Verstappen wins rain-delayed Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia

Max Verstappen won the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang on Sunday, recovering from a slow start to beat Kimi Antonelli and Lewis Hamilton in a race delayed by heavy rain and technical problems during the formation sequence. It was Verstappen’s first victory of the season. Antonelli finished second, with Hamilton third after climbing back through the field from a difficult start on slick tyres. The race was held in Malaysia after the Bahrain round was relocated. Heavy rain pushed back the scheduled start, and procedures were suspended again when several cars struggled during the formation sequence. Verstappen and Hamilton were among those reported to have trouble responding to throttle input. The cars returned to the pit lane, and the race eventually began after a delay of more than 90 minutes. The supplied accounts describe software-related problems, but do not establish an independently confirmed technical cause. At the eventual start, Mercedes drivers Antonelli and George Russell passed polesitter Verstappen, while Hamilton lost ground after beginning on slick tyres as the track remained wet. The changing conditions reshaped the order.