Verstappen Wins Chaotic Bahrain GP as Russell DNF Leaves Mercedes 'Massively Annoyed'

Max Verstappen claimed his and Red Bull's first victory of the 2026 season at a dramatic Bahrain Grand Prix held in Malaysia, a race marked by unprecedented chaos from the very start. The event was delayed by an hour and a half due to dysfunctional software on a wet track, and the drama continued once racing got underway.

Verstappen, who started from pole position, endured a difficult getaway after suffering a temporary loss of power that caused him to drop back early on. Despite describing the opening phase as "very hectic," the four-time champion recovered to take a dominant win, his first of the year.

The result was bittersweet for Mercedes, as George Russell who had started from third was robbed of what appeared to be a certain podium by a late power unit failure. Team principal Toto Wolff did not hide his frustration, calling the Bahrain GP "one of my worst experiences" and admitting he was left "massively annoyed and not in a happy place." Teammate Kimi Antonelli had started from seventh and ending on second place. The retirement dealt a further blow to Russell's title hopes, according to reports.

A valiant drive from Lewis Hamilton who dropped to fight from the back following a decision to start on softs by Ferrari over Intermediates. Lewis ended the race on Podium with his teammate Charles Leclerc on fourth.

The updated Formula 1 championship standings and details of the next race on the calendar have also been published following the conclusion of the event.