The 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix, held at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia, was delayed by heavy rain on Sunday morning. The race was originally scheduled to start at 8am BST, but persistent downpours soaked the track.
Blue skies have since appeared, and the formation lap is now scheduled for 8:40am BST. The grand prix will then begin, with George Russell starting from pole position. The wet track and potential further rain could still cause disruption.
Russell's title opportunity
Russell has a significant chance to reduce his Mercedes team-mate's 66-point lead in the F1 Drivers' Standings at Sepang. Last weekend at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Russell secured an important victory over his colleague, with Max Verstappen and Red Bull's Isack Hadjar completing the podium. Kimi Antonelli crashed into the wall during the first qualifying session in Baku and will start from 16th position.
Russell will be aiming for another pole position, which would support his pursuit of a fifth victory of the year.
Race details and location
The Bahrain Grand Prix takes place today, Sunday, October 4, at the Sepang International Circuit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The race was due to start at 8am BST (3pm local time) but was delayed by rain. A new formation lap is scheduled for 8:40am BST.
The original Bahrain and Saudi Arabia Grand Prix weekends were cancelled at the start of the year following the US and Israel's invasion of Iran in February. Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa negotiated a deal to revive the event, leading to its relocation to Malaysia. Returning to Sepang after a nine-year hiatus is geographically logical, as drivers can travel from Baku to Malaysia for the Singapore Grand Prix, which follows this race.
How to watch and weather forecast
In the UK, the race is available live on Sky Sports, with build-up starting at 6.30am BST and the race itself from 8am. Coverage is also on Sky Sports Main Event. Sky Sports subscribers can stream via the Sky Go app.
The weather in Sepang is expected to brighten, with high temperatures of 32 degrees, feeling like 39 degrees due to extreme humidity. Cloud cover will remain.
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