Formula 1 is gearing up for a very different Bahrain Grand Prix this weekend, with the race being held at the Sepang Circuit in Malaysia instead of Bahrain International Circuit.
This is due to safety concerns and unrest in the region.
Sepang has not been on the F1 calendar since 2017, which means that twelve of the drivers on the grid have never raced at the track -- in fact only three teams contain two drivers to have competed in a Grand Prix here before.
Mercedes, McLaren and Racing Bulls' lineups have pairings that have never experienced the circuit.
It should make for an interesting race, and one that Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton and Pierre Gasly can probably smell an opportunity in, being the only drivers in the top ten of the championship to have experience of a Malaysian Grand Prix.
Weekend Schedule & Timings
Race Start Time
The Bahrain Grand Prix is due to start at 08:00 (BST) on Sunday 4th October, which will see the drivers take to the track at 15:00 in Malaysia (MYT).
Qualifying Start Times
Qualifying in Sepang will take place on Saturday 3rd October at 09:00 (BST), which is 16:00 in local time (MYT).
Practice Start Times
- Practice 1 - Friday 2nd October (05:30 BST / 12:30 MYT)
- Practice 2 - Friday 2nd October (09:00 BST / 16:00 MYT)
- Practice 3 - Saturday 3rd October (05:30 BST / 12:30 MYT)
How to Watch and TV Channel
Sky Sports is the home of F1 in the UK, and the Bahrain Grand Prix weekend in it's entirety is being broadcast live on their dedicated channel, Sky Sports F1.
Live streaming and on-demand viewing will be available via the Sky Sports app, including the option of going onboard with any of the drivers.
Highlights
Highlights of the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia will be shown free on Channel 4 from 13:00 (BST) on Sunday 4th October.
They can also be found on YouTube and the Sky Sports app.
Who won the Bahrain Grand Prix last year?
McLaren achieved a double podium last time out in Bahrain, with Oscar Piastri taking the chequered flag and Lando Norris coming home in third.
George Russell finished second, +15.499s behind the Australian.
2025 Bahrain Grand Prix Podium
- Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
- George Russell (Mercedes)
- Lando Norris (McLaren)
Weather
The Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia has been declared a heat hazard race.
Sepang could see daytime temperatures of up to 32°C across Friday, Saturday and Sunday -- with incredibly high humidity to boot.
Thunderstorms are forecast on Friday, though Saturday and Sunday should be dry.
