From Road & Track · Victoria Beaver · · 1m
Verstappen Wins Rain-Delayed Bahrain GP
Verstappen secures 2026 season opener after chaotic rain delay at Sepang.
In brief
Verstappen secures 2026 season opener after chaotic rain delay at Sepang. Verstappen wins 2026 Bahrain GP after 40-minute delay and 53-minute red flag, marking his 11th consecutive season win. Originally reported by Road & Track.
Race Delayed
The race was delayed 40 minutes before start and red-flagged for 53 minutes due to weather-related software glitches.
Verstappen Starts Behind
Verstappen lost the lead on opening lap to Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli and George Russell.
Intermediate Tires
Nine drivers skipped wets and moved to intermediate tires, including Red Bulls of Isack Hadjar and Verstappen.
Bottas Spins
Valtteri Bottas's Cadillac spun out, allowing nine drivers to safely switch to slicks.
Verstappen Regains Lead
Verstappen made it back to second by lap six and battled for the lead two laps later.
Russell Retires
Russell retired with apparent PU failure, losing 18 points instead of three to Antonelli.
Championship Impact
Antonelli leads Russell by 84 points, with Russell needing three wins to avoid being overtaken in final four races.
What it means
Verstappen wins 2026 Bahrain GP after 40-minute delay and 53-minute red flag, marking his 11th consecutive season win.
