Formula 1’s Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia had its start delayed after thunderstorms brought heavy rain and lightning to the Sepang circuit outside Kuala Lumpur. The race was exceptionally relocated to Malaysia because of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

The storm developed as teams gathered on the starting grid for the pre-race procedure. A light drizzle intensified into a tropical downpour, prompting FIA race control to postpone the start while it waited for conditions to improve. During a reconnaissance lap, the FIA medical car reported significant standing water around the track, making it unsuitable for racing.

The FIA’s official weather forecast said: “Prolonged dry conditions are expected after this shower clears.” The report said the rest of the afternoon was expected to be relatively dry once the weather system moved past Sepang.

The event is Formula 1’s first wet-weather race since the 2025 Belgian Grand Prix. It is also the first wet race for the all-new 2026 generation of cars, which will face restrictions under the season’s regulations.

Drivers will not be permitted to use boost mode to create an additional power spike as an overtaking aid. Active aerodynamics will be only partly available: the front-wing flap can move, while the rear wing must remain shut. Maximum electric deployment will also be reduced, limiting torque to improve car control in low-grip conditions.

Autosport said further updates would follow and invited readers to share what they would like to see from the publication in the future. The report included a photograph of rain on the grid credited to Alex Bierens de Haan of LAT Images via Getty Images, and another caption described the FIA medical car kicking up spray in the pit lane.

Based on reporting by Autosport.