News Summary
- The formation lap is scheduled for 15:40 local time at Sepang.
- The announcement follows a rain delay to the original 15:00 race start.
- 15:40 is the formation lap time, with lights out to follow the starting procedure.
Race Control has announced that the Bahrain Grand Prix formation lap will begin at 15:40 local time, providing a new timetable after torrential rain delayed Sunday’s race at Sepang.
The announcement schedules the formation lap 40 minutes after the original race start time of 15:00. Race Control plans to run at least two laps behind the Safety Car before a standing start, although that procedure remains subject to change depending on driver feedback.
The formation lap was scheduled for 15:40 local time following the rain delay. The latest message sets out the intended procedure, but does not confirm a lights-out time: Race Control may revise its plan after drivers assess conditions on track.
Heavy rain shortly before the scheduled start had forced Race Control to delay the Formula 1 race. Teams and drivers now have a confirmed time for the next stage of the starting procedure.
Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton occupy the front row, with Kimi Antonelli and Charles Leclerc immediately behind them. The official Sepang starting grid includes penalties for Hadjar, Colapinto and Lindblad.
Updated Sepang formation lap time
| Market | Formation lap |
|---|---|
| Malaysia | Sunday, 15:40 MYT |
| United Kingdom | Sunday, 08:40 BST |
| United States and Canada — Eastern | Sunday, 03:40 EDT |
| United States and Canada — Pacific | Sunday, 00:40 PDT |
| India | Sunday, 13:10 IST |
| Australia — Sydney and Melbourne | Sunday, 18:40 AEDT |
| Australia — Brisbane | Sunday, 17:40 AEST |
| Australia — Adelaide | Sunday, 18:10 ACDT |
| Australia — Perth | Sunday, 15:40 AWST |
These times refer to the formation lap on Sunday, 4 October, rather than lights out.
GRANDE PRÊMIO will cover all the action at Sepang, including further updates from Race Control.
F1 today: FAQ
Who won the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia?
Max Verstappen won the Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang on Sunday, 4 October, taking his first victory of the 2026 F1 season. Kimi Antonelli finished second, with Lewis Hamilton completing the podium.
Why was the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia delayed?
Heavy rain initially delayed the start at Sepang. Several drivers then experienced power delivery problems during the formation procedure, forcing race control to suspend the start again. The race eventually began more than 90 minutes after its scheduled time.
How far ahead is Kimi Antonelli in the F1 championship?
Kimi Antonelli leads George Russell by 84 points after finishing second at Sepang while his Mercedes teammate retired. Antonelli has 320 points, Russell has 236 and Lewis Hamilton is third with 214.
