Winners and Losers from the Bahrain GP in Malaysia

Max Verstappen showcased his championship mettle at a soggy Sepang circuit, reclaiming the top step of the podium with aplomb. The Dutchman delivered a flawless weekend, starting with blistering pace in Friday's practice sessions. He clinched his 49th career pole, a milestone for Red Bull as it marked the first time in 2026 that a non-Mercedes engine-powered car started from P1.

The race itself was a masterclass in wet-weather driving from Verstappen, who navigated the tricky conditions with ease. It was a performance that left many of his rivals struggling in his wake.

As for the losers, the weekend wasn't quite as sunny. Mercedes, usually a powerhouse, faltered. Their struggles were epitomized by George Russell's unfortunate DNF, a result that left team principal Toto Wolff less than thrilled. "Not in a happy place," was his succinct summary.

Meanwhile, McLaren's weekend was marred by strategic miscalculations. Their tyre strategy at Sepang proved to be a misjudgment, leaving them with plenty of lessons to ponder.

While some teams and drivers left Malaysia with a boost of confidence, others are surely heading back to the drawing board, eager to iron out the wrinkles before the next showdown.