Malaysia will host the Bahrain Grand Prix from Oct. 2 to 4, taking the place of Bahrain on the Formula 1 calendar after the event was postponed in March. The race is Round 16 of the 2026 season and will officially be called the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, with Bahrain retaining the event’s naming rights. The arrangement was heavily influenced by Bahrain’s Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

The Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix had been scheduled for April. Both were called off in March because of the war launched by the United States and Israel against Iran. Bahrain’s race was postponed a month before it was due to be held, then added back to the calendar with Malaysia staging it on Bahrain’s behalf.

The last race held in Malaysia was in 2017, when Max Verstappen earned his second Formula 1 victory. The 2026 weekend will include practice on Friday, Oct. 2, and Saturday, Oct. 3, followed by qualifying on Saturday and the 56-lap grand prix on Sunday, Oct. 4. All times are British Summer Time.

Friday’s first practice runs from 05:30 to 06:30, with second practice scheduled for 09:00 to 10:00. Saturday’s third practice is set for 05:30 to 06:30, followed by qualifying from 09:00 to 10:00. Sunday’s race begins at 08:00, with coverage build-up starting at 07:45.

BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra will carry commentary on both Friday practice sessions, Saturday’s third practice and qualifying. Those sessions will also be available through BBC Sounds and smart speakers. Sunday’s race coverage will be on BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Sounds, smart speakers, and the BBC Sport website and app; listeners can ask a smart speaker to “Play 5 Live.”

For the first time this year, a post-race show for every grand prix will be available to watch on BBC iPlayer and YouTube. The BBC also encouraged audiences to listen to every episode of its Chequered Flag podcast. The early forecast for Malaysia points to a stormy weekend, with thundery showers possible during all five sessions and temperatures reaching a high of 33C.

The 2026 race follows a recent Azerbaijan Grand Prix won by George Russell, his first grand prix victory since June. The Mercedes driver led from start to finish. His team-mate and championship leader Kimi Antonelli finished fifth after starting 16th on the grid, following a qualifying mistake.

Red Bull drivers Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar joined Russell on the Azerbaijan podium. BBC coverage also recalled the 2017 Malaysian podium, where race winner Verstappen was joined by Lewis Hamilton and his Red Bull team-mate Daniel Ricciardo. Related BBC coverage includes a report describing Russell as “Mr Saturday” and saying he “comes through other side after real tough period,” driver ratings calling Russell faultless and Hadjar excellent on his return, and an Andrew Benson Q&A inviting questions.

Based on reporting by BBC Sport.