Formula 1 heads to Malaysia for the Bahrain Grand Prix from October 2 to October 4, 2026, operating as Round 16 of the season. George Russell arrives at Sepang following a dominant victory in Azerbaijan where he led from lights out to the checkered flag.
Why the Bahrain Grand Prix is Taking Place in Malaysia
However, organizers called off both events in March due to the war launched by the United States and Israel against Iran.
Formula 1 subsequently added the Bahrain event back onto the 2026 calendar with Malaysia stepping in to host the race on Bahrain’s behalf. Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa heavily influenced this staging arrangement. Despite the race taking place at the Sepang International Circuit, Bahrain retains the official naming rights for the weekend.
Driver Standings and Recent Grid Drama
Mercedes driver George Russell secured his first grand prix win since June during the previous round in Baku. His teammate and championship leader Kimi Antonelli endured a difficult qualifying session in Azerbaijan, making a mistake that dropped him down the grid to 16th place. Antonelli fought through the field during the race to salvage a fifth-place finish.
Red Bull drivers Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar joined race winner Russell on the podium in Baku. History shows that Verstappen previously stood on the Sepang podium alongside Lewis Hamilton and Daniel Ricciardo during the 2017 Malaysian Grand Prix.
Sepang Weather Forecast for Practice and Race Weekend
Teams face unpredictable track conditions as early forecasts point toward a stormy weekend in Malaysia. Meteorologists predict thundery showers could disrupt all five official sessions, with ambient temperatures expected to reach highs of 33 degrees Celsius.
Weekend Session Timetable and BBC Broadcast Details
BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Sounds, and the BBC Sport website and app will provide live commentary for the grand prix weekend. Listeners can also access coverage through smart speakers by prompting them to play 5 Live. The post-race Chequered Flag podcast is available to watch on BBC iPlayer and YouTube.
All track sessions follow British Summer Time (BST):
- Friday, October 2: First Practice runs from 05:30 to 06:30, followed by Second Practice from 09:00 to 10:00. Both sessions air on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra, BBC Sounds, and smart speakers.
- Saturday, October 3: Third Practice takes place from 05:30 to 06:30, with Qualifying following from 09:00 to 10:00 across BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra, BBC Sounds, and smart speakers.
- Sunday, October 4: The 56-lap grand prix starts at 08:00 BST, preceded by build-up coverage beginning at 07:45 on BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Sounds, and smart speakers.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia
When is the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia taking place?
The event runs from October 2 to October 4, 2026, serving as Round 16 of the Formula 1 season.
What time does Sunday’s grand prix start?
Lights out for the 56-lap race is at 08:00 BST on Sunday, October 4, with live build-up beginning at 07:45.
Why is a Bahrain race being held in Malaysia?
Formula 1 rescheduled the Bahrain event with Malaysia hosting on its behalf.
Where can fans listen to or watch race coverage?
BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Sounds, and the BBC Sport website broadcast live commentary. The Chequered Flag podcast offers post-race video coverage on BBC iPlayer and YouTube.
Worth a look