Verstappen claims win after chaotic, delayed Grand Prix in Malaysia

Max Verstappen took a commanding victory in Malaysia, giving himself and Red Bull their first win of the season after a race weekend disrupted by long delays and unusual scenes before the cars got under way.

The Dutch driver controlled the race from early on, extending his advantage over the field as the laps progressed, in a performance that was described as dominant once the action finally began.

The build-up to the race was anything but smooth, with lengthy delays pushing back the start and creating what was described as a chaotic and unprecedented atmosphere around the circuit before competitors were able to get racing.

George Russell, who had been expected to challenge for a strong result, was forced to retire during the race, ending his afternoon early and handing a further boost to Verstappen's rivals in the standings.

The win marks a significant result for Verstappen and Red Bull, who had gone without a victory so far this season, and will be seen as a timely response at a point in the campaign when consistency at the front of the grid has been difficult to find.

Attention will now turn to how the delays that marred the start of the event are addressed by race organisers, as teams and drivers look ahead to the remaining rounds of the season.