After a nine‑year hiatus, Formula 1 makes a dramatic comeback to the celebrated Sepang International Circuit, with Malaysia stepping in to host the Bahrain Grand Prix. The original Bahrain event, scheduled for April at the Sakhir venue, was cancelled due to escalating conflict in the Middle East, prompting organizers to negotiate a replacement venue.
Malaysia, which last held a Grand Prix in 2017 when Red Bull’s Max Verstappen claimed victory, was selected because Sepang’s fast, flowing layout is widely regarded as one of the finest among the newer generation of circuits. Sepang now opens the second round of the season’s opening overseas triple‑header, following a thrilling showdown in Baku where George Russell revived his championship hopes by edging out Verstappen by just two‑tenths of a second. The Malaysian round offers a fresh set of challenges for the drivers and teams as they adapt to the hot, humid climate and the circuit’s demanding aerodynamic profile. In the latest standings, Kimi Antonelli managed to limit the damage after a qualifying crash, finishing the race in fifth place and reducing his deficit to 66 points with eight races still to run.
Lewis Hamilton trails by 103 points, while Lando Norris sits 116 points back. Despite the gap, McLaren is expected to perform strongly on Sepang’s high‑speed straights and sweeping corners, where aerodynamic efficiency and tyre management are paramount. For UK viewers, the time difference works to their advantage. Sepang is seven hours ahead of the United Kingdom, meaning the key sessions will be broadcast at convenient breakfast hours on Sky Sports F1: qualifying at 9 a.m.
on Saturday and the Grand Prix at 8 a.m. on Sunday. This schedule allows fans to start their day with live Formula 1 action. Drivers have expressed genuine excitement about returning to Sepang, and it’s easy to see why.
The 3.44‑mile (5.54‑km) circuit was the first brand‑new track designed by Hermann Tilke, who later became F1’s resident architect. Its inaugural Grand Prix in 1999 set a new benchmark for modern venues, combining a blend of medium‑speed and high‑speed corner sequences with long straights that lead into heavy braking zones.
The layout quickly earned a reputation for being both driver‑friendly and spectator‑friendly. Key sections of the lap include the sweeping, curved run from Turn Three into the right‑hand Turn Four, the rapid left‑right flick of Turns Five and Six, and the technical final sector that culminates in a half‑mile back straight before the hairpin at the final turn.
These features test a car’s aerodynamic balance, braking stability, and tyre wear, making Sepang a true all‑round test of performance. Malaysia’s tropical climate adds another layer of complexity.
Heat and humidity are a given, but the real wildcard is the frequent threat of sudden thunderstorms. The weather can flip from bright sunshine to torrential rain within minutes, forcing teams to stay on top of their meteorological data and be ready to switch strategies at a moment’s notice.
Fans will be eager to see whether 2026 finally delivers a wet qualifying session or a rain‑soaked race, a scenario that has become increasingly rare in recent years. The weekend schedule is as follows (all times are local Malaysian time, GMT+8): Thursday, 1 October – 7 a.m.: Drivers’ press conference; 10 a.m.: Paddock Uncut. Friday, 2 October – 5 a.m.: Practice 1 (starts at 5:30 a.m.); 7:30 a.m.: Team bosses’ press conference; 8:45 a.m.: Practice 2 (starts at 9 a.m.); 10:15 a.m.: The F1 Show.
Saturday, 3 October – 5:15 a.m.: Practice 3 (starts at 5:30 a.m.); 8 a.m.: Qualifying build‑up; 9 a.m.: Bahrain GP Qualifying. Sunday, 4 October – 6:30 a.m.: Grand Prix build‑up; 8 a.m.: The Bahrain Grand Prix; 10 a.m.: Chequered‑flag reaction. All sessions are also broadcast 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 provides an additional way to follow the action, with the option to view on‑board footage from any driver’s perspective. For viewers without a Sky subscription, the race can be streamed through NOW, either via a day pass or a flexible month‑to‑month membership that can be cancelled at any time.
NOW offers instant access to all twelve Sky Sports channels and the Sky Sports+ streams across more than 60 devices, making it easy to watch live wherever you are. Fans on the move can keep up with a live blog that provides minute‑by‑minute updates throughout the weekend. Highlights will be posted shortly after the chequered flag on the Sky Sports app, allowing viewers to catch up on key moments they might have missed.
Sky Sports subscribers also receive additional support, such as guidance on setting up or locating your Sky ID, which is required for accessing the service. NOW’s contract‑free model means you can start streaming immediately and cancel whenever you wish, with both day and month membership options available at current promotional rates. In summary, the Bahrain Grand Prix’s relocation to Malaysia marks a significant moment for the sport, reviving a beloved circuit that has not seen a Grand Prix since 2017.
The combination of a challenging layout, unpredictable weather, and a viewer‑friendly broadcast schedule makes this event a must‑watch for any Formula 1 enthusiast. Tune in on Sky Sports F1 or stream via NOW to experience the excitement live from Sepang International Circuit.