Verstappen vs. Antonelli: Bahrain GP Underway After Long Malaysia Delay
Max Verstappen was leading Kimi Antonelli at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia on Sunday, Oct. 4, as a heavily delayed race finally got underway at Sepang International Circuit.
The opening of the relocated Formula 1 event was disrupted by heavy rain and a series of early technical issues, setting up an unpredictable battle at the front as the race unfolded.
Bahrain GP Delayed More Than 40 Minutes
The race was originally scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. local time at Sepang International Circuit, but torrential rain left significant standing water on the track. The FIA’s medical car reported that conditions were not suitable for racing, forcing the start to be delayed.
When the formation procedure eventually began, the difficult conditions created another setback. Verstappen reported that he could not accelerate, while Lewis Hamilton subsequently stopped with a throttle-related problem. Ferrari said Hamilton’s issue was connected to software. The starting procedure was suspended and the original grid order was ultimately restored.
Hamilton summed up the conditions over team radio by saying, “I am pressing the throttle and nothing is happening.”
Verstappen Recovers After Antonelli’s Strong Start
Once racing finally got underway, Antonelli initially made the most of the conditions. He led Russell and Verstappen during the opening laps, while the Red Bull driver worked his way forward.
Verstappen moved into second on Lap 6 before closing rapidly on Antonelli. He eventually passed the Mercedes driver and established control at the front. Antonelli later regained second after passing Russell on Lap 21, but Verstappen continued to extend his advantage.
By Lap 34, Verstappen and Antonelli had both made another pit stop for soft tires, while Russell had also stopped. Verstappen’s lead over Antonelli was the key gap at the front, with the changing tire strategy still capable of influencing the closing stages.
Why Is the Bahrain GP Being Held in Malaysia?
This year’s Bahrain Grand Prix is taking place at Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia rather than Bahrain, after Formula 1 relocated the race amid security concerns in the Middle East.
The unusual relocation has created an equally unusual setting for the Bahrain round: a race carrying Bahrain’s name but taking place nearly 6,000 kilometers away at Malaysia’s Sepang circuit.
The wet conditions added another challenge to Sunday’s race, with the 2026 cars facing their first wet-weather test of the season. Heavy rain at Sepang forced a lengthy delay before the field could finally get racing underway.
What Happens Next
With the race still underway, Verstappen was attempting to convert his first pole position of the 2026 season into a victory. Antonelli, remained firmly in contention for valuable championship points.
Verstappen started from pole after setting the fastest qualifying time, while Hamilton originally qualified second and Antonelli fourth before penalties reshaped the final grid.
The latest official Formula 1 results had yet to show a completed classification, so Verstappen’s position should be treated as provisional until the race finishes and the final results are confirmed.
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