This weekend, it’s time for the Bahrain Grand Prix, or is it the Malaysian Grand Prix?
Earlier this year, the Bahrain Grand Prix was unable to take place due to the ongoing situation in the Middle East. Instead of cancelling the race altogether, Formula 1 found a rather unusual solution: the Bahrain Grand Prix will be held in Malaysia, at the legendary Sepang International Circuit.
For those who haven’t been watching F1 for very long, Sepang might feel like a brand-new circuit on the calendar. But for longtime F1 fans, it’s a very familiar name. Formula 1 last raced here in 2017, meaning the sport is returning to Sepang for the first time in almost a decade.
In this blog, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about this unusual race weekend, so you can head into the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia fully prepared!
Sepang international circuit
The Sepang International Circuit is located in Selangor, Malaysia, near Kuala Lumpur International Airport. Designed by Hermann Tilke and opened in 1999, the circuit is 5.543 kilometres long and features 15 corners.
Sepang is known for its wide track, two long straights and challenging fast corners, creating plenty of opportunities for overtaking. But there’s another factor that can make this circuit unpredictable: the weather. 🌧️
With its hot and humid tropical climate, sudden heavy rain can arrive at any moment, potentially changing the entire race and strategy.
After almost nine years away, Formula 1 is finally back at Sepang!
A Circuit With History
Formula 1 first arrived at Sepang in 1999, when the Malaysian Grand Prix became a new addition to the calendar. The race quickly became a regular part of the F1 season and was held every year until 2017.
Over those 18 editions, Sepang saw plenty of memorable races and became a familiar destination for both drivers and fans. However, after the 2017 race, the Malaysian Grand Prix was dropped from the calendar due to factors including the costs of hosting the event and declining attendance.
Now, after almost nine years away, F1 is returning to Malaysia. But there’s a twist: instead of hosting its own Malaysian Grand Prix, Sepang will welcome the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix.
What Makes Sepang Special?
Sepang has a bit of everything when it comes to racing. The opening combination of Turns 1 and 2 is one of the key places to watch, while the final corner leads onto the main straight and can set up another overtaking opportunity.
The middle section of the lap features a mix of fast and technical corners, putting the focus on finding the right balance between speed and control. With two long straights and several heavy braking zones, drivers will have plenty of chances to battle for position.
And with the tropical conditions adding another challenge, Sepang can be a demanding track from start to finish. 🏎️
One to Remember
One of the memorable races at Sepang came in 2004, when BAR Honda showed just how much progress the team had made. Starting sixth, Jenson Button drove his way to third place, securing his first-ever F1 podium and BAR Honda’s first podium in three years.
His teammate Takuma Sato also caught the attention that day. After dropping all the way to 18th early in the race, Sato fought his way back through the field and reached eighth in the closing stages. Unfortunately, an engine problem ended his race before he could score points.
Button’s podium marked an important moment for BAR Honda, which would go on to finish second in the Constructors’ Championship that season.
Bruce Tan from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
What time does the Bahrain grand prix in Malaysia start?
Free Practice 1
- Las Vegas (PDT): 9:30 PM
- London (BST): 5:30 AM
- Berlin (CEST): 6:30 AM
- Moscow (MSK): 7:30 AM
- Dubai (GST): 8:30 AM
- India (IST): 10:00 AM
- China (CST): 12:30 PM
- Singapore (SGT): 12:30 PM
- Tokyo (JST): 1:30 PM
- Melbourne (AEDT): 3:30 PM
- New York (EDT): 12:30 AM
Free Practice 2
- Las Vegas (PDT): 1:00 AM
- London (BST): 9:00 AM
- Berlin (CEST): 10:00 AM
- Moscow (MSK): 11:00 AM
- Dubai (GST): 12:00 PM
- India (IST): 1:30 PM
- China (CST): 4:00 PM
- Singapore (SGT): 4:00 PM
- Tokyo (JST): 5:00 PM
- Melbourne (AEDT): 7:00 PM
- New York (EDT): 4:00 AM
Free Practce 3
- Las Vegas (PDT): 9:30 PM
- London (BST): 5:30 AM
- Berlin (CEST): 6:30 AM
- Moscow (MSK): 7:30 AM
- Dubai (GST): 8:30 AM
- India (IST): 10:00 AM
- China (CST): 12:30 PM
- Singapore (SGT): 12:30 PM
- Tokyo (JST): 1:30 PM
- Melbourne (AEDT): 3:30 PM
- New York (EDT): 12:30 AM
Qualifying
- Las Vegas (PDT): 1:00 AM
- London (BST): 9:00 AM
- Berlin (CEST): 10:00 AM
- Moscow (MSK): 11:00 AM
- Dubai (GST): 12:00 PM
- India (IST): 1:30 PM
- China (CST): 4:00 PM
- Singapore (SGT): 4:00 PM
- Tokyo (JST): 5:00 PM
- Melbourne (AEDT): 7:00 PM
- New York (EDT): 4:00 AM
Grand Prix
- Las Vegas (PDT): 12:00 AM
- London (BST): 8:00 AM
- Berlin (CEST): 9:00 AM
- Moscow (MSK): 10:00 AM
- Dubai (GST): 11:00 AM
- India (IST): 12:30 PM
- China (CST): 3:00 PM
- Singapore (SGT): 3:00 PM
- Tokyo (JST): 4:00 PM
- Melbourne (AEDT): 6:00 PM
- New York (EDT): 3:00 AM
