Start of the F1 Bahrain GP in Malaysia delayed after heavy deluge hits
The start of the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia has been delayed due to heavy rain.
The start of the Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia has been delayed after heavy rain hit ahead of the race.
A sudden deluge hit the Sepang International Circuit with around 40 minutes to go before lights out, and conditions only worsened in the build up to Sunday’s race.
Amid continued heavy rain and even lightning strikes, F1’s governing body the FIA announced the start of the race would be delayed.
There will be a minimum 10-minute notice period before the race begins.
"Rain intensity have been steady for the last 10 mins and no improvement is forecasted for the next 5/10 mins," an update from the FIA said.
"Medical car going on track shortly to report on track conditions."
Despite the current heavy deluge, the forecast suggests the rain cell should clear up.
Given Malaysia’s hot climate, the track should quickly dry up once the rain stops falling.
It has thrown F1 into uncharted territory if the race is held in wet conditions, as there has been no collective wet session during the 2026 season so far.
The weather is famously unpredictable in Malaysia and can cause chaos, with the 2009 Malaysian Grand Prix ultimately being abandoned due to thunderstorms.
In 2012, the Malaysian Grand Prix was also suspended for a time due to heavy rain.
Speaking to Sky Sports F1 on the grid, Max Verstappen said “there are new cells popping up, so it is a big deal for everyone”.
The Bahrain Grand Prix is being held in Malaysia due to the ongoing war in the Middle East, with an agreement reached between F1, the FIA and the Malaysian and Bahraini government.
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