Red Bull’s Verstappen wins rain-delayed Bahrain GP F1 race in Sepang

Max Verstappen claimed victory at the Bahrain Grand Prix after the race was delayed by one hour and 40 minutes because of heavy rain. The event was staged at Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia rather than its usual Bahrain venue; the relocation was attributed in reporting to disruptions linked to the United States-Israel war on Iran. Verstappen, who had taken pole in qualifying, recovered from an early setback in wet conditions to lead following a safety-car interruption and went on to win.

Verstappen initially lost positions off the line when the race began on intermediate tyres, slipping behind the two Mercedes drivers Kimi Antonelli and George Russell in the opening laps. A safety car was deployed when Valtteri Bottas spun into the gravel on lap nine; with the track drying quickly, the majority of the field switched to slick tyres. When racing resumed, Verstappen overtook Antonelli and Russell and built a margin he maintained to the finish.

Antonelli finished second to preserve his lead in the drivers’ championship, while Lewis Hamilton produced a recovery drive to take the final podium spot for Ferrari after starting on dry tyres and losing places in the wet start. Charles Leclerc came home fourth and Red Bull’s Isack Hadjar completed the top five. The race ended in disappointment for George Russell, who was forced to retire from third place with five laps remaining due to what appeared to be a power-unit failure under a late safety car.

Verstappen’s victory is notable in Sepang, a circuit where he was previously the last winner in 2017 before the venue left the F1 calendar. Formula One’s next round is scheduled to be the Singapore Grand Prix the following weekend, featuring a night race and a sprint format.