Victory in the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia for Max Verstappen was surely as sweet as any he may have tasted, the Dutchman on top after what was an extraordinarily dramatic and, indeed, chaotic afternoon at the Sepang circuit.
But in a race which had opened in an embarrassing farce for Formula One, it held in contrast only bitter disappointment for George Russell, whose retirement has left his title hopes shattered and his Mercedes teammate Kimi Antonelli within touching distance of the championship.
It is nine years since Malaysia hosted a grand prix and, standing in this weekend for the cancelled meeting in Bahrain, the much-loved circuit proved to be the grand stage to showcase a dominant drive for Verstappen and Red Bull, his and the team’s first win of the season, beating Antonelli into second.
Moreover, as the champion in waiting demonstrated his credentials, there was a timely reminder that the driver whose success he hopes to emulate, Lewis Hamilton, has lost none of his touch.
He took third for Ferrari, a remarkable comeback after a torrid afternoon, starting on the slick rubber in the wet which dropped him as far back as 17th and 80 seconds off the lead.
He delivered a superb drive, determined and decisive, including a late pass for the podium place on Isack Hadjar, who finished fifth behind Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc also passed Hadjar in the closing laps, with Oscar Piastri taking sixth after a dispiriting weekend for McLaren, ahead of Racing Bulls’ Liam Lawson and Alonso. Norris and the second Racing Bulls of Arvid Lindblad completed the top 10.
