The Sepang International Circuit wasn’t on the original 2026 Formula 1 calendar – but the championship is making an unexpected return this weekend.
The track which held the Malaysian Grand Prix between 1999 and 2017 plays host to the ‘Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia’ this weekend. The unusual title has arisen because the Bahrain Grand Prix, which was originally scheduled for April, could not take place due to the war in Iran.Nonetheless F1 intends to return to the country, 6,000 kilometres away from the scene of this weekend’s race, in six months’ time for the 2027 season-opener.
In the meantime, round 16 of the 2026 season takes place in Malaysia this weekend. Here’s how to watch.
Here’s how to watch the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix live in the UK:
2026 Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia live session times
| Event | Date | Start Time | End Time | Time Zone | Channels |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bahrain Grand Prix: First practice | Friday 2nd October | 5:30am | 6:30am | Europe: London | UK: Sky Sports F1 |
| Bahrain Grand Prix: Second practice | Friday 2nd October | 9:00am | 10:00am | Europe: London | UK: Sky Sports F1 |
| Bahrain Grand Prix: Third practice | Saturday 3rd October | 5:30am | 6:30am | Europe: London | UK: Sky Sports F1 |
| Bahrain Grand Prix: Qualifying | Saturday 3rd October | 9:00am | Europe: London | UK: Sky Sports F1 | |
| Bahrain Grand Prix: Race | Sunday 4th October | 8:00am | Europe: London | UK: Sky Sports F1 |
Having problems using the time zone converter? Please give feedback here
Viewers in Britain can watch Channel 4’s highlights of the race weekend at the following times:
| Event | Date | Time | Channel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grand prix qualifying highlights | Saturday 3rd October | 2:45pm | Channel 4 |
| Grand prix highlights | Sunday 4th October | 1:00pm | Channel 4 |
Find the local session times and other support race information for the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix here:
Find times for every F1 session this year and all the 2026 race dates with the RaceFans Google Calendar.