Autosport·3 min read·medium

F1 Bahrain GP in Malaysia: Verstappen wins chaotic race from Antonelli as Russell retires late on

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Ben Vinel
F1 Bahrain GP in Malaysia: Verstappen wins chaotic race from Antonelli as Russell retires late on
✦AI Summary

Max Verstappen secured his first victory of the season in a chaotic, rain-affected Bahrain Grand Prix held in Malaysia. The race was marred by software glitches and multiple red flags, ultimately resulting in a win for Verstappen ahead of Mercedes drivers.

Why it matters

Technical failures and weather conditions significantly impacted the race outcome, influencing the current Formula One championship standings.

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Red Bull’s Max Verstappen won a disorderly Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, clinching his first victory of the season, as George Russell’s title hopes dwindled further with a late retirement.

After the race was delayed by an hour and a half due to dysfunctional software on a wet track, Verstappen outduelled both Mercedes to triumph as Russell was struck by a technical issue.

After a 40-minute delay due to a downpour, the formation lap began, with Isack Hadjar having a trip through the gravel as the whole field warmed up intermediate tyres. Several cars, including front-row starters Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, suffered software glitches that rendered throttle input ineffective. The red flag was waved, which delayed the race by a further 53 minutes.

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