Max named Driver of the Day in Kuala Lumpur

Published on 04 October 2026 by Florence Cobben

Max Verstappen has claimed his first win of the 2026 season at the Bahrain Grand Prix, hosted by Malaysia. A torrential downpour and chaos on track were responsible for a late race start, where Max, on his inters, didn't have a clean getaway and was forced to cede position to both Mercedes cars. However, Max went on the offensive and managed to reclaim the race lead from both Mercedes cars within a couple of laps. 

Thanks to strong race pace and a good team strategy, Max led a controlled race all the way to the finish. A late safety car and a corresponding restart also didn't manage to throw off Max's race. Kimi Antonelli followed in second place in his Mercedes, while Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) drove an excellent final stint to claim the last podium place.

The four-time world champion's impressive race won him the honors of being named, for the seventh time this year, 'Driver of the Day'.