Verstappen finally wins in 2026 after a completely chaotic Sepang race

Saturday’s pole became Max Verstappen’s first victory of the season. After more than 90 minutes of delay because of rain and an aborted start, the Dutchman wins 2.307 seconds ahead of Kimi Antonelli, with Lewis Hamilton third. It is also Red Bull’s first victory of 2026.

The race was anything but controlled from lights to flag. Antonelli and Russell took the first two places when the race finally got going before Verstappen worked his way back. After the first Safety Car, he attacked Antonelli around the outside of Turn 1 to take the lead for good.

The final Safety Car bunched the field once more, but Verstappen nailed the restart and stayed in front to the flag. After a difficult start to the season, Sepang mainly confirms the RB22’s recent progress in conditions where energy management, tyres and grip were especially complex.