Formula 1 returns to Sepang International Circuit this weekend for a highly unusual edition of the Bahrain Grand Prix, with the event taking place in Malaysia after the original Bahrain race was postponed. The 2026 Bahrain GP in Malaysia runs from October 2-4, with FP1 and FP2 on Friday, FP3 and qualifying on Saturday, and the race on Sunday.
The biggest question surrounding the weekend is the weather. Sepang is known for its heat, humidity, and sudden thunderstorms, and the latest forecasts indicate that rain could affect all three days, although the precise timing remains uncertain. Additionally, the FIA has already declared a Heat Hazard for Sunday’s race after forecasts showed the heat index could exceed 31°C. The declaration requires teams to make additional driver-cooling equipment available, while the cars also receive an increased minimum-weight allowance.
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F1’s latest forecast puts temperatures at 32°C on Friday, with the heat index reaching 37°C, while Saturday could reach 32°C and Sunday 31°C. Rain remains possible throughout the weekend, with F1 currently giving a 50% chance on Friday, 40% on Saturday, and 30% on Sunday.
FP2 Faces Rain and Wind Threat
FP1 has already taken place in hot and humid conditions, with Max Verstappen setting the fastest time ahead of George Russell. Attention now turns to FP2 at 4 p.m. local time, where the weather could become a much bigger factor. F1’s forecast maintains a chance of rain, while the latest session-specific forecast is considerably wetter, currently putting the probability of rain at 83% for FP2 at the time of writing.
Strong winds are also being reported around Sepang as FP2 approaches, adding another variable for drivers tackling the circuit for the first time in the current generation of cars.
The biggest uncertainty, however, is whether any rain arrives during the session itself. Sepang’s tropical weather can change quickly, meaning teams could face a significant shift in grip between FP1 and FP2. F1 itself has warned that sudden downpours can force teams to change their approach almost immediately.
With the Heat Hazard already in effect and rain potentially arriving during FP2, Sepang could provide F1 with a very different challenge later Friday.
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