Antonelli aims to bounce back from 'worst' weekend but faces a possible rainy F1 in Malaysia
Officials say the race carries an official heat-hazard designation as temperatures are forecast above 31C and rain could make conditions more difficult.
- On Friday, October 2, 2026, Formula One began the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia at the Sepang International Circuit, with Liberty Media relocating the race from Sakhir due to Middle East instability.
- Middle East conflict forced organizers to cancel the original April event in Bahrain, prompting a one-off move to Sepang and ending the circuit's nine-year hiatus from Formula One.
- Pirelli warned teams to expect challenging conditions, describing the surface as "relatively abrasive" with roughness comparable to Bahrain; organizers invested up to $4 million in upgrades despite limited recent reference data.
- Tourism officials expect more than 110,000 spectators with foreign visitors potentially reaching 300,000, while the Citrawarna Speed Festival 2026 showcases Malaysia's cultural heritage through activities at IOI City Mall and KLIA.
- Championship leader Kimi Antonelli aims to rebuild his 66-point lead over teammate George Russell this weekend, though the season finale remains uncertain due to continuing Middle East security concerns.
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Max Verstappen won the last Formula 1 race in Malaysia in 2017. On his return he sets off in training. The World Cup top rider is behind.
volksfreund.de
saarbruecker-zeitung.deMax Verstappen won the last Formula 1 race in Malaysia in 2017. On his return he sets off in training. The World Cup top rider is behind.
Max Verstappen topped the first free practice session ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix on Formula 1's return to the Sepang circuit in Malaysia. The Red Bull driver clocked 1:37.520, 0.383 seconds ahead of George Russell. Formula 1 described his performance as "Max picking up where he left off nine years ago." Russell finished second, with Verstappen's Red Bull teammate Isaac Hajjar third, 0.783 seconds behind. Charles Leclerc was fourth, 0.847 se…
A new racing weekend is ahead of us. This one will take place in Malaysia again after nine years. The Bahrain GP will take place in an Asian country more than 6 thousand kilometers away due to events in the Middle East. The racers welcome the return of the popular racetrack, and George Russell is waving goodbye after a great performance in Azerbaijan, aiming for another great weekend. The first free practice will start at 6.25, and the second at…
In this live blog, we follow the first day of the 'Bahrain GP in Malaysia', held at the Sepang circuit.
After nine years, Formula 1 returns to the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia for the Bahrain Grand Prix. What can Max Verstappen show in the first free practice session at the circuit where he won in 2017? Follow it live here from 6:30 AM!
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