The F1 Bahrain Grand Prix 2026 in Malaysia will not start at its scheduled time after heavy rain and thunderstorms hit the Sepang International Circuit. Race Control has confirmed that the start has been delayed, but no revised start time has been announced yet.
Formula 1’s return to Sepang has been hit by exactly the kind of weather threat that had been forecast for the Malaysian circuit. Rain has intensified heavily around the track, with water now covering large sections of the circuit and visibility severely reduced. The conditions are currently considered unsuitable for the race to get underway.
The Medical Car is doing a quick recce – it’s so wet out there! 👉 A reminder that the race start has been delayed #F1 #BahrainGP https://t.co/BmFLKmnUUW
— Formula 1 (@F1) October 4, 2026
The delay comes with the grandstands packed, as thousands of fans have turned up at Sepang for the first Formula 1 race at the circuit since 2017. The heavy downpour has left spectators and teams waiting for the weather to ease before Race Control can make a call on when the formation lap can begin.
The rain is still coming down ☔️ #F1 #BahrainGP https://t.co/C1XDrS6JkU
— Formula 1 (@F1) October 4, 2026
The latest reports from the circuit show that the rain is still coming down heavily, with standing water becoming a major concern. Lightning in the area has also added to the safety challenge. The Guardian’s live coverage has confirmed that the race start has been delayed because of the heavy rain and lightning.
Shout-out to the fans braving these conditions 🙌 #F1 #BahrainGP https://t.co/SMV121nJ1z
— Formula 1 (@F1) October 4, 2026
Sepang Weather Update: Heavy Rain Makes F1 Race Start Difficult
The weather has dramatically changed the situation at Sepang. Instead of the hot and humid conditions expected for the Malaysian afternoon, the circuit is currently dealing with a torrential downpour. Race Control has sent the medical car to check the situation on the track.
Even if the rain has eased down at the time of writing, visibility is a particular concern, as spray from the cars would make it extremely difficult for drivers to see if the track remains this wet.
The official Malaysian Meteorological Department forecast had already warned of afternoon thunderstorms in Sepang on Sunday, with temperatures expected to reach around 33°C.
When Will the Bahrain Grand Prix Start Today?
The Bahrain Grand Prix start has been delayed. There is currently no confirmed new start time.
The race was originally scheduled to begin at 3:00 PM local time (12:30 PM IST), but the heavy rain has made that impossible. Race Control will provide further information once conditions are assessed.
Based on the current weather situation and the forecast available for Sepang, a start before 1:00 PM IST now appears unlikely, but this is an assessment rather than an official revised start time. Fans should wait for the next Race Control announcement before treating any new time as confirmed.
This article will be updated as soon as Formula 1 officials confirm the revised start time.
Sepang Hourly Weather Forecast: When Could Rain Ease?
Weather Underground’s latest hourly forecast for Sepang shows the rain threat easing through the afternoon. Its forecast has thunderstorms and a higher chance of precipitation around the early afternoon, followed by a sharp drop in rain probability later in the day.
The hourly outlook is:
-
4:00 PM: Scattered thunderstorms, 27°C, 90% chance of precipitation
-
5:00 PM: Mostly sunny, 28°C, 40% chance of precipitation
-
6:00 PM: Partly cloudy, 28°C, 20% chance of precipitation
-
7:00 PM: Partly cloudy, 29°C, 20% chance of precipitation
-
8:00 PM: Partly cloudy, 28°C, 17% chance of precipitation
-
9:00 PM: Partly cloudy, 28°C, 17% chance of precipitation
The broader Weather Underground forecast currently expects thunderstorms to remain possible during the afternoon before conditions become considerably drier later.
MetMalaysia’s official forecast also backs up the possibility of an afternoon weather interruption, predicting thunderstorms in Sepang on Sunday before no rain is expected at night.
Max Verstappen remains on pole position for the delayed race, with Lewis Hamilton alongside him on the front row. Kimi Antonelli will start third after Isack Hadjar’s grid penalty, while Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris complete the top five.
