Max Verstappen secures first 2026 victory at Bahrain Grand Prix
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 5, 2026, 6:50 AM
Last updated Oct 5, 2026
Max Verstappen claimed his first victory of the 2026 Formula 1 season at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Sepang, Malaysia, on October 5. Despite starting from pole position, Verstappen lost initially to Mercedes drivers Kimi Antonelli and George Russell but regained the lead amidst challenging weather conditions. This win marked Verstappen's 72nd career Formula 1 victory and demonstrated his ability to excel even when Red Bull is not the dominant team. With four non-finishes this season, the victory elevates Verstappen in a year where he has faced significant challenges. The result does not significantly impact the championship standings, as Antonelli retains a substantial points lead.
- •Verstappen won his 72nd career Formula 1 race.
- •The race started with a delay due to heavy rain.
- •He overcame early setbacks to regain the lead.
- •Red Bull currently sits fourth in the constructors’ championship.
- •Antonelli maintains an 84-point lead in the driver standings.
- 6:50 AMYahoo Sports — Max Verstappen Finally Wins — and Reminds Everyone Why He’s Great
"SEPANG, Malaysia — Max Verstappen finally returned to the top step of the Formula 1 podium Sunday. After a frustrating 2026 season, Verstappen delivered exactly the kind of drive that has made him one of the sport’s greatest drivers. The Wait Is Finally Over Verstappen entered the Bahrain Grand Prix without a victory in 2026.…
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