From Autosport · Ben Vinel · · 2m
Verstappen Wins F1 Bahrain GP After Chaos
Max Verstappen clinches first 2026 win as Russell retires late in Malaysia GP.
In brief
Max Verstappen clinches first 2026 win as Russell retires late in Malaysia GP. Max Verstappen won the 2026 F1 Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia after a chaotic race with rain, software issues, and multiple retirements, securing his first victory of the season. Originally reported by Autosport.
Race Delayed by Rain
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.
Software Glitches Wreak Havoc
After a 40-minute delay due to a downpour, the formation lap began with software glitches rendering throttle input ineffective for several cars, including front-row starters Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton.
Red Flag Delays Race
The red flag was waved, delaying the race by a further 53 minutes as cars struggled with software issues and intermediate tyres.
Race Begins with Chaos
Only nine cars opted for intermediate tyres, including Verstappen, Kimi Antonelli, Russell, and Hadjar, while others like Hamilton and Leclerc went for slicks.
Verstappen Outduels Mercedes
Verstappen passed Russell for second place in Turn 4 on lap six, with the top three drivers within three seconds while fourth-placed Lawson was 10 seconds down.
Antonelli Leads After Restart
Antonelli led from Verstappen, Russell, Hadjar, Lawson, Ocon, Lindblad, Sainz, Bortoleto and Piastri with a variety of slick tyre compounds out on track.
Bottas Causes Safety Car
Bottas lost control in Turn 13 on lap nine and ended up benched in the gravel, causing a safety car period that was perfect timing for inter-shod runners to switch to slicks.
Verstappen Cedes Lead
As Verstappen pulled away from the Silver Arrows by over three seconds, Antonelli went wide at the last corner but retained the lead.
Antonelli Collides with Bollard
Antonelli went wide at the last corner and hit the pit entry bollard on lap 24, losing another two seconds to Verstappen, with the gap up to 7.5 seconds.
Russell Retires Late
Russell stopped trackside with a technical issue and retired, while Norris was surprised by cars slowing down ahead and had a trip through the gravel and fell to 11th.
Verstappen Triumphs
Verstappen mastered the restart; he never was at threat from Antonelli and triumphed, securing his first victory of the 2026 season.
At a glance
Max Verstappen won the 2026 F1 Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia after a chaotic race with rain, software issues, and multiple retirements, securing his first victory of the season.
