2026 Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia Preview

October 1, 2026 James Gregory Formula One 0

(Image credit: Mark Thompson/Getty Images)

Guide to the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia 2026 as F1 returns to Sepang after nine years. 

Andrea Kimi Antonelli leads the title race by 66 points from his Mercedes teammate, George Russell as F1 heads to Sepang for the first time since 2017, after Malaysia stood in to host the Bahrain GP on behalf of Bahrain due to the Middle East conflict.

Now, here is a guide to everything that you must know ahead of the Bahrain GP in Malaysia 2026.

 

Track Guide

Circuit: Sepang International Circuit

Laps: 56

Race Distance: 5.543km

Tyre Selection: C2, C3 & C4

 

Schedule

Date Session Time (BST)
Friday 2 October FP1 5:30am
Friday 2 October FP2 9:00am
Saturday 3 October FP3 5:30am
Saturday 3 October Qualifying 9:00am
Sunday 4 October Race 8:00am

 

Four Key Pointers 

  • With F1 machinery having evolved since the last time Sepang was on the calendar, Friday Practice will be crucial to understanding the circuit with only 10 drivers having previously raced here in F1.
  • Humidity and temperatures of over 30 degrees will add extra challenges for drivers in terms of car cooling and tyre management on top of the unpredictable mixed forecasts of rain across the weekend.
  • Mercedes begin the weekend as favourites but after maximising their straight-line speed in Azerbaijan, Red Bull look the likely challengers but McLaren and Ferrari can’t be underestimated.
  • With no previous data available at this circuit and having just joined F1 this season, Cadillac are facing a weekend of the unknown so Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez’s past experience will be key to their performances.

 

Last Time Out

On F1’s last visit to Sepang in 2017, Lewis Hamilton led from pole position until Max Verstappen passed him for the lead on lap four, and the Dutchman subsequently proceeded to take victory from the then-Mercedes driver despite a late fightback from Hamilton.

 

2026 Season Recaps

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