What time is F1's 2026 Bahrain GP in Malaysia? Full weekend schedule
Formula 1 returns to Sepang International Circuit from October 2-4 for one of the most unusual events of the 2026 season: the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia.
The replacement event was added to the calendar after the original Bahrain Grand Prix at Sakhir was cancelled earlier this season. You can read the full story behind the change in our guide explaining why the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix is taking place in Malaysia.
For Malaysian fans, there is no need for late nights or early alarms. All three days of Formula 1 action will take place during the afternoon.
2026 Bahrain Grand Prix schedule in Malaysia
All times below are Malaysia Time (MYT, UTC+8).
Friday, October 2
- Free Practice 1: 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
- Free Practice 2: 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Saturday, October 3
- Free Practice 3: 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
- Qualifying: 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Sunday, October 4
- Bahrain Grand Prix: 3:00 PM
What time does the Bahrain GP start in Malaysia?
The 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix starts at 3:00 PM Malaysian time on Sunday, October 4.
The race will be held over 56 laps of the 5.543-kilometre Sepang International Circuit, bringing Formula 1 back to Malaysia for the first time since 2017.
Sepang is a very different challenge from the Bahrain International Circuit where the event was originally scheduled to take place. Its mixture of long straights, heavy braking zones and fast, flowing corners should provide an intriguing test for the new-generation 2026 cars.
The Malaysian round also begins an important championship double-header, with Formula 1 travelling directly to Singapore for the following weekend.
After the original Bahrain and Saudi Arabian rounds were removed from the calendar earlier in the season, Formula 1's unexpected return to Sepang gives fans in Malaysia the opportunity to watch a Grand Prix at home once again.
Lights out is at 3:00 PM on Sunday.
Simone Scanu
He’s a software engineer with a deep passion for Formula 1 and motorsport. He co-founded Formula Live Pulse to make live telemetry and race insights accessible, visual, and easy to follow.