'F1 drivers in uproar' with 'Red Bull running out of excuses to sack Liam Lawson' - International Media Reacts

Max Verstappen finally returned to the top step of the podium at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, as the Red Bull driver overcame a rain-delayed start, an early loss of power and an opening-lap deficit to the Mercedes cars to claim his first victory of the season.

Kimi Antonelli and Lewis Hamilton completed the top three at the Sepang International Circuit, with the latter producing one of the drives of his Ferrari career, recovering from 18th place after an ill-fated slick-tyre gamble.

The race itself provided an extraordinary amount of drama before the lights had even gone out. Heavy rain delayed the start, while several cars subsequently suffered power-related problems during the formation laps, forcing the FIA to suspend the starting procedure for a further period and leaving the grid in confusion.

Once racing finally got under way, changing conditions, safety car interventions and a late George Russell retirement produced a chaotic afternoon at Sepang.

Verstappen's victory was also a significant milestone for Red Bull Ford Powertrains, delivering the new power-unit project its first Formula 1 win.

Antonelli's second place further strengthened his championship position, while Hamilton's unlikely podium provided a remarkable recovery from what initially looked like a disastrous Ferrari strategy call.

Here's how international media reacted to a remarkable Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, the 16th round of the F1 season.

🇬🇧 The Telegraph – F1 drivers in uproar as 'software glitch' creates Bahrain GP chaos

The Telegraph focuses on the extraordinary scenes before the Bahrain Grand Prix, arguing that Formula 1 suffered one of its most embarrassing moments in decades.

Heavy rain initially delayed the race, but the situation became farcical when several of the sport's technologically advanced cars struggled to operate properly while circulating slowly behind the safety car.

The problem appeared to stem from the complexity of the 2026 power units, with low engine speeds and wet-weather energy management causing cars to lose power and forcing the FIA to suspend the start.

The Telegraph argues that the incident raises serious questions about whether F1's increasingly complicated machinery has become too sophisticated for its own good, particularly if a relatively ordinary spell of rain can prevent the cars from racing.

🇳🇱 De Telegraaf – Red Bull team boss Laurent Mekies promises aggressive approach and thanks late Dietrich Mateschitz: 'The whole world had said no to this project'

De Telegraaf focuses on Laurent Mekies' determination to preserve Red Bull's famously aggressive competitive mentality as the team moves into a new era.

The Red Bull team principal has made clear that the organisation will continue to push the limits, while also paying tribute to the late Dietrich Mateschitz and the vision that led to Red Bull entering Formula 1 in the first place.

The article places particular emphasis on the significance of the team's new Red Bull Ford Powertrains project, which had been viewed with considerable scepticism before finally delivering its maiden victory at Sepang.

Verstappen's win therefore represents more than an important result for the Dutchman – it is validation for a project that, as Mekies notes, many people once believed would never work.

🇮🇹 Gazzetta dello Sport – After 300 days, Mad Max is back: from thoughts of retirement to 'peace' with Formula 1

Gazzetta dello Sport views Verstappen's Sepang victory as a potential turning point in his difficult relationship with Formula 1's new generation of cars.

The Italian outlet highlights the more than 300-day wait for the Dutchman to return to the top step, during which Verstappen had openly questioned whether the new regulations and driving characteristics were compatible with his vision of F1.

His victory at Sepang – the circuit where he last won in 2017 – offered a welcome reminder of what he can produce when Red Bull gives him a competitive car.

Gazzetta also underlines the significance of Verstappen winning with Red Bull's new Ford-powered unit, suggesting the triumph could help repair some of the frustration that had fuelled speculation over his long-term future in the sport

🇫🇷 L'Équipe – 'Everyone managed to overtake me in the opening laps': from second on the grid to 18th before a fantastic comeback to the podium, Hamilton did more than limit the damage

L'Équipe concentrates on Hamilton's extraordinary recovery drive after his race appeared to unravel almost immediately.

The Ferrari driver started second but slipped as low as 18th after struggling with the wet conditions and Ferrari's decision to put him on slick tyres before the circuit was ready for them.

Rather than allowing the mistake to ruin his afternoon, Hamilton steadily worked his way back through the field as the track dried, eventually recovering to third and completing a remarkable turnaround.

L'Équipe therefore argues that Hamilton did far more than simply 'limit the damage', with his experience and overtaking ability proving decisive in turning a potential disaster into a podium finish.

🇳🇿 NZ Herald – Why Red Bull are running out of excuses to sack Liam Lawson

The NZ Herald takes a much more critical view of Liam Lawson, questioning whether Red Bull can continue to justify retaining the New Zealander despite the team's willingness to give him opportunities.

The opinion piece argues that Lawson's position is becoming increasingly difficult to defend when compared with the expectations placed on Red Bull's second driver and the depth of talent available elsewhere within the organisation.

Rather than treating the difficulties as solely the result of bad luck or an imperfect car, the article questions whether Lawson is doing enough to convince Red Bull that he deserves his place.

The piece consequently puts pressure on the Kiwi ahead of the next stage of the season, suggesting that Red Bull's patience cannot last indefinitely.

🇦🇺 Herald Sun – 'Absolute disgrace': F1 launches review after drivers blast 'computer cars' chaos at Bahrain GP

The Herald Sun focuses on the fallout from the bizarre formation-lap problems, with Formula 1 and the FIA facing an investigation after multiple cars suffered power-related failures in the wet.

Drivers were openly critical of the situation, with the complexity of the 2026 power units coming under intense scrutiny after cars struggled simply to circulate behind the safety car.

The FIA has subsequently committed to a full review, acknowledging that the combination of low engine speeds, low grip and wet-weather energy-management settings had produced an unintended loss of power that had not been detected during testing.

The Herald Sun presents the episode as a major embarrassment for F1, particularly given the sport's claims to represent the pinnacle of automotive technology.