Verstappen delivers maiden F1 win for Red Bull Ford Powertrains at Sepang
Max Verstappen gave Red Bull Ford Powertrains its first Formula 1 win in the supplier’s first year, beating Kimi Antonelli by 2.307 seconds at Sepang. GPBeat recounts how Verstappen recovered after Antonelli and George Russell passed him at the start.
Max Verstappen won the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia at Sepang, giving Red Bull Ford Powertrains its maiden Formula 1 victory in the power-unit supplier’s first year. It was Red Bull’s first victory of the 2026 season.
Verstappen finished 2.307 seconds ahead of Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli after 55 laps. Lewis Hamilton was third, 4.919 seconds behind the winner.
After starting from pole, Verstappen was passed by Antonelli and George Russell into Turn 1. He later retook the lead from Antonelli and controlled the closing stages.
After the race, Verstappen said he was proud of the team and described a first-year win with Red Bull’s own power unit as impressive. It was his 72nd career victory.
Sources 04
- SOURCEMax Verstappen takes historic Bahrain victory as George Russell title hopes extinguishedRacingNews365 English
- PRIMARY SOURCEVerstappen ‘incredibly proud’ after historic Bahrain GP winFormula 1
- PRIMARY SOURCEF1 – Verstappen wins dramatic Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia ahead of Antonelli and HamiltonFIA news and transcripts
- PRIMARY SOURCEVerstappen wins Bahrain GP in Malaysia as Russell retiresFormula 1
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Corrections and updates to this story
Vasseur: Ferrari’s tyre-choice assessment puts it near Verstappen, but race remains open
We have replaced the earlier technical analysis with a report limited to the FIA’s qualifying information and the attributed comments available for this update. Vasseur’s tyre comparison is presented as Ferrari’s assessment, not verified comparative performance data. We have also clarified that Hadjar’s third place was his qualifying result; his penalty puts him eighth on the grid.
Vasseur: Ferrari’s tyre assessment is close to Verstappen’s, but race remains open
We have updated the article to include Fred Vasseur’s relevant comments on Ferrari’s tyre assessment and the demands of the race. His comparison is attributed to him and identified as Ferrari’s view, not independently verified performance data. Hadjar’s qualifying position and post-penalty grid position remain clearly distinguished.
Verstappen credits Red Bull’s setup progress after Sepang pole
Updated to add Verstappen’s explanation of Red Bull’s improved pace and his qualified assessment of Mercedes. His comments are attributed to him; they are not presented as independently established causes or predictions.
Verstappen details Red Bull progress after Sepang pole
Updated the existing article with Verstappen’s more detailed comments on Red Bull’s setup work, the Baku upgrade and Mercedes’ qualifying form. His explanations remain attributed assessments, not independently established causes.
Verstappen flags Red Bull start concerns before Sepang race
Updated the article with Verstappen’s pre-race concerns about Red Bull’s starts and several smaller issues. He also stressed that a long race would follow the start.
Verstappen recovers from poor start to win in Malaysia
Updated the pre-race report to include the race outcome: Verstappen lost the lead at the start, recovered and won. His earlier concerns and his comments about Red Bull's progress remain attributed to him.
Verstappen recovers from difficult start to win at Sepang
The update clarifies that Verstappen fell behind both Mercedes drivers at the start before recovering to win, and adds his post-race account of a temporary loss of power. The race took place at Sepang in Malaysia; “Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia” is the event’s official name.
Verstappen delivers maiden F1 win for Red Bull Ford Powertrains at Sepang
Updated to add that Verstappen’s Sepang victory was Red Bull Ford Powertrains’ first Formula 1 win, achieved in its first year as a power-unit supplier, along with his post-race reaction. The race was held at Sepang in Malaysia under its official name, the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia.
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