How to watch the Bahrain GP in Malaysia for free on Apple TV in the US

Summary

US viewers can watch the Bahrain GP in Malaysia weekend free on Apple TV.
The offer covers practice, qualifying and the race, from 2–4 October.
Sunday’s Grand Prix starts at 3 a.m. ET and midnight PT, with coverage beginning earlier.

Apple TV will stream the entire Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia weekend free of charge in the United States, giving viewers access to practice, qualifying and the race at Sepang without a paid subscription for this event.

The offer coincides with F1’s return to Malaysia for the first time since 2017. Fans on the West Coast will need to pay particular attention to the dates: some sessions take place on the previous evening because of the time difference.

How to watch the Bahrain GP free on Apple TV

Open the Apple TV app or visit the official Formula 1 channel on Apple TV. Find the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia section and select the session you want to watch.

Apple’s US page identifies the race with a “Watch Free on Apple TV” option. The weekend section also lists the three practice sessions and qualifying, making it the starting point for accessing the coverage. Apple TV

The free weekend is separate from Apple TV’s general subscription trial. You do not need to activate a paid subscription to use this event’s free-access offer; follow the session’s viewing option and any sign-in instructions shown on your device.

What time does the race start in the US?

The Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia starts on Sunday, 4 October, at 3 a.m. Eastern Time. That corresponds to 2 a.m. Central, 1 a.m. Mountain and midnight Pacific.

Apple lists the start of its race coverage at 1:50 a.m. ET, giving viewers a pre-race programme before the lights go out. On the West Coast, that coverage begins at 10:50 p.m. PT on Saturday, 3 October. Apple TV

Friday’s opening practice begins at 12:30 p.m. in Malaysia, equivalent to 12:30 a.m. ET on Friday and 9:30 p.m. PT on Thursday. FP2 follows at 4 a.m. ET and 1 a.m. PT on Friday. The complete Friday timetable is available in GRANDE PRÊMIO’s guide to FP1 and FP2 at Sepang.

Is the free Apple TV offer available outside the US?

The announced free-access offer applies to viewers in the United States. Readers in other countries should check their local broadcaster rather than assume the American promotion applies to their Apple TV account.

For viewing options across the main markets served by GRANDE PRÊMIO, consult the Bahrain GP in Malaysia TV and streaming guide.

Formula 1 returns this weekend, from 2–4 October, to Malaysia, which hosts the Bahrain Grand Prix. GRANDE PRÊMIO will cover all the action at Sepang.

F1 today: FAQ

What time is F1 qualifying at Sepang?

Qualifying starts on Saturday, 3 October, at 16:00 Malaysia time. That is 09:00 BST in the UK, 04:00 EDT in New York and Toronto, 01:00 PDT in Los Angeles and Vancouver, 13:30 IST in India and 18:00 AEST in Sydney.

Did Lewis Hamilton receive a grid penalty for the Bortoleto incident?

No. Hamilton received a warning after impeding Gabriel Bortoleto during FP2 at Sepang. Ferrari was fined €10,000, but Hamilton will not lose grid positions over the incident.

Why were F1 lap times at Sepang over four seconds slower than expected?

Pirelli identified low grip, dust and an abrasive surface that increased tyre sliding and degradation. Friday’s benchmark was more than four seconds slower than its qualifying simulation reference, rather than four seconds slower than the 2017 race weekend.