Andrea Kimi Antonelli heads into the Bahrain Grand Prix weekend in Malaysia with a 66-point championship lead over Mercedes team-mate George Russell, who ended his winless streak dating back to June with an impressive lights-to-flag victory in Azerbaijan. Now, all eyes turn to Malaysia as F1 returns for the first time since 2017, but officially hosting the Bahrain Grand Prix on behalf of Bahrain.
This follows an agreement between F1, the FIA, and the governments of Malaysia and Bahrain after the Bahrain Grand Prix was cancelled from its original April slot due to the war in the Middle East. The race marks the 16th round of the 2026 season, and you can find all the details on how to watch here.
When is the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia?
The 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia runs from 2-4 October. The weekend will feature a standard format, consisting of two hour-long practice sessions on Friday, followed by a final hour of practice and qualifying on Saturday. Sunday’s Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia will be contested over 56 laps.
Start Times for the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia
Here is the full schedule for the weekend (local time and UK time):
- Friday: FP1 12:30-13:30 (05:30-06:30 UK), FP2 16:00-17:00 (09:00-10:00 UK)
- Saturday: FP3 12:30-13:30 (05:30-06:30 UK), Qualifying 16:00-17:00 (09:00-10:00 UK)
- Sunday: Race 15:00-17:00 (08:00-10:00 UK)
Weather Forecast: Rain and Storms Threaten
Early weather forecasts suggest it could be a wet and stormy weekend in Malaysia. All five sessions could be hit by rain, with varying degrees predicted. Friday’s action could be impacted by light showers, while thunderstorms are possible on both Saturday and Sunday. Races in Malaysia have often been impacted by heavy, sudden downpours. The 2009 race had to be abandoned partway through due to an intense rainstorm, with half points awarded that day. The 2012 Malaysian Grand Prix was significantly suspended and delayed due to torrential rain and a red flag. So far in 2026, there have been no fully wet sessions.
With unpredictable weather, team strategy will be crucial. Mercedes, led by Andrea Kimi Antonelli and George Russell, must be wary of rivals like Red Bull Racing who could capitalise on the conditions. Don't miss the action at the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia!
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