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Max Verstappen · Dutch Grand Prix, Zandvoort 2024

Verstappen delivers maiden F1 win for Red Bull Ford Powertrains at Sepang

Archive photograph: Max Verstappen · Dutch Grand Prix, Zandvoort 2024 · 2024-08-25Archive photo · 2024-08-25 · Steffen Prößdorf · CC BY-SA 4.0

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. Verstappen recovered after Antonelli and George Russell passed him at the start.

From the GPBeat newsroomPublished · · 1 min

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
  1. SOURCEMax Verstappen takes historic Bahrain victory as George Russell title hopes extinguishedRacingNews365 English
  2. PRIMARY SOURCEVerstappen ‘incredibly proud’ after historic Bahrain GP winFormula 1
  3. PRIMARY SOURCEF1 – Verstappen wins dramatic Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia ahead of Antonelli and HamiltonFIA news and transcripts
  4. PRIMARY SOURCEVerstappen wins Bahrain GP in Malaysia as Russell retiresFormula 1