Verstappen Wins Bahrain GP

Max Verstappen took his first victory of the year at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia on Sunday. The win ended a long wait for the four-time champion, who hadn't won since the final race of last season.

Liam Lawson started 11th on the grid but surged to fourth on the opening lap after rain delayed the start. The Kiwi driver's strong start was aided by his team's decision to start him on intermediate tyres, which paid off in the wet conditions.

Lawson later dropped back as the track dried and faster cars worked their way through the field. He eventually crossed the line seventh to secure six championship points and his 11th points finish of the season.

Verstappen was leading from Kimi Antonelli and George Russell behind the safety car with five laps to go when Russell suddenly pulled over in his Mercedes. The retirement allowed Antonelli to further stretch his lead over teammate Russell.

Antonelli finished second and Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton passed Verstappen's Red Bull teammate Isack Hadjar for third. Verstappen's win extends his run of winning at least once every year since he joined Red Bull in 2016.

Lawson said he was happy with seventh place, adding that his team's strategy for the start was good decision-making. He also praised his car's performance, saying it was strong in the race.

The win is a boost for Verstappen, who had been struggling with a complicated and tough start to the year. Upgrades to his Red Bull car made him competitive again in Malaysia.

The title race is now looking increasingly likely to be a contest between Antonelli and Russell, with seven races remaining on the schedule.