F1 Bahrain GP In Malaysia Delayed: Why Has The Race Started Late?

Formula 1's Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia has been delayed after a heavy thunderstorm hit the Sepang International Circuit shortly before the scheduled start on Sunday, October 4.

The race was due to begin at 3 pm local time, but a sudden downpour accompanied by lightning swept across the circuit around 20 minutes before lights out. The rain intensified as the cars formed up for the pre-race procedure, leaving Race Control with little choice but to postpone the start.

"Delayed start due to excessive rain," Race Control announced.

No revised start time was included in the initial announcement, meaning teams and drivers must wait for further instructions before the race can get underway.

Why has the Bahrain GP start been delayed?

The immediate reason is the amount of standing water on the Sepang circuit.

The FIA medical car completed a reconnaissance lap and reported significant standing water around the track. With visibility reduced and the surface offering very limited grip, conditions were considered unsuitable for racing.

The thunderstorm arrived after a relatively small amount of drizzle had initially reached the circuit, with the weather rapidly deteriorating into torrential rain.

The FIA's official weather forecast, however, suggested that conditions could improve once the current system moved through Sepang.

"Prolonged dry conditions are expected after this shower clears," the forecast stated.

That raises the possibility of the race proceeding once the circuit becomes safe, although the eventual start time will depend on Race Control's assessment of conditions.

What happens if the rain continues?

Race Control will determine when it is safe for the race to begin.

The initial announcement confirmed only that the start had been delayed because of excessive rain. It did not provide a new start time or indicate that the race had been cancelled.

Teams therefore remain on standby while conditions at Sepang are assessed.

The weather could also have a major impact on strategy if the race gets underway on a wet or partially wet circuit. The sudden change from the hot, dry conditions experienced earlier in the weekend means teams may have limited data for a full wet-weather race.

Why is the Bahrain Grand Prix being held in Malaysia?

The race is being held at Sepang as an exceptional arrangement because of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

That has turned the event into an unusual edition of the Bahrain Grand Prix, with Malaysia stepping in to host the race.

The weather delay has added another layer of uncertainty to an already unusual weekend.

Why is this race significant for the 2026 F1 cars?

If the race remains wet, it will be the first wet-weather event for Formula 1's new-generation 2026 cars.

The last wet F1 race was the 2025 Belgian Grand Prix, meaning teams and drivers have not raced these cars in comparable conditions before.

The 2026 technical regulations also change how the cars behave in low-grip conditions.

Drivers cannot use boost mode to deliver an additional power spike as an overtaking aid in the wet. Active aerodynamics are also restricted, with only