Winners and losers from F1's bug-ridden Bahrain GP in Malaysia
Motorsport.com • • sports
Key Points:
- The 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia faced significant logistical and software issues, including challenges from wet weather, but still produced an exciting race with notable performances.
- Max Verstappen won the race, marking his 72nd career victory and the first win for Red Bull Ford Powertrains as a power unit manufacturer, highlighting Red Bull's technical progress.
- Mercedes underperformed with their upgraded W17 car, struggling with performance and reliability issues, including George Russell's engine failure that cost him a podium finish.
- Lewis Hamilton recovered impressively from an early pit stop gamble on slick tires to secure a podium finish, demonstrating strong pace despite initial setbacks.
- Midfield teams had mixed fortunes, with Racing Bulls and Fernando Alonso's Aston Martin capitalizing on strategic calls and circuit conditions, while Audi and McLaren faced challenges with performance and race incidents.
