Max Verstappen claimed his first victory of the 2026 Formula 1 season in a rain-disrupted Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang, beating Kimi Antonelli after a race shaped by delays, changing conditions, Safety Cars and late retirements.
The start was delayed by severe weather, and the opening procedure was suspended after several drivers, including Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, suffered power issues on the formation lap.
When the race finally began, Antonelli launched into the lead ahead of George Russell, while Verstappen dropped to third. Ferrari endured a difficult start, with Hamilton falling to 15th and Charles Leclerc suffering front-wing damage after contact with Nico Hulkenberg.
Antonelli Leads, Verstappen Responds
Verstappen recovered quickly and passed Russell for second on lap six before attacking Antonelli two laps later.
He briefly took the lead, but Antonelli immediately fought back.
Their duel was interrupted when Valtteri Bottas crashed, bringing out the Safety Car. Mercedes switched
Antonelli and Russell onto mediums, while Verstappen took soft tyres.
At the lap-13 restart, Verstappen passed Antonelli at Turn 3 and moved into the lead. Russell also cleared his teammate shortly afterwards.
Antonelli Recovers Before an Off-Track Moment
Verstappen began building a gap, while Antonelli told Mercedes he had more pace than Russell.
On lap 21, Antonelli passed his team-mate for second and began closing on Verstappen.
His challenge was compromised when he lost grip, ran onto the grass and struck a bollard. The mistake allowed Verstappen to stretch the gap again.
Behind them, Hamilton steadily recovered from his poor start, moving back into the points as the circuit dried.
Strategy Shifts as Rain Threat Returns
With further rain forecast, teams split their strategies.
Hamilton made his first stop on lap 32 and switched to mediums, while Verstappen stopped two laps later for another set of soft tyres.
Antonelli also returned to softs and remained second, around 11 seconds behind the Red Bull.
The race changed again on lap 43 when Alex Albon stopped with a gearbox problem, triggering a Virtual Safety Car.
Verstappen immediately pitted for fresh tyres, while Antonelli stayed out and briefly inherited the lead.
Further stops followed, and Verstappen returned to first place once the order settled.
Russell Retires Before Late Restart
The Virtual Safety Car became a full Safety Car when Albon’s car required recovery equipment.
During the neutralisation, Russell stopped with a suspected power-unit issue and retired from the race.
His retirement promoted Isack Hadjar to third and left Antonelli as Mercedes’ only remaining podium contender.
Racing resumed on lap 52.
Verstappen controlled the restart and quickly opened a small advantage over Antonelli.
Hamilton then closed on Hadjar and passed him on the final straight to take third place. Leclerc followed through one lap later to move into fourth.
Verstappen Takes First Win of 2026
Verstappen managed the final laps cleanly and crossed the line 1.5 seconds ahead of Antonelli.
Hamilton completed the podium after recovering from 15th on the opening lap, finishing 2.3 seconds behind Antonelli.
The race repeatedly changed shape through weather, tyre strategy and neutralisations, but Verstappen adapted best to each phase.
After losing the lead at the start, he recovered through pace, timing and decisive restarts to secure his first victory of the 2026 season.
Watch the 2026 Bahrain GP Race Highlights here.
