2026 F1 Bahrain GP: Full Weekend Schedule and Sepang Return
The 2026 F1 Bahrain GP is here, but Formula 1 fans might notice something rather unusual when they tune in this weekend. The Bahrain Grand Prix isn’t taking place in Bahrain at all. Instead, the action unfolds at Malaysia’s legendary Sepang International Circuit from 2–4 October 2026.
Following the cancellation of Bahrain’s original April event amid the situation in the Middle East, Formula 1, the FIA and the governments of Bahrain and Malaysia reached an agreement to preserve the Grand Prix by moving it to Sepang. The result is officially known as the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia 2026.
For South African Formula 1 fans, it also means some early starts as we prepare for a fascinating 2026 F1 Bahrain GP weekend.
2026 F1 Bahrain GP Schedule
The 2026 F1 Bahrain GP follows the traditional three-day Formula 1 weekend format, with three practice sessions before qualifying and Sunday’s main event.
Here are the session times provided for South African viewers:
| Date | Session | SAST |
|---|---|---|
| Friday, 2 October | Practice 1 | 06:30–07:30 |
| Friday, 2 October | Practice 2 | 10:00–11:00 |
| Saturday, 3 October | Practice 3 | 06:30–07:30 |
| Saturday, 3 October | Qualifying | 10:00–11:00 |
| Sunday, 4 October | Race | 09:00 |
At Sepang itself, FP1 begins at 12:30 local time on Friday, followed by FP2 at 16:00. FP3 begins at 12:30 on Saturday before qualifying at 16:00, while Sunday’s Grand Prix starts at 15:00 local time. Formula 1® – The Official F1® Website
Why Is the Bahrain GP Taking Place in Malaysia?
This is easily the most interesting part of the 2026 F1 Bahrain GP.
Bahrain had originally been scheduled to host its Grand Prix in April. However, Formula 1 and the FIA announced in March that the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix would not take place during their scheduled April dates because of the situation in the Middle East. FIA API
A rather unusual solution emerged in July.
Malaysia agreed to host the Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang from 2–4 October, allowing the championship to retain the race while simultaneously returning Formula 1 cars to one of the sport’s most famous Asian circuits.
That means this weekend isn’t technically the Malaysian Grand Prix. It’s the 2026 F1 Bahrain GP in Malaysia.
It’s certainly one for the Formula 1 history books.
Formula 1 Returns to Sepang
The arrangement also means Formula 1 is racing at Sepang for the first time since 2017.
Sepang originally joined the Formula 1 calendar in 1999 and quickly became renowned for its combination of long straights, heavy braking areas, sweeping high-speed corners and unpredictable tropical weather. The 5.543 km circuit will host Sunday’s 2026 F1 Bahrain GP over 56 laps, producing a race distance of approximately 310.4 km.
Sebastian Vettel holds the Formula 1 lap record at Sepang with a 1:34.080, recorded for Ferrari in 2017. Vettel is also the circuit’s most successful F1 race winner with four victories, while Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher share the record for the most pole positions at the venue with five each.
Perhaps even more interesting is the overtaking potential. Formula 1 records indicate there were 73 overtakes during the 2017 race, the last time the championship competed here.
What to Watch During the 2026 F1 Bahrain GP
There will be plenty to watch throughout the weekend, starting with how quickly the current generation of Formula 1 cars adapts to Sepang.
The track provides several contrasting challenges. Long straights reward straight-line speed, while fast corners require aerodynamic stability and confidence from the driver. Heavy braking zones also provide genuine opportunities for overtaking.
Then there’s Malaysia’s weather.
High temperatures and humidity have traditionally made Sepang physically demanding for drivers, while sudden rain can completely change the complexion of a session. Formula 1 itself identifies unpredictable weather as one of the circuit’s defining characteristics.
Friday’s practice sessions should therefore provide valuable clues about which cars are best suited to this returning circuit.
Championship Battle Arrives in Malaysia
The 2026 F1 Bahrain GP is Round 16 of the championship and follows the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
George Russell arrives after winning in Azerbaijan, a result that reduced the gap to Mercedes teammate Kimi Antonelli in the Drivers’ Championship to 66 points. Formula 1 has also highlighted whether Mercedes can continue its momentum or Max Verstappen can finally secure his first victory of the 2026 campaign as major questions heading into the weekend.
That adds another dimension to an already unusual Grand Prix.
Sepang is effectively a new circuit for the current generation of Formula 1 machinery, despite its extensive history in the championship. Teams have plenty of historical data, but much has changed since F1 last raced here nine years ago.
Don’t Miss the 2026 F1 Bahrain GP
South African fans will need to set those alarms early this weekend.
Practice begins on Friday morning, followed by the crucial qualifying session at 10:00 SAST on Saturday, 3 October. Then it’s race day on Sunday, with the 2026 F1 Bahrain GP starting at 09:00 SAST on 4 October.
Bahrain may be lending its name to the Grand Prix, but Sepang will provide the challenge.
After nine years away, Formula 1 is back in Malaysia — and one of the championship’s great circuits is ready to test the world’s fastest racing cars once again.
