Max Verstappen wins chaotic F1 Bahrain GP in Malaysia after rain causes farcical scenes

Max Verstappen won a chaotic F1 Bahrain Grand Prix held in Malaysia, marking his first win of the season. The race saw significant drama, including the retirement of George Russell and a strong podium finish for Lewis Hamilton.
Why it matters
Formula One is a premier global sport, and race outcomes significantly impact the championship standings and team dynamics.
Victory in the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia for Max Verstappen was surely as sweet as any he may have tasted, the Dutchman on top after what was an extraordinarily dramatic and, indeed, chaotic afternoon at the Sepang circuit. But in a race which had opened in an embarrassing farce for Formula One, it held in contrast only bitter disappointment for George Russell, whose retirement has left his title hopes shattered and his Mercedes team-mate Kimi Antonelli within touching distance of the championship.
It is nine years since Malaysia hosted a grand prix and, standing in this weekend for the cancelled meeting in Bahrain, the much-loved circuit proved to be the grand stage to showcase a dominant drive for Verstappen and Red Bull, his and the team’s first win of the season, beating Antonelli into second.
Also covering this story
20 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
F1 Bahrain GP in Malaysia: Verstappen wins chaotic race from Antonelli as Russell retires late on
Why is F1 Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia Sunday? How Country Switch Affects Race
Formula 1 race in Malaysia starts late
‘It’s happening in Malaysia’: Bahrain GP switch surprised race chief
F1 Bahrain GP in Malaysia: Verstappen dominates for first pole of 2026 from Hamilton - Autosport
Bahrain circuit chief recalls surprise call that moved race to Sepang
Lawson fails to make top 10, Verstappen takes pole in Malaysia
Bahrain GP in Malaysia 2026: Verstappen on pole ahead of Hamilton
Verstappen takes first 2026 pole ahead of Hamilton
Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia LIVE: Practice Three & Qualifying
Sepang deluge puts Bahrain Grand Prix on hold minutes before lights out
F1 Bahrain GP in Malaysia: Kimi Antonelli recovers from tough Friday to top FP3
Formula 1: Liam Lawson to start 11th in Malaysia as Racing Bulls’ teamwork falls short
LIVE: Reaction as Verstappen wins chaotic Bahrain GP in Malaysia, Russell retires
Bahrain GP in Malaysia: Max Verstappen beats Lewis Hamilton to pole position to claim first Red Bull pole of 2026 Formula 1 season
Live updates: Formula 1 in Bahrain/Malaysia: Who can stop Max Verstappen?
Verstappen ends pole wait at Bahrain GP in Malaysia but Russell risks losing more ground
Start of Malaysian F1 race delayed by huge downpour
Verstappen wins rain-delayed Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia
Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton go viral after "wholesome" Sepang F1 moment
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in