2026 Bahrain GP in Malaysia: Verstappen Wins, Antonelli Extends Lead, Hamilton Recovers

The 2026 Bahrain GP is trending across India after an unusually chaotic race held at Sepang, Malaysia, on 4 October 2026. Google Trends data from the same date shows a roughly 500% increase in ‘formula 1’ searches across India, reflecting public interest rather than race attendance. Readers searching for results, why the venue changed, and how the outcome reshaped the championship will find a clear picture here.

Why the race was held in Malaysia

Bahrain’s usual circuit was unavailable due to unrest in the Middle East, so the race was staged at Malaysia’s Sepang International Circuit, funded by Bahrain. This marked the first Bahrain GP held at Sepang since 2017. source

Race‑day chaos: rain, formation‑lap glitch and a delayed start

A heavy tropical downpour forced a 90‑minute delay. When formation laps began behind the safety car, a software issue left several cars crawling at low speed. The FIA issued an update removing energy‑limit constraints before the restart, allowing the field to sort itself out. source

Verstappen’s dominant win and the Red Bull Ford milestone

Max Verstappen drove from the front to take his and Red Bull’s first victory of the 2026 season, also the first ever win for a Red Bull‑Ford power unit. His performance earned him the driver‑of‑the‑day award. source

Hamilton’s recovery from the back of the grid

Lewis Hamilton started 17th after choosing soft‑slick tyres on a still‑wet track, losing nearly a minute to the leaders. He remained out during the safety car and, after the restart, climbed through the field on soft tyres to pass Isack Hadjar in the closing laps and secure third place. source

Championship impact: Antonelli’s lead over Russell grows

Kimi Antonelli finished second, extending his advantage over teammate George Russell to 84 points after Russell retired with a power‑unit failure five laps from the end. With either six or seven races left, Antonelli’s margin is now the biggest factor in the title fight. source

What comes next

The season continues with a triple‑header beginning in Azerbaijan, followed by a night race in Singapore. Indian fans tracking the championship will watch how the remaining races shape the battle for the 2026 drivers’ title.