The 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix is set to run on an unusual track this weekend, as the race will be held at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia, instead of Bahrain, due to the current situation in the Middle East.
For the first time since 2017, Formula 1 returns to Sepang, presenting a very different challenge for the current grid than Bahrain.
The qualifying took place on Saturday, October 3 at 4 p.m. local time in Malaysia. The session set the starting order for Sunday’s race.
The session will be the next big track action after FP3.
2026 Bahrain GP Qualifying Starting Grid
- P1 – Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
- P2 – Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari)
- P3 – Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)
- P4 – Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
- P5 – Lando Norris (McLaren)
- P6 – Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
- P7 – George Russell (Mercedes)
- P8 – Isack Hadjar (Red Bull)
- P9 – Pierre Gasly (Alpine)
- P10 – Gabriel Bortoleto (Audi)
- P11 – Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls)
- P12 – Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin)
- P13 – Carlos Sainz (Williams)
- P14 – Lance Stroll (Aston Martin)
- P15 – Nico Hulkenberg (Audi)
- P16 – Oliver Bearman (Haas)
- P17 – Esteban Ocon (Haas)
- P18 – Alex Albon (Williams)
- P19 – Valtteri Bottas (Cadillac)
- P20 – Sergio Perez (Cadillac)
- P21 – Franco Colapinto (Alpine)
- P22 – Arvid Lindblad (Racing Bulls)
Bahrain GP Results: What Happened in Malaysia’s Sepang Circuit?
Max Verstappen stole the pole for Red Bull with a dominant display. He starts at P1 with Lewis Hamilton on P2. Hadjar faces a penalty and has to start at P8 despite finishing P3.
Kimi Antonelli came into qualifying with a lot of momentum, having led the final practice session. However, the championship leader is starting at P3 (after Hadjar’s penalty).
(Photo by Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images)
Several drivers are also under additional pressure due to grid penalties already issued. Hadjar, Arvid Lindblad and Franco Colapinto have been slapped with penalties for their power units, and Colapinto has been handed a penalty for his Baku incident. The qualifying order will be used for those sanctions at the end of the session.
The heat, humidity, and abrasive surface of Sepang may also be a significant factor, especially during the race, and tire management and track position will be critical.
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