F1 Results Today: Lewis Hamilton Produces Stunning Comeback After Bahrain Grand Prix Chaos in Malaysia
Lewis Hamilton produced one of the most remarkable recovery drives of his 2026 Formula 1 campaign after surviving an extraordinary Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia to claim a stunning podium finish for Ferrari.
The seven-time world champion started the relocated Bahrain Grand Prix from second on the grid at Sepang, alongside pole-sitter Max Verstappen. But what followed quickly turned into one of the most chaotic races of the season, with heavy rain, a delayed start, rapidly changing conditions, Safety Cars and a series of strategic gambles throwing the order into complete confusion.
Despite all of that, Hamilton recovered from as low as 18th place to finish third, completing a remarkable comeback behind Verstappen and Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli.
The FIA confirmed Verstappen took victory by 2.307 seconds over Antonelli, while Hamilton crossed the line just 4.919 seconds behind the Red Bull. Charles Leclerc completed Ferrari’s strong double finish in fourth.
Hamilton’s Race Almost Fell Apart
Hamilton’s race looked to be slipping away during the early stages.
Heavy rain had already delayed the start, while the formation-lap procedure descended into chaos. The track was drying rapidly, creating one of the most difficult tyre decisions of the season.
Hamilton was among the drivers who switched to slick tyres while parts of the circuit remained damp. The gamble immediately appeared to backfire.
The Ferrari struggled for grip and Hamilton began losing positions at an alarming rate. At one point, the seven-time champion had fallen all the way down to 18th.
Ferrari even offered Hamilton the opportunity to return to the pits for another tyre change. Instead, he remained committed to the strategy, hoping the track would eventually come to him.
That decision initially looked extremely risky.
Hamilton later admitted that his “heart sank” when he realised other drivers had a significant tyre advantage. But the situation eventually began to change as the circuit dried and the race entered another unpredictable phase.
The Stunning Ferrari Comeback
What followed was exactly the kind of recovery drive that has become synonymous with Hamilton’s career.
As conditions improved, Hamilton began picking off rivals one by one. The Ferrari driver combined strong pace with his experience in difficult conditions, gradually moving back through the field.
Safety Car interventions also helped compress the field and gave Hamilton another opportunity to fight his way into contention.
With the race approaching its conclusion, Hamilton was suddenly back among the leading drivers.
The Ferrari star eventually made his way into third position before securing the final podium place by overtaking Red Bull’s Isack Hadjar late in the race.
From 18th place to third.
For Hamilton and Ferrari, it was a result that looked almost impossible during the opening stages.
Verstappen Ends Long Wait for Victory
While Hamilton stole much of the attention with his recovery, Max Verstappen delivered a hugely important result for Red Bull.
The four-time world champion converted pole position into victory, securing his first win of the 2026 season and Red Bull’s first victory of the year.
Verstappen had also faced problems during the chaotic start, but once the race settled, the Red Bull driver managed to control the crucial final stages.
Kimi Antonelli finished second for Mercedes, extending his championship advantage after George Russell suffered a late retirement.
Russell’s Mercedes stopped on the start-finish straight after completing 49 laps, dealing another major blow to his title hopes.
Ferrari Leave Malaysia With Mixed Emotions
Ferrari will undoubtedly be pleased with the podium result, particularly considering how close Hamilton came to losing the entire race through the early tyre gamble.
Hamilton’s third-place finish gives the team valuable championship points and provides another reminder that the seven-time champion remains capable of producing extraordinary results when circumstances turn against him.
Leclerc’s fourth-place finish also gave Ferrari a double top-four result, strengthening what could prove to be an important points haul.
The confirmed top five were Verstappen, Antonelli, Hamilton, Leclerc and Hadjar, with Oscar Piastri sixth and Lando Norris ninth.
Hamilton Sends A Message
The Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia was chaotic from beginning to end, but Hamilton’s recovery may ultimately become one of the defining moments of the race.
Going from second on the grid to 18th and then fighting all the way back to third required speed, patience and an enormous amount of experience.
The result also gives Hamilton and Ferrari something important heading into the next stage of the championship: momentum.
After a race in which almost everything appeared to go wrong, Hamilton somehow turned disaster into a podium.
And once again, the seven-time world champion has reminded the F1 paddock that writing him off can be a dangerous mistake.
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