Archive · 4 Oct 2026
Verstappen Wins Chaotic Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia
Max Verstappen won the Bahrain Grand Prix, which was held in Malaysia.
It was his first win of the 2026 season and his 72nd career victory.
Kimi Antonelli came second, and Lewis Hamilton finished third after working his way back up the field.
George Russell had to stop his car with five laps left.
Mercedes said it appeared Russell had a power-unit problem.
His retirement helped Antonelli extend his lead in the championship standings to 84 points, according to the reports.
Heavy rain delayed the race by about 90 minutes, and apparent software problems caused another hold-up.
The race was moved to Sepang because of the Iran war.
Max Verstappen won the Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang, earning his first victory of the 2026 season and his 72nd career win.
Kimi Antonelli finished second, while Lewis Hamilton recovered to take third and Charles Leclerc finished fourth.
George Russell retired with five laps remaining after an apparent power-unit problem, increasing Antonelli’s reported championship lead to 84 points.
Heavy rain delayed the start by about 90 minutes; apparent software problems also caused a hold on the formation lap.
The race was relocated to Malaysia because of the Iran war, making Sepang the venue for Formula 1’s first event there since 2017.
- Who
- Max Verstappen won; Kimi Antonelli finished second, Lewis Hamilton third, and George Russell retired.
- What
- Verstappen won the Bahrain Grand Prix for his first victory of the 2026 season.
- When
- Sunday, October 4, 2026, according to one report.
- Where
- Sepang International Circuit, Malaysia.
- Why
- The race was relocated to Malaysia because of the Iran war; Russell retired after an apparent power-unit problem.
Verstappen's victory
Antonelli's championship gain
Race outcome
Verstappen's victory
Verstappen won after recovering from losing places at the start and retaking the lead after a safety-car restart.
Antonelli's championship gain
Antonelli finished second and extended his standings advantage over teammate Russell after Russell retired.
- Winner
- Max Verstappen, Red Bull
- Victory
- First of the 2026 season; 72nd career win
- Top three
- Verstappen, Kimi Antonelli, Lewis Hamilton
- Winning margin
- 2.307 seconds over Antonelli
- Russell retirement
- Retired with five laps remaining; reports attributed it to an apparent power-unit issue
- Championship gap
- Antonelli's lead over Russell was reported as 84 points after the race
- Delay
- Start delayed by about 90 minutes because of heavy rain, with an additional hold after apparent software problems
- Venue and relocation
- Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia; event relocated because of the Iran war
