Verstappen takes first win of 2026 at rain-disrupted Sepang race

Max Verstappen earned his first Formula 1 victory of 2026 on October 4, winning the Bahrain Grand Prix held at Sepang in Malaysia ahead of Kimi Antonelli and Lewis Hamilton.

Heavy rain delayed the start, and technical problems on the formation laps caused another interruption before racing began. Verstappen lost ground at the standing start as the Mercedes drivers moved ahead, then worked back through the leading positions.

The Red Bull driver passed Antonelli after a safety-car restart on lap 13. He protected the lead through subsequent stops and another late safety-car period to finish 2.307 seconds ahead of the Mercedes.

George Russell retired while running near the front late in the race. Hamilton took third for Ferrari, with teammate Charles Leclerc fourth and Red Bull’s Isack Hadjar fifth.

The result was Verstappen’s 72nd career Grand Prix win, according to the race report and classification published by his official website. The site also recorded the victory as his second at Sepang.