Verstappen calls Sepang victory special, emotional

Ends Red Bull's winless start to 2026

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated 3h1 min read

Photo via @SkySportsF1 on X

What happened: Verstappen won the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia from pole at Sepang International Circuit. Red Bull claimed its first victory of the 2026 season, which he called a "really special and emotional moment."

Why it matters: The victory opens Red Bull's 2026 account and halts an early points slide to rivals. It follows confirmation ahead of the Baku weekend that Verstappen will stay with the team.

By the numbers: Verstappen led from pole; Kimi Antonelli finished second and Lewis Hamilton third at Sepang. Charles Leclerc and Isack Hadjar completed the top five, with Oscar Piastri sixth.

What to watch: Red Bull carries momentum into the next round after opening its account. Focus shifts to whether the Sepang pace holds on a different layout.

Sources

@SkySportsF1 2026-10-05T11:56:56.353416+00:00

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