Verstappen wins chaotic Bahrain GP in Malaysia

Four-time world champion Max Verstappen secured his and Red Bull's first win this year with an imperious drive on Sunday in chaotic conditions in a storm-delayed Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. Nine years after winning the last F1 race at the Sepang International Circuit, the 29-year-old Dutchman came through a wild afternoon of accidents and incidents for his 72nd victory and first since Abu Dhabi last year. In a race of shifting tyre strategies, he came home 2.307 seconds ahead of championship leader Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes and seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton who took third after a thrilling recovery drive. His Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc was fourth, having fallen to last place in the early laps, ahead of Isack Hadjar in the second Red Bull, McLaren's Oscar Piastri and the Racing Bull of Liam Lawson. Two-time champion Fernando Alonso finished a season-best eighth for Aston Martin ahead of world champion Lando Norris and Racing Bull rookie Arvid Lindblad. The result extended Antonelli's lead to 84 points ahead of teammate George Russell, who retired after a late power failure under a safety car. "It is really nice to win after the year we've had and all the progression we've made," said a delighted Verstappen. "It was very hectic...