, Max Verstappen claimed his first victory of the 2026 season, while Kimi Antonelli strengthened his championship lead. Lewis Hamilton also produced one of the biggest recoveries of the race, but George Russell’s late retirement turned a promising Mercedes result into a painful afternoon.
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The Hits From Bahrain GP
Max Verstappen Finally Gets His Win
Verstappen had been waiting all season for this moment. After taking his first pole of 2026 at Sepang, the Red Bull driver converted it into victory despite losing positions to the Mercedes cars at the start. The race eventually returned to his control, and Verstappen crossed the line 2.307 seconds ahead of Antonelli. It was Red Bull’s first win of the season and the first victory for its new Red Bull Ford Powertrains project.
Kimi Antonelli Extends His Championship Lead
Second place was another major positive for Antonelli. The Mercedes driver made the right tyre call by starting on intermediates and briefly led Verstappen early in the race. More importantly, his 18 points came while Russell retired late with a suspected power unit failure. Antonelli’s championship advantage over his teammate consequently grew to 84 points.
Lewis Hamilton’s Incredible Recovery
Hamilton started from second but fell as low as 18th after Ferrari committed to slick tyres in conditions that initially favoured intermediates. Instead of giving up on the strategy, Hamilton stayed out as the track began to dry and eventually worked his way back to third. It gave Ferrari a double podium, with Charles Leclerc recovering from last place to finish fourth.
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The Misses From Bahrain GP
George Russell’s Title Hopes Take A Hit
Russell looked set for a strong result after running near the front, but his Mercedes stopped with only a handful of laps remaining. The retirement cost him valuable championship points at exactly the wrong time. With Antonelli finishing second, Russell’s already slim title hopes took another major blow.
Isack Hadjar Loses A Possible Podium
Hadjar was another driver who left Sepang wondering what might have been. Starting eighth because of a grid penalty, he quickly moved into podium contention. A late battery issue slowed his Red Bull, allowing Hamilton and Leclerc to pass him. Hadjar eventually finished fifth, which was still an impressive recovery but short of the podium that appeared possible.
McLaren’s Strategy Creates More Problems
McLaren also endured a complicated afternoon. Oscar Piastri switched to intermediates after the opening lap while Lando Norris stayed out, and both drivers eventually recovered into the points. Norris’ race became even more difficult late on when he nearly hit Piastri under the Safety Car and ran through the gravel. Piastri finished sixth, while Norris came home ninth. The Bahrain Grand Prix may have taken place thousands of kilometres from the actual Bahrain circuit, but its drama made the unusual Sepang return worth remembering. With Singapore next on the calendar, which driver will carry the momentum from this chaotic weekend?
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