Bahrain Grand Prix sees Verstappen claim first win of the season
Max Verstappen secured his first win of the season at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, capitalising on rain and a late retirement, which reshaped the race dynamics. Red Bull also celebrated their first victory with their own power unit, ending a 10-month wait, reports BritPanorama.
The race began with a 90-minute delay due to rainfall. Verstappen and teammate chose intermediate tyres, while Lewis Hamilton’s choice of slicks left him nearly a minute behind at the start. The early deployment of the Safety Car led to a switch to slicks, allowing Verstappen to take the lead after passing Kimi Antonelli at the restart.
Reflecting on his performance, Verstappen noted the chaotic start, stating, “It was very hectic with a lot of different things at the start – no power [on the first formation lap in the rain] because you have to wait for the power to kick in. We made the right call with the intermediates. After that, step by step we moved our way forward.”
Antonelli finished in second place after his Mercedes teammate George Russell retired due to a suspected engine problem with just five laps to go. This result extended Antonelli’s championship lead over Russell to 84 points. The Italian acknowledged their team’s difficulties, stating, “On our side, a lot of work to do. We have been struggling more than usual but I’m still happy to come away with P2.”
Hamilton, who recovered from an early setback, managed to secure third after passing Isack Hadjar late in the race. He reflected on his challenges, saying, “Obviously we had the wrong call at the beginning, which was so difficult. I could see everyone pulling away… and I thought that was kind of race over for us.”
The race concluded with a second Safety Car deployment triggered by Alex Albon’s retirement, setting the stage for a four-lap sprint finish. While the day’s focus was on Verstappen’s return to victory, the championship narrative continues to revolve around Antonelli’s grip on the title as the season unfolds.
As the dust settles on this chaotic yet thrilling race, it serves as a reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in Formula 1, reflecting the blend of skill, strategy, and sometimes sheer luck that defines the sport.
