# Bahrain GP Winners and Losers

> Max Verstappen wins with Red Bull Ford Powertrains' first victory.
- Title: Bahrain GP Winners and Losers · Motorsport | Shortify
- Summary: Max Verstappen wins with Red Bull Ford Powertrains' first victory. Max Verstappen secured his 72nd F1 win and Red Bull Ford Powertrains' first victory in…
- Keywords: ferrari, max verstappen, red bull racing, mercedes, lewis hamilton, racing bulls, aston martin, bahrain gp, malaysia, power unit, september 2026, Bahrain
- Source: Motorsport — https://motorsport.com/f1/news/winners-and-losers-from-f1s-bug-ridden-bahrain-gp-in-malaysia/10862027
- Author: Filip Cleeren
- Published: 2026-10-04T15:04:58+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: ferrari, max verstappen, red bull racing, mercedes, lewis hamilton, racing bulls, aston martin, f1, bahrain gp, malaysia, power unit, september 2026
## Bahrain GP in Malaysia
Formula 1 held its one-off event in Sepang on October 4, 2026, with significant logistical issues affecting spectators.
## Wet Weather Challenges
The season's first wet-weather race faced software issues and changing weather conditions, with a safety car interrupting the race.
## Max Verstappen Wins
Max Verstappen secured his 72nd F1 win with Red Bull Racing, overcoming software issues and wet weather to end a winless season.
## Red Bull Ford Powertrains
Red Bull Ford Powertrains achieved its first victory with Verstappen's win, marking a milestone for the power unit manufacturer.
## Mercedes Disappointment
Mercedes' upgraded W17 underperformed in Malaysia due to rough tarmac and increased drag, with George Russell's engine failing.
## Lewis Hamilton's Race
Hamilton struggled with slicks on a wet track but recovered to finish on the podium after a safety car reset.
## McLaren Regression
McLaren's pace vanished on Malaysia's circuit, with Lando Norris dropping due to power unit issues and slow drying conditions.
## Racing Bulls Success
Liam Lawson secured a strong finish for Racing Bulls despite engine penalties, with Arvid Lindblad scoring a point.
## Audi's Struggles
Audi's Hulkenberg was overtaken by Lindblad on the final lap, with a safety car disrupting his timing.
## Aston Martin Points
Fernando Alonso scored points for Aston Martin after a balanced chassis performance in Malaysia, despite a mid-race safety car.
## Next Race Preview
Alonso expressed confidence in Singapore's circuit, calling it better than Malaysia for upcoming races.
## Event Outcome
The Malaysia race highlighted Red Bull's progress with Mercedes struggling, while Hamilton and Aston Martin secured points.
## What Happens Next
Mercedes and McLaren face Singapore Grand Prix to assess their performance after Malaysia's challenges.
## Key takeaway

Max Verstappen secured his 72nd F1 win and Red Bull Ford Powertrains' first victory in Malaysia after overcoming software issues and wet weather.