After a nine‑year hiatus, Formula 1 is set to return to the celebrated Sepang International Circuit, with Malaysia stepping in to host the Bahrain Grand Prix. The original plan to hold the race at Bahrain's own Sakhir venue in April was abandoned because of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, prompting organizers to strike a deal that relocates the event to the Southeast Asian venue.
Malaysia’s last F1 outing was back in 2017, a race that saw Red Bull’s Max Verstappen claim victory on a circuit praised for its fast, flowing layout and often cited as one of the finest examples of the newer generation of tracks. Sepang’s reputation stems from its blend of long straights, sweeping corners and heavy braking zones, which together create a demanding yet exhilarating experience for drivers and spectators alike. The Malaysian round will serve as the second leg of the season’s opening overseas triple‑header, following the dramatic showdown in Baku where George Russell revived his championship hopes by edging out Verstappen by just under two tenths.
In that race, Kimi Antonelli managed to limit the damage by finishing fifth after a qualifying crash, but his lead in the drivers’ standings slipped to 66 points with eight races still to run. Lewis Hamilton now finds himself 103 points behind the leader, while Lando Norris trails by 116 points, although McLaren are expected to be competitive on Sepang’s high‑speed configuration. Time‑zone differences mean that Malaysian sessions are conveniently timed for UK viewers.
Sky Sports F1 will broadcast qualifying at 9 am on Saturday and the Grand Prix at 8 am on Sunday, making it easy for fans to catch the action over a weekend breakfast. The excitement among the drivers about returning to Sepang is palpable, and for good reason.
The 3.44‑mile (5.54‑km) circuit was the first brand‑new track designed by Hermann Tilke, who later became the sport’s resident architect. Its inaugural Grand Prix in 1999 set a new benchmark for what a modern F1 venue could offer, influencing the design of many subsequent circuits.
Sepang quickly earned a reputation for its 15‑corner layout, which combines a variety of medium‑speed and high‑speed sections with long straights that lead into wide, heavy‑braking zones. Notable features include the sweeping, curved run from Turn 3 into the right‑hand Turn 4, the rapid left‑right flicks of Turns 5 and 6, and the technical final sector that culminates in a half‑mile back straight ending with a tight hairpin at the final turn. Racing in tropical Malaysia brings its own set of challenges.
The climate guarantees heat and humidity, and the region is notorious for sudden thunderstorms. Conditions can flip from bright sunshine to a torrential downpour within minutes, forcing teams to stay on top of their weather radar and be ready to adjust strategies at a moment’s notice. Fans will be eager to see whether 2026 finally delivers a wet qualifying session or a rain‑affected Grand Prix.
The weekend schedule is as follows (all times are local Malaysian time, which is seven hours ahead of the UK): Thursday, 1 October – 7 am: Drivers’ press conference; 10 am: Paddock Uncut. Friday, 2 October – 5 am: Practice 1 (official start 5:30 am); 7:30 am: Team bosses’ press conference; 8:45 am: Practice 2 (official start 9:00 am); 10:15 am: The F1 Show. Saturday, 3 October – 5:15 am: Practice 3 (official start 5:30 am); 8 am: Qualifying build‑up; 9 am: Bahrain GP Qualifying. Sunday, 4 October – 6:30 am: Grand Prix build‑up; 8 am: The Bahrain Grand Prix; 10 am: Chequered‑flag reaction.
All sessions will also be carried on Sky Sports Main Event. Sky Sports subscribers can watch the entire weekend—from the first practice on Friday morning through to the race on Sunday—via the Sky Sports F1 channel. The Sky Sports app offers an additional way to view the action, with an optional feature that lets viewers “go onboard” with any driver for a more immersive experience.
For those without a Sky subscription, the race can be streamed through the NOW service, either via a day‑pass or a flexible month‑to‑month membership that can be cancelled at any time. NOW provides access to all twelve Sky Sports channels, Sky Sports+ streams, and more than 60 devices, making it a convenient choice for casual viewers.
Fans on the move can also follow a live blog that provides minute‑by‑minute updates throughout the weekend. Highlights will be available shortly after the checkered flag on the Sky Sports app, allowing viewers to catch up on key moments they may have missed. Additional resources for Sky customers include a guide on setting up or locating a Sky ID, as well as detailed information about NOW’s contract‑free membership options and current pricing. Whether you prefer traditional television, a mobile app, or an online streaming service, there are multiple ways to stay connected to the excitement of Formula 1’s return to Sepang.
In summary, the Bahrain Grand Prix’s relocation to Malaysia marks a significant moment for the sport, reintroducing one of the most beloved circuits of the modern era to a global audience. With convenient UK viewing times, a diverse range of broadcast options, and the ever‑present possibility of unpredictable tropical weather, the weekend promises drama, high‑speed action, and plenty of talking points for fans worldwide.