Sepang (Malaysia), Oct 1 (IANS): Red Bull's Dutch driver Max Verstappen on Sunday won the Malaysian Grand Prix, the 15th race of the Formula One World Championship.

Verstappen, who celebrated his 20th birthday by clinching the second victory of his Formula One career, finished ahead of Mercedes's British driver Lewis Hamilton, who remains leader of the World Championship standings, reports Efe news agency.

Red Bull's Australian Daniel Ricciardo came third, followed by Ferrari's German Sebastian Vettel, who had started from the last spot on the grid.

Mercedes's Finnish driver Valtteri Bottas finished fifth.

Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen failed to take the start at Sepang and went back to the team's garage just before the race's beginning due to technical problems.

Spanish Carlos Sainz of Toro Rosso also had to leave in the 30th lap due to a mechanical problem.

Hamilton leads the World Championship rankings with 281 points, 34 points ahead of second-placed Vettel.