Thunderstorm delays 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang; start moved to 16:33 local

The start of the 2026 Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia was delayed on October 4 after a powerful thunderstorm produced heavy rain, lightning and significant standing water, forcing FIA race control to halt pre-race procedures while officials waited for conditions to improve.

Light drizzle rapidly intensified into a tropical storm at the circuit, with organisers suspending activity as the downpour and lightning struck the track. During a reconnaissance lap the FIA safety car reported extensive standing water across the circuit, prompting concerns that conditions were too dangerous for racing to begin. The FIA’s official weather forecast suggested conditions could improve once the storm passed, with relatively dry weather expected for the remainder of the afternoon. Although officially the Bahrain Grand Prix, the 2026 race is being held at Sepang in Malaysia after the event was moved from Bahrain following the original race postponement due to the conflict in the region.

After a delay, the formation lap eventually began behind the safety car at 15:40 local time, 40 minutes after the original start time; drivers immediately reported traction problems on the wet surface. Pole sitter Max Verstappen complained about the grip, and one of his teammates went off the track due to aquaplaning during the formation sequence.

Several other drivers experienced issues during the formation lap: Lewis Hamilton, who secured P2 in qualifying, struggled with software problems, and Liam Lawson had difficulty getting started. With multiple incidents on the wet circuit, race officials took the decision to suspend the starting procedure. A race-control message read: "🚨 RACE CONTROL: The starting procedure has been suspendedThe drivers return to the pits #F1 #BahrainGP pic.twitter.com/U6kq7wMDJ9".

Ambient temperature was reported to be around 32°C and track conditions began to improve as the circuit dried out, reducing the immediate risk posed by standing water. The FIA confirmed that the original grid order would be retained to start the race.

The FIA has scheduled the race to commence at 16:33 PM local time, with the original grid order set to be used for the start.