Max Verstappen's long wait for another Formula 1 race win is finally over. The four-time champion took his first victory of an often-frustrating year at the Bahrain Grand Prix, which was relocated to the Sepang circuit in Malaysia because of the Iran war.
The race started more than 90 minutes late due to heavy rain and apparent software problems on the formation lap. Once underway, Verstappen was slow off the line and lost places to Antonelli and Russell, but fought back to lead after a safety-car restart.
With five laps to go, Verstappen was leading from Antonelli and Russell behind the safety car when Russell suddenly pulled over in his Mercedes. Mercedes told Antonelli over the radio it appeared Russell had suffered a power unit problem.
Antonelli finished second, extending his lead over teammate Russell from 66 points to 84 with seven races remaining. Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton passed Isack Hadjar for third, capping a remarkable recovery after Ferrari gambled on dry-weather tyres as the track began to dry, causing Hamilton to drop from second to near the back. Charles Leclerc also overtook Hadjar late to finish fourth.
Verstappen told his team over the radio, "Good job guys, wow," and thanked them for a "fantastic weekend." The Dutch anthem was delayed briefly on the podium as crowd chants filled the silence.
Oscar Piastri finished sixth for McLaren after a late battle with Liam Lawson, who was seventh. Fernando Alonso was eighth in Aston Martin's best result of the season, Lando Norris ninth after going off-track, and Arvid Lindblad tenth.
Red Bull upgrades made Verstappen competitive again in Malaysia this week. He had not won since the final race of last season.