Verstappen wins rain-hit Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia

Verstappen won the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia from pole position in a race shaped by heavy rain, a delayed start and changing track conditions. Reports said the event was also affected by technical or software problems, and the race ultimately ran more than three hours after its scheduled start time.

As the conditions evolved, drivers switched from intermediate tyres to slicks in a race that featured overtaking throughout and a late Safety Car intervention. Verstappen secured Red Bull’s first win of the season and the first victory for Red Bull Ford Powertrains.

Kimi Antonelli finished second for Mercedes, 2.307 seconds behind Verstappen after 55 laps at Sepang International Circuit, while Lewis Hamilton completed a recovery drive to take third for Ferrari. Charles Leclerc was fourth, and George Russell’s race ended in a late retirement.