Verstappen Takes First 2026 Win as Hamilton Recovers From 18th to Podium

Max Verstappen clinched his first Formula 1 victory of the 2026 season on Sunday, winning a chaotic, rain-hit Bahrain Grand Prix at Malaysia's Sepang International Circuit.

The Red Bull driver converted pole position into victory after a race disrupted by heavy rain, a delayed start, changing track conditions and multiple Safety Car interventions. Verstappen completed 55 laps in 1:47:14.808, finishing 2.307 seconds ahead of championship leader Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes.

Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton produced a remarkable recovery to finish third, 4.919 seconds behind Verstappen, after an early tyre gamble dropped him as low as 18th. Charles Leclerc finished fourth, followed by Verstappen's Red Bull teammate Isack Hadjar and McLaren's Oscar Piastri.

The race was delayed by more than 90 minutes after torrential rain swept across Sepang shortly before the scheduled start. Several cars also encountered problems during the formation lap, with Hamilton reporting a throttle issue and Verstappen complaining of acceleration problems. The race eventually got under way in slippery conditions with drivers split between intermediate and slick tyres.

Verstappen initially lost the lead to the Mercedes pair of Antonelli and George Russell but recovered to move back ahead as the track evolved. A Safety Car triggered by Valtteri Bottas' spin further reshaped the race.

Russell appeared set for a podium before suffering a power-unit failure with five laps remaining, forcing his retirement and dealing a blow to his championship hopes. Antonelli's second-place finish consequently extended his advantage over Russell to 84 points.

The result also marked Red Bull's first win of the season and the maiden Formula 1 victory for Red Bull Ford Powertrains. Verstappen's triumph came at Sepang, where he also won the last Malaysian Grand Prix in 2017.

The Bahrain Grand Prix was staged in Malaysia this year because of the conflict in the Middle East. The event marked Formula 1's return to Sepang after nine years.