Formula 1, Verstappen wins in Sepang

Max Verstappen wins the Bahrain Grand Prix in Sepang, a race that unfolded chaotically from the start; the start was postponed by an hour and a half, first because of a heavy downpour and then because of engine software problems that affected several cars (Verstappen’s and the two Ferraris) during the laps behind the safety car in the initial start attempt.

On the podium, alongside the Dutch world champion, who secured his first victory of 2026 (and the 72nd of his career) after having taken the first pole position of the season, were also Kimi Antonelli and Lewis Hamilton.

Hamilton overtook Isack Hadjar with two laps remaining, after Hadjar had just taken third place from George Russell, who was forced to retire during the safety car period, five laps before the finish.

Ferrari’s chances of victory were compromised from the start: both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc started the race on soft tyres on a track that was still wet, initially dropping to the back of the field.

After a disastrous start from the outside of the front row, Hamilton managed to fight back and climb onto the podium, while Leclerc — at the end of a race neutralised twice by the Safety Car (because of incidents involving Bottas and Albon) — finished fourth, ahead of Hadjar.

Oscar Piastri rounded out the top five in his McLaren, ahead of Liam Lawson and Fernando Alonso, who finally scored points for Aston Martin. Lando Norris and Arvid Lindblad took the last remaining points on offer.