Five Things to Watch at the F1 Bahrain GP 2026 in Malaysia

Sepang returns to the Formula 1 calendar this weekend, but with a twist: the race will be called the Bahrain Grand Prix. The Malaysian round serves as the 16th race of the 2026 season, marking F1's first visit to the country since 2017. This decision was made due to the ongoing Middle Eastern conflict, which forced Bahrain to cancel its grand prix earlier in the year.

But the name and location aren't the only intriguing aspects. There are plenty of storylines surrounding the return of Sepang Circuit to the F1 schedule. Here are five things to look out for this weekend.

1. The Long-Awaited Return of Sepang

Sepang was a staple of the F1 calendar from 1999 to 2017. The circuit has hosted several classic moments, from Red Bull's infamous “Multi 21” in 2013, Lewis Hamilton's title hopes going up in smoke in 2016, to Ferrari controversially having a 1-2 reinstated through the courts in 1999. Unfortunately, funding issues meant the Malaysian GP had to end after 2017.

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Sepang is known as a drivers' track. Its mix of medium-to-high-speed corners between two long straights makes racing here always exciting. “The track is awesome,” said Hamilton in Baku last week. “It's a track that does give good racing and when it comes to deciding what tracks to go through in the year, that should be a part of the decision-making.”

However, this year's race will feel different due to the 2026 regulations. Similar to Baku, drivers must cleverly manage battery power as the two long straights can easily drain energy. The unpredictable Kuala Lumpur weather is another factor; heavy thunderstorms hit on Wednesday, but Sunday is forecast to be dry.

2. Is Russell Actually Rejuvenated?

“If the season had started today, or since the summer break, I feel very much I would have been able to fight.” Those were the words of George Russell after winning the Azerbaijan GP from pole—his third of the season. Meanwhile, his Mercedes teammate Kimi Antonelli had a messy weekend. He recovered to fifth after starting 16th due to a crash in Q1.

As a result, Antonelli's championship lead has shrunk from 81 points to 66 over second-placed Russell. With only seven races left, Russell's title hopes are effectively over. “I've got this big deficit,” he added. “It can change quickly. So, I'm not chasing that. I'm chasing to win every race and what will be, will be.”

But is Russell's rejuvenation claim valid? While he was impressive in Baku, his form before the summer break was inconsistent. Has he truly found his rhythm? Or was the Azerbaijan win a one-off? The race in Sepang will be the real test.

3. The Intense Battle at the Top

With seven races remaining, the title fight is still open. Antonelli leads the standings by 66 points over Russell. But don't forget drivers like Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc who could steal points. Every race is crucial, and Sepang's challenging characteristics could be a stage for a comeback for those trailing.

4. The Challenge of 2026 Regulations

The 2026 regulations bring major changes in aerodynamics and power units. The new generation cars rely more on electrical energy, making battery management key. At Sepang, with its two long straights, drivers must be careful with energy deployment. A miscalculation could cost them valuable time. Teams also need to strategize wisely, including choosing the right moment to attack.

5. Kuala Lumpur's Unpredictable Weather

Kuala Lumpur's weather is notoriously unpredictable. Thunderstorms can appear suddenly, changing the course of a race in an instant. Although Sunday's forecast is dry, you never know. Rain could fall and make the race more dramatic. Drivers and teams must be prepared for all possibilities, including wet tire strategies.

The race at Sepang this weekend is not just about the return of a legendary circuit, but also about the increasingly heated championship dynamics. Don't miss the action.