The early forecast for the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia points to showers throughout the weekend, with Sunday currently carrying a 75% chance of afternoon rain. Air temperatures are expected to reach 33°C, while humidity could make conditions feel considerably hotter.
News Summary
- Rain is forecast on all three days of the October 2–4 event at Sepang.
- Sunday’s forecast shows a 75% chance of afternoon rain and an estimated 3.6 mm of precipitation.
- The forecast high is 33°C; the projected heat index reaches 43°C on Friday and approximately 40°C on Sunday.
Formula 1’s return to Sepang could bring both tropical rain and intense heat to the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. According to the preliminary forecast cited by GRANDE PRÊMIO, the chance of rain extends across practice, qualifying and race day, although it is too early to establish whether precipitation will coincide with any particular session.
The championship visits the Malaysian circuit from Friday, October 2, to Sunday, October 4. Sepang is hosting the event under the Bahrain Grand Prix name, marking F1’s first race at the venue since 2017. Its combination of humidity and sudden showers could give teams changing track conditions to manage over the weekend.
Friday’s forecast gives a 75% chance of rain. The air temperature could reach 33°C, but relative humidity of around 73% is expected to raise the feels-like temperature to 43°C. Forecast wind gusts could reach 20 km/h. Those figures describe conditions in the surrounding air: the 43°C reading is a heat-index estimate, not the measured air temperature or a prediction of track temperature.
The prospect of rain continues into Saturday, when the drivers complete final practice and qualifying. The forecast puts the chance of afternoon precipitation at 63%, with thunderstorms possible. The expected air temperature remains at 33°C, while humidity of around 66% could again push the heat index above 40°C.
Sunday currently has the highest forecast rainfall total of the three days: 3.6 mm, alongside a 75% chance of afternoon rain. The projected air temperature is again 33°C, with a heat index of approximately 40°C, humidity near 67% and gusts of up to 22 km/h.
Rainfall probability is not a prediction that it will rain during the race itself. If a shower reaches the circuit, however, its timing and intensity could affect tyre choice, pit stops and the order on track. Teams will get a clearer indication of conditions as the weekend approaches and forecasts become more precise.
The Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia schedule begins with two practice sessions on Friday. Qualifying takes place on Saturday, and the 56-lap race starts Sunday at 15:00 local time, equivalent to 08:00 BST and 03:00 ET.
F1 today: FAQ
When is the next F1 race after the Azerbaijan Grand Prix?
The Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia takes place at Sepang on Sunday, 4 October 2026. The race starts at 08:00 BST, 03:00 US Eastern time and 15:00 in Malaysia.
Who leads the 2026 F1 championship after Baku?
Kimi Antonelli leads with 302 points, 66 ahead of Mercedes teammate George Russell, who has 236. Russell reduced the gap by 15 points with his Azerbaijan GP victory.
What penalty will Franco Colapinto serve at the next F1 race?
Colapinto has a five-place grid penalty for the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia after causing the Baku collision involving Pierre Gasly and Lando Norris.
Will it rain during the 2026 F1 race at Sepang?
Rain is possible, but the early forecast does not establish whether a shower will arrive during the race. It currently gives Sunday afternoon a 75% chance of rain.
