Max Verstappen returned to winning ways in Formula 1 by taking victory at the Bahrain Grand Prix, a race disrupted by rain, chaos on track and safety car interventions. In a weekend full of sharp twists, Kimi Antonelli finished second and made significant gains in the title race, while George Russell was let down by a car problem.
Delayed race and uneven rhythm at Sepang
The Bahrain Grand Prix was held unusually at Sepang in Malaysia, in difficult weather conditions that forced the start to be delayed. The race ran over 55 laps and was heavily shaped by rain and safety car periods.
In this unstable scenario, managing the pace and reacting in key moments made more of a difference than in a straightforward race without incidents.
Verstappen lost the lead at the start, but quickly took it back
The Red Bull driver started from pole position but did not make a clean getaway. The two Mercedes cars, driven by Kimi Antonelli and George Russell, immediately passed him, with Antonelli taking first place in the opening laps.
However, Verstappen responded quickly. After battling with Russell, the Dutchman reclaimed the lead and then kept the race under control, sealing his first victory of the 2026 season.
Antonelli finishes second and strengthens his championship lead
Second place went to Kimi Antonelli, a result carrying major weight in the overall standings. With this result, he strengthens his position at the top and moves even closer to a first world title.
The importance of that finish increased even further because George Russell was unable to make it to the end. The British driver retired with a car problem, losing important points at a delicate stage of the season.
Hamilton climbs onto the podium, Leclerc passes Hadjar
Lewis Hamilton produced a strong comeback during the race. His Ferrari lost ground early on after the tyre choice, but the Briton gradually recovered positions.
In the closing stages, Hamilton overtook Isack Hadjar and climbed onto the podium. Charles Leclerc also passed the Frenchman, in a late sequence that significantly changed the order behind the front-runners.
Verstappen’s victory confirms Red Bull’s response after taking pole position a day earlier, while the championship takes another turn in Antonelli’s favour.
If pace and technical reliability continue to carry this much weight, the title battle could be decided as much by the cars as by the drivers.