Max Verstappen wins Bahrain Grand Prix, Kimi Antonelli closes in on F1 title after more George Russell disappointment

Max Verstappen wins his archetypal contention of 2026 with triumph successful a chaotic Bahrain Grand Prix, but George Russell's satellite rubric hopes look each but over.

The commencement was delayed owed to rain, earlier determination was disorder implicit the grid bid owed to reported bundle issues.

Despite the differing tyre choices during the aboriginal stages of the contention starring to drivers rapidly moving up and down the pack, Verstappen soon regained the pb from Kimi Antonelli to predominate the bulk of the race.

Russell was already giving up crushed to Mercedes teammate and Championship person Antonelli erstwhile sitting successful 3rd during a precocious information car.

Absolute agony for George ?#F1 #BahrainGP pic.twitter.com/BEKWo1nYgN

However, a powerfulness portion nonaccomplishment led to Russell having to abruptly halt his car, allowing Antonelli to adhd 18 much points to his Championship lead.

His status near Isack Hadjar and Lewis Hamilton - who dropped down to 18th during the opening laps - successful a consecutive shootout for the last podium.

OUR TOP 10 IN SEPANG ?#F1 #BahrainGP pic.twitter.com/DlVhWT8Pl6

Hamilton came retired connected top, passing the Red Bull who was past overtaken by Charles Leclerc to driblet down to fifth.

Fernando Alonso delivered his champion effect of the play successful the Aston Martin with eighth spot, portion Lando Norris had to beryllium contented with ninth aft a mistake nether the information car saw him springiness up respective positions.

How galore points does Antonelli pb Russell successful F1 rubric race?

With 7 races remaining, Antonelli present holds an 84-point vantage implicit Russell.

Hamilton's sixth podium of the twelvemonth has near him 22 points down his British compatriot.

Verstappen, locked connected the aforesaid points arsenic Norris, is present conscionable 3 points down fourth-placed Leclerc.