Heavy rain hits before start of F1 Bahrain GP in Malaysia
What's the weather going to do at the F1 Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia on Sunday?
Formula 1 is still yet to have its first collective session in the rain with the new regulation 2026 cars.
The topic of wet running has been a recurring one during this season, with rain threatening to hit at several races before ultimately coming to nothing.
The Miami Grand Prix was moved forward by three hours to avoid thunderstorms but despite concerns, the race was held in fully dry conditions.
As well as Miami, Canada was also declared a Rain Hazard race, though it ultimately ended up being dry throughout. F1 sessions also avoided rain that fell during the Belgian Grand Prix weekend.
F1 has faced the highly unusual scenario that 15 race weekends have come and gone without a single session taking place in wet conditions.
Other than a few teams getting some wet weather running during the pre-season shakedown in Barcelona, the majority have yet to experience the 2026 rules when it rains.
That could be about to change, if the forecast for this weekend’s Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia is anything to go by.
What is the Bahrain GP in Malaysia weather forecast?
Despite forecasts that rain could hit all five sessions in Malaysia, so far the weekend has passed without a single drop of precipitation.
Hot and humid conditions are expected on Sunday and there remains a risk of thunderstorms and showers.
According to BBC weather, there is currently a 55% chance of thundery showers at 3pm local time - when the race gets underway.
Light rain has been falling on and off in the build up to lights out.
Malaysia is known for its unpredictable weather and conditions that can change in a matter of minutes from seemingly out of nowhere.
The weather has played a huge role in Malaysian Grands Prix over the years, with the Sepang International Circuit regularly hit by sudden downpours and monsoon-like conditions.
The 2009 race had to be abandoned partway through due to an intense rainstorm, with half points awarded that day. In 2012, the race had to be stopped for a time due to the weather.
This weekend’s Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia has become the third round this season to be declared a heat-hazard race.
Heat hazard status is given for events where temperatures are forecast to exceed more than 31C at some point during the race, which begins at 8am UK time.
Red Bull's Max Verstappen starts from pole position, with Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton alongside him on the front row.
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