F1: Lawson claims seventh after flying start as Verstappen wins in Malaysia
Max Verstappen secured his first Formula 1 win of the 2026 season at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia following a late retirement by George Russell. Meanwhile, Liam Lawson finished seventh after a strong start in wet conditions.
Why it matters
The race result significantly impacts the 2026 F1 championship standings, particularly the lead held by Kimi Antonelli.
<p>Liam Lawson has claimed seventh place after a flying start to a dramatic Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia.</p> <p>The Kiwi <a href="https://www.1news.co.nz/2026/10/04/lawson-fails-to-make-top-10-verstappen-takes-pole-in-malaysia/" target="_blank">started 11th on the grid</a> but surged to fourth on the opening lap as Racing Bulls' decision to start him on intermediate tyres paid off in the wet conditions.</p> <p>Lawson later dropped back as the track dried and the faster cars worked their way through the field.</p> <p>He eventually crossed the line seventh to secure another six championship points and his 11th points finish of the season.</p> <p>“I’m happy with seventh,” Lawson said after the race. "I was thinking we deserved more, and then we got lucky at the end with a couple of guys not finishing.</p> <p>“[I’m] very happy.
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22 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
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