Motorsport: Max shines again in Sepang by winning Formula One Bahrain GP

SEPANG INTERNATIONAL CIRCUIT, 4 OCTOBER 2026 —

SEPANG: Red Bull driver Max Verstappen claimed his first victory of the season by winning the Formula One Bahrain Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia on Sunday, October 4, securing back-to-back wins at the venue.

The result marks a significant milestone for Verstappen, who had not won a race earlier in the current season. His victory at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) was particularly notable given the challenging conditions that defined the event. The race was delayed by a heavy downpour that began 30 minutes before the scheduled 3.00pm start time and persisted for the next hour, forcing organizers to postpone the proceedings.

This delay added an element of unpredictability to a race that was already poised to be a test of strategy and car management.

The start of the race was marred by immediate incidents, with Red Bull teammate Isack Hadjar sliding off into the gravel during the formation lap behind the safety car. Hadjar managed to recover and return to the track, but the incident highlighted the treacherous state of the circuit. Most cars opted for intermediate tyres for the start, but a significant number of drivers chose to brave the conditions with slick tyres.

This decision proved challenging, as the slicks required time to warm up and generate sufficient grip on the damp surface.

Verstappen, who started from pole position on slick tyres, initially found himself behind the Mercedes duo. The race start demonstrated that intermediate tyres were the superior choice in the wet conditions, allowing Kimi Antonelli and his Mercedes teammate George Russell to jump to the front of the pack ahead of the pole sitter. However, Verstappen’s pace on the slicks allowed him to mount a rapid challenge.

On lap five, he overtook Russell to move into second place, and by lap 13, he had passed Antonelli to take the lead of the race.

Once in command, Verstappen established a dominant position, building a lead of more than 10 seconds over Antonelli for the majority of the race. The Dutchman maintained his grip on the lead despite a late-race disruption. With 11 laps remaining in the 55-lap event, Williams driver Alexander Albon parked his car at the side of the track due to a gearbox issue.

This incident triggered a virtual safety car for one lap, followed by the deployment of a full safety car. The field bunched up behind the safety car as backmarkers were unlapped while marshals worked to move Albon’s car to the side road.

The safety car period proved decisive for the final classification. Before the restart, George Russell’s race ended prematurely when a power unit issue forced him to pull over after the pit exit. The race finally resumed with just four laps to go. Verstappen maintained his lead, with Antonelli staying close behind.

In the final stages, Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton provided a moment of celebration for the local fans by overtaking Isack Hadjar to secure third place with three laps remaining.

The final result saw Verstappen take the win, followed by Antonelli in second and Hamilton in third. The victory was a testament to Verstappen’s ability to manage tyre performance and race strategy under adverse conditions. The event underscored the volatility of Formula One racing in Malaysia, where weather can dramatically alter the competitive landscape.

The delay and subsequent wet start created a scenario where tyre choice became a critical factor, with those who started on slicks, like Verstappen, having to overcome an initial disadvantage to claim the lead.

The performance of the Mercedes team was notable, with Antonelli finishing second and Russell retiring due to mechanical failure. Hamilton’s late charge to take third place highlighted the competitive nature of the field, even in difficult conditions. The incident involving Albon’s gearbox failure and the subsequent safety car period added a layer of complexity to the race, affecting the final order and the opportunities for overtaking.

The race concluded with Verstappen extending his record at Sepang, a circuit where he has a strong historical performance.

The Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang serves as a key event in the Formula One calendar, drawing significant attention from regional and global audiences. The victory for Verstappen and Red Bull reinforces their competitive standing in the current season. The race also highlighted the importance of adaptability, as drivers and teams had to adjust their strategies in response to the changing weather conditions.

The presence of local fans and the specific challenges of the Sepang circuit made this race a unique event in the season.

The outcome of the race has implications for the championship standings, with Verstappen gaining crucial points in his first win of the year. The performance of the Mercedes and Ferrari teams also provides insights into their competitive form. The incident-free nature of the race for the top finishers, despite the early challenges, suggests a high level of car reliability and driver skill.

The race at Sepang will be remembered for its dramatic start, strategic tyre choices, and the decisive performance of Max Verstappen.

The event concluded with the official classification of the top three finishers, confirming Verstappen’s victory. The additional point for the fastest lap further solidified his dominance in the race. The delay caused by the rain and the subsequent safety car periods added to the narrative of the race, making it a memorable event for fans and participants alike.

The performance of the drivers in the wet conditions demonstrated the high level of skill required in Formula One racing. The race at Sepang remains a significant highlight of the season, showcasing the competitive spirit and technical excellence of the sport.

Related: Red Bull · Max Verstappen · Sepang International Circuit