Formula 1 returns to Malaysia this weekend as the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix takes place at the Sepang International Circuit. The unusual event will bring F1 racing back to Malaysia from October 2 to October 4, giving Malaysian motorsport fans another chance to see Formula 1 cars compete at one of Asia’s most recognisable circuits.
The Formula 1 weekend begins on Friday, October 2, with Free Practice 1 and Free Practice 2. Qualifying follows on Saturday, October 3, before the main Grand Prix takes place on Sunday, October 4.
For fans following the Formula 1 2026 schedule and upcoming races, the Sepang event is Round 16 of the championship.
2026 F1 Bahrain Grand Prix Schedule in Malaysia
The 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix is being held at Sepang as the 16th round of the Formula 1 season. Here is the full weekend schedule in Malaysian time.
| Date | F1 Session | Malaysia Time |
|---|---|---|
| Friday, October 2 | Free Practice 1 | 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM |
| Friday, October 2 | Free Practice 2 | 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM |
| Saturday, October 3 | Free Practice 3 | 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM |
| Saturday, October 3 | F1 Qualifying | 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM |
| Sunday, October 4 | 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix | 3:00 PM |
Why Is the Bahrain Grand Prix Being Held in Malaysia?
The 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix has an unusual place on the Formula 1 calendar. Although the event keeps the Bahrain Grand Prix name, this year’s race is being held at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia.
Formula 1 lists the event as Round 16 of the 2026 championship, between the Azerbaijan Grand Prix and Singapore Grand Prix. The official F1 calendar confirms that the Sepang weekend takes place from October 2 to October 4.
This gives Malaysia a major international motorsport event and marks the return of Formula 1 to Sepang after the circuit last hosted an F1 race in 2017.
F1 Returns to Sepang International Circuit
The Sepang International Circuit is one of the most recognisable racing venues in Asia. The 5.543-kilometre circuit opened in 1999 and quickly became an important part of the Formula 1 calendar.
Sepang features long straights, heavy braking zones and a mixture of fast and technical corners. The circuit is also known for its hot and humid conditions, while sudden tropical rain can change the track quickly.
For more background on the circuit and its return to the F1 calendar, read our guide to F1 returning to Sepang International Circuit in 2026.
The return is particularly interesting because no current Formula 1 team has recent race data from the circuit using the latest generation of F1 cars. That makes Friday practice especially important for drivers and engineers.
What Happens During the F1 Race Weekend?
Formula 1 fans will have several sessions to follow throughout the weekend. Friday focuses on practice, Saturday includes the final practice session and qualifying, while Sunday is reserved for the main Grand Prix.
For anyone new to Formula 1, our guide to how an F1 race weekend works from practice to the podium explains what happens during each stage of a Grand Prix weekend.
The practice sessions allow teams to study car balance, tyre behaviour and track conditions before qualifying. The information collected during these sessions can then influence setup and race strategy.
Why Friday Practice Matters at Sepang
Friday’s Formula 1 practice sessions could be particularly important this year because the teams have limited recent data from Sepang.
Drivers will need to learn how the current generation of F1 cars behaves around the circuit, while engineers will be monitoring tyre temperatures, grip levels, aerodynamic balance and long-run performance.
Formula 1’s official preview notes that grip is expected to improve as the track evolves during the weekend, while teams also face the challenge of understanding tyre behaviour in the Malaysian heat.
How Does F1 Qualifying Work?
Saturday’s qualifying session will determine the starting positions for the Bahrain Grand Prix. Drivers will compete for the best possible grid position before Sunday’s race.
Qualifying is divided into three stages known as Q1, Q2 and Q3. Each stage gradually reduces the number of drivers competing for the top positions.
If you are new to Formula 1, our simple guide to how F1 qualifying works explains Q1, Q2, Q3 and how the final starting grid is decided.
At Sepang, the long straights and heavy braking zones could make track position particularly important. Drivers will also need to find a clean lap while managing tyre performance and changing track conditions.
Sepang Circuit and F1 Racing Conditions
Sepang is a demanding circuit for both drivers and Formula 1 cars. The track is 5.543 kilometres long and features a combination of high-speed corners, long straights and technical sections.
The circuit is also famous for Malaysia’s tropical climate. High temperatures and humidity can put additional pressure on drivers, tyres and car components.
Rain is another important factor. Previous races at Sepang have experienced sudden downpours, and the weather forecast for this weekend also indicates that showers could affect the event.
That means teams may need to react quickly if the track changes from dry to wet conditions.
F1 Drivers to Watch in Malaysia
The 2026 Formula 1 season has produced strong competition near the front of the grid, with Mercedes, Red Bull, Ferrari and McLaren among the teams attracting attention.
George Russell arrives in Malaysia after winning the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, while Mercedes team-mate Kimi Antonelli continues to lead the drivers’ championship. Russell reduced Antonelli’s championship advantage to 66 points following his victory in Baku.
Max Verstappen will also be one of the drivers to watch. The Red Bull driver came close to victory in Azerbaijan and continues to search for his first win of the 2026 season.
McLaren’s Lando Norris will also be looking to respond after a difficult Azerbaijan weekend, while Ferrari will be hoping to challenge near the front of the field.
Tyres and Strategy at the Sepang F1 Circuit
Tyre management will be another important part of the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. Sepang has an abrasive surface and can generate significant tyre temperatures, particularly in hot conditions.
According to Formula 1’s official weekend preview, Pirelli expects teams to focus heavily on thermal management and tyre behaviour. The lack of recent data from the current generation of cars also makes Friday running especially valuable.
Weather could further influence strategy. If rain arrives during a session or the race, teams may need to make quick decisions about tyres and pit stops.
Why Every F1 Race Matters
The result at Sepang will not only determine the winner of the Bahrain Grand Prix. Every Formula 1 race also contributes points towards the Drivers’ Championship and Constructors’ Championship.
Drivers collect points according to their finishing positions, while teams score points through the results of their cars throughout the season.
If you are learning how the championship works, our guide to the F1 points system and how drivers and teams win the championship explains how Grand Prix results contribute to the overall standings.
When Is the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia?
The Formula 1 weekend begins on Friday, October 2, with Free Practice 1 at 12:30 PM and Free Practice 2 at 4:00 PM Malaysia time.
Free Practice 3 takes place on Saturday, October 3 at 12:30 PM, followed by qualifying at 4:00 PM.
The main 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix starts on Sunday, October 4 at 3:00 PM Malaysia time. These times are listed by Formula 1 for the Sepang weekend.
Formula 1 Returns to Malaysia
The return of Formula 1 to Sepang is one of the most notable motorsport events on the 2026 Malaysian sporting calendar. The historic circuit will once again welcome F1 cars after a nine-year absence from the championship.
With long straights, demanding corners, hot and humid conditions and the possibility of sudden rain, Sepang provides a very different challenge for modern Formula 1 teams and drivers.
F1 fans in Malaysia can follow the action from Friday practice through Saturday qualifying before the Bahrain Grand Prix takes place on Sunday afternoon.
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