Red Bull’s Verstappen wins rain-delayed Bahrain GP F1 race in Sepang

Championship leader Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes and Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton finish second and third.Published On 4 Oct 20264 Oct 2026Red Bull’s Max Verstappen has finally won his first race of the season amid chaotic scenes at the Bahrain Grand Prix, which was held in Malaysia an hour and 40 minutes late due to heavy rainfall.Verstappen gained the lead after an early safety car and led home the Mercedes of championship leader Kimi Antonelli and the Ferrari of Lewis Hamilton at the Sepang International Circuit on Sunday.But there was agony for George Russell, who had to retire from third place in the second Mercedes with five laps to go when his power unit appeared to fail under a late safety car.Red Bull Racing’s Verstappen, Mercedes’ Antonelli and Mercedes’ George Russell, left, on the track [Lillian Suwanrumpha/AFP]Verstappen was the last driver to win in Sepang in 2017 before it was taken off the calendar and the Dutchman, who had also taken pole, gave Red ‌‌Bull a huge boost despite an early setback when he lost the lead before turn one.An eventual standing start saw four-time world champion Verstappen start from pole for the first time this season after dominating practice and...