Max Verstappen wins chaotic F1 Bahrain GP in Malaysia after rain causes farcical scenes

Max Verstappen won a chaotic Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia with a dominant drive for Red Bull, his team’s first win of the season, beating the Mercedes of Kimi Antonelli into second. The Italian’s team-mate and title rival George Russell was forced to retire with five laps to go, leaving the British driver’s title hopes shattered and Antonelli within touching distance of the championship.

Lewis Hamilton was third for Ferrari, making a remarkable comeback after a torrid afternoon, starting on the slick rubber tyres in the wet, which dropped him as far back as 17th, before reviving with a superb drive, including a late pass on Isack Hadjar, who finished fifth. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc was fourth after a race marked by farcical scenes before it was even under way. This season’s engine formula was found sorely wanting the first time it was tested in wet conditions.