The Formula 1 paddock is set to return to Malaysia this weekend, although the race will be held under the Bahrain Grand Prix title. Following last weekend’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where George Russell took victory for Mercedes, the F1 calendar moves swiftly into the second event of the ongoing triple-header.
Originally, the 2-4 October weekend had no scheduled races. However, due to the conflict in Iran, the Bahrain Grand Prix, initially planned for April, was postponed and rescheduled for this weekend. Because the war in the region makes it impossible to hold the race in Bahrain, the event will instead take place at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia. This marks Formula 1’s first race in Malaysia since 2017.
2026 Bahrain Grand Prix Schedule (in Malaysia)
Friday
- FP1: 5:30am – 6:30am BST
- FP2: 9:00am – 10:00am BST
Saturday
- FP3: 5:30am – 6:30am BST
- Qualifying: 9:00am – 10:00am BST
Sunday
- Race: 8:00am BST start
The weather forecast indicates light rain on Friday, with a chance of thunderstorms on both Saturday and Sunday. Races in Malaysia have frequently been influenced by sudden heavy rains. Notably, the 2009 race was halted mid-event due to intense rainfall, resulting in half points awarded, and the 2012 race was temporarily stopped because of the weather.
In terms of TV coverage in the UK, Sky Sports F1 will broadcast all sessions live throughout the 2026 season, available also on streaming platforms like NowTV. UK fans with a Sky Sports subscription can stream the event live via Sky Go, with subscription prices starting at £22 per month. For those seeking free viewing, Channel 4 will offer highlights across the season. Additionally, F1 TV Pro provides full coverage in regions without exclusive broadcast rights, and in the US, it can be accessed through an Apple TV subscription. For real-time updates and news, Crash.net offers live text coverage and thorough reports.
Fan Take:
This unexpected relocation of the Bahrain Grand Prix to Malaysia brings a thrilling twist to the 2026 season, reintroducing F1 to a classic and weather-challenged circuit. Racing fans should watch closely, as unpredictable tropical conditions could create dramatic moments, potentially reshaping the championship battle.
Source: www.crash.net
