The unusual Bahrain Grand Prix, relocated to Sepang for this season, delivered a highly unpredictable race as heavy rain disrupted the start and changing track conditions forced teams to make difficult tyre and strategy decisions. The race was delayed by more than 90 minutes before finally getting underway.

Starting from pole position, Verstappen managed the changing conditions and secured his first Formula 1 victory of the 2026 season. The Red Bull driver finished 2.307 seconds ahead of Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli, while Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton completed the podium 4.919 seconds behind the winner.

Hamilton produced one of the strongest recoveries of the race. A gamble on slick tyres during the early stages caused him to drop as low as 18th, but the seven-time world champion gradually fought his way back through the field to secure third place.

For Franco Colapinto, 13th place represented a solid recovery after starting from the back of the grid. The Alpine driver had received grid penalties following the previous round and for taking additional power-unit elements. He gained several positions during the race and finished 18.997 seconds behind Verstappen.

Charles Leclerc finished fourth, followed by Isack Hadjar, Oscar Piastri, Liam Lawson, Fernando Alonso, Lando Norris and Arvid Lindblad. George Russell, who had been running near the front, retired late in the race.

Verstappen’s victory gives Red Bull a major boost in a season largely dominated by Mercedes and championship leader Antonelli. Despite finishing second, Antonelli strengthened his position at the top of the standings as the title battle moves into its next phase.