October 4, 2026
Sun, Oct 4 · 3:00 PM MYT
2026 Formula 1 · Round 16
Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia 2026 Schedule, Times & Results
The name is Bahrain Grand Prix; the place is Sepang, Malaysia. From October 2-4, Formula 1 returns to a 5.543-kilometre circuit of wide braking zones, opposing straights and tropical weather for the first Malaysian-hosted F1 race since 2017.
Round 16
Oct 2–Oct 4, 2026
Upcoming
Standard weekend
Next session
Practice 1Fri, Oct 2 · 04:30 UTC
Calculating…
Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Standard weekend
Three practice sessions lead into qualifying and the Grand Prix.
Permanent
Local circuit time uses Asia/Kuala_Lumpur.
Complete weekend timetable
Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia 2026 Schedule
Session times are shown in your timezone. Switch to track time if you are at the circuit or following local coverage.
FP1
Practice 1
The opening practice session for first setup runs and an early look at track conditions.
StartFri, Oct 2 · 04:30 UTC
Scheduled finish2026-10-02T05:30:00Z
UpcomingOpen session →
StartFri, Oct 2 · 08:00 UTC
Scheduled finish2026-10-02T09:00:00Z
UpcomingOpen session →
StartSat, Oct 3 · 04:30 UTC
Scheduled finish2026-10-03T05:30:00Z
UpcomingOpen session →
StartSat, Oct 3 · 08:00 UTC
Scheduled finish2026-10-03T09:00:00Z
UpcomingOpen session →
StartSun, Oct 4 · 07:00 UTC
Scheduled finish2026-10-04T09:00:00Z
UpcomingOpen session →
What to Know About the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia 2026
Two long straights share one hairpin but create different attacks
Sepang has 15 corners, eight straights and a minimum width of 16 metres, giving drivers room to choose a line. Turns 1 and 2 form a slow opening sequence after the main straight; later, Turn 15 links the back straight to the start-finish straight, so an attack can produce an immediate counterattack.
- Turn 1 rewards late braking, but Turn 2 positioning decides who exits the complex ahead.
- Turn 15 offers more than one line and makes the following main straight part of the same battle.
Cooling, tyre temperature and the rain crossover arrive together
Sepang's heat and humidity load the driver, brakes and power unit while long fast corners keep energy in the tyres. A tropical shower can lower track temperature quickly and create standing water, so the correct crossover lap depends on both grip and visibility—not simply when the first rain appears.
- In dry practice, compare long-run consistency and cooling behaviour rather than one qualifying lap.
- During rain, follow conditions at Turns 1, 9 and 15 separately because intensity can vary around the lap.
Travel to Sepang near KLIA, not to Sakhir
The official 2026 event retains the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix name but is physically held at PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit in Selangor. The venue is near Kuala Lumpur International Airport, while central Kuala Lumpur is much farther away. Use only the organiser's current 2026 transport and ticket instructions because older Malaysian GP operations may no longer apply.
- Confirm the destination as Sepang International Circuit, Malaysia, on every flight, hotel and transfer booking.
- An exposed circuit day needs both strong heat protection and a compact waterproof layer.
Watch and save the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia schedule
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Official event name: FORMULA 1 GULF AIR BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX IN MALAYSIA 2026
Plan with confidence
Official Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia 2026 Information
Race times and results on this page are paired with official championship and event-organiser information. Always recheck the organiser before travelling because gates, transport and event activities can change.
Official source
Formula 1 — Malaysia host confirmation
Official host venue, event name and October 2-4 date confirmation
Open official information ↗Official sourcePETRONAS Sepang International Circuit — Architecture
Official 5.543 km, 15-corner, eight-straight and track-width facts
Open official information ↗
Quick answers
Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia 2026 FAQ
Where is the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix being held?
It is being held at PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit in Selangor, Malaysia, from October 2-4, 2026. It is not taking place at Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir.
Why is a race in Malaysia called the Bahrain Grand Prix?
Formula 1 and the FIA confirmed Malaysia as the host venue for the 2026 event while retaining its official Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix identity. The change returns F1 racing to Sepang for the first time since 2017.
When is the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia 2026?
The race weekend runs Oct 2–Oct 4, 2026. The Grand Prix is scheduled for Sun, Oct 4 · 3:00 PM MYT.
What time does the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia start?
The race starts at Sun, Oct 4 · 3:00 PM MYT. Use the timezone controls above for US Eastern, Central, Pacific, UK or track time.
Is the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia a Sprint weekend?
No. It follows the standard FP1, FP2, FP3, qualifying and race format.
Where can I find the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia results?
Result links will appear beside each session after its classification is available.