FP1
FRIDAY 2 OCTOBER04:30 – 05:30
FP2
FRIDAY 2 OCTOBER08:00 – 09:00
FP3
SATURDAY 3 OCTOBER04:30 – 05:30
Quali
SATURDAY 3 OCTOBER08:00 – 09:00
Race
SUNDAY 4 OCTOBER07:00 – 09:00
2026 Bahrain Grand Prix in MalaysiaSepang makes its F1 comeback this weekend as Malaysia hosts the relocated Bahrain Grand Prix.
F1 is heading back to Sepang this weekend for the first time since 2017, but in unusual circumstances. The circuit will host the Bahrain Grand Prix instead of its usual race in Sakhir, with the event retaining its Bahrain name despite taking place almost 4,000 miles away in Malaysia. Sepang has not seen a Formula 1 car race around its 5.543km layout for nine years, having hosted the Malaysian Grand Prix 19 times between 1999 and 2017.
Weather is expected to play a major factor too this weekend, with temperatures expected to reach around 33°C, high humidity and a risk of thunderstorms throughout the weekend. That could make for a particularly unpredictable race, especially as we're yet to see a fully wet session in 2026. With rain potentially throwing tyre strategy and grip levels into chaos, Sepang could provide one of the most challenging and entertaining races of the season.
TIM GOSS – CHIEF TECHNICAL OFFICER
“For the second leg of our triple-header, we head to the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, where we return to the Sepang International Circuit for what will be Formula 1’s first visit to the track since 2017. It is a circuit with a rich history and one that has consistently provided a challenging test for both drivers and teams.
“Characterised by its fast, sweeping corners and two long straights separated by a tight hairpin, it offers opportunities for overtaking while placing significant demands on the tyres. Pirelli bring the mid-range compound selection of C2, C3 and C4, and with higher tyre energies than Baku, we should expect degradation and tyre management to play a much greater role than at the previous race.
“On top of this, the weather can throw in another dimension. Conditions are typically hot and humid, with the ever-present threat of tropical rain, making it physically demanding for the drivers and presenting an additional challenge for our strategists.
“We have a slightly larger points buffer to defend following the last race; together with the support of everyone at the track and back at the factory, we will aim to get our preparation and execution spot on to maintain that momentum and extend the gap further.”
2 – 4 OCTOBER
