Max Verstappen returned to win at the Malaysian Grand Prix in Sepang after a chaotic and demanding race. The race, delayed by an hour and a half owing to a torrential downpour and compounded by widespread power unit software faults (affecting the Dutchman's Red Bull and the two Ferraris) behind the Safety Car, rewarded the four-time world champion with his first win of 2026. Kimi Antonelli, the current championship leader, and Lewis Hamilton, who performed exceptionally well, also secured a spot on the Malaysian podium. The Englishman from Ferrari, who got off to a bad start due to a strategic gamble on soft tires on a rainy track, launched a furious sprint back that culminated in a decisive pass on Isack Hadjar with two laps remaining. Charles Leclerc finished fourth in the other Ferrari, while George Russell was forced to retire late in the race. The Dutchman's triumph at Sepang, the track where he last achieved victory nine years ago, has reignited the standings: Antonelli has increased his lead to 320 points, 84 points clear of his teammate Russell. Hamilton moves to 214, while Leclerc (191) overtakes Lando Norris (188), who is joined in fifth place by the resurgent Verstappen.