Motor racing-Bahrain Grand Prix gets underway at Sepang after long rain delay
The Formula One Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia faced significant delays and chaotic conditions due to heavy rain at the Sepang circuit. The race start was suspended as teams struggled with tire choices and technical issues.
Why it matters
The event highlights the logistical and safety challenges of hosting high-stakes international sporting events in unpredictable weather.
SEPANG, Malaysia, Oct 4 (Reuters) - The Formula One Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia descended into chaos on Sunday as heavy rain at the Sepang circuit triggered multiple delays and a suspended start procedure that left drivers scrambling in treacherous conditions.
What should have been a routine 3 p.m. (0700 GMT) start turned into a soggy saga when the FIA delayed the start to allow sweepers and marshals to tackle a significant amount of standing water that made conditions unsuitable for racing.
Red Bull's Max Verstappen is on pole position, his first of the season, with Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton alongside him on the front row. Mercedes' championship leader Kimi Antonelli will start third on the grid.
Once the thundershowers eased to a drizzle, the drivers returned to their cars for what many expected would be a straightforward formation lap at 3:40 p.m.
Also covering this story
15 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
Why is F1 Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia Sunday? How Country Switch Affects Race
Formula 1 race in Malaysia starts late
‘It’s happening in Malaysia’: Bahrain GP switch surprised race chief
F1 Bahrain GP in Malaysia: Verstappen dominates for first pole of 2026 from Hamilton - Autosport
Lawson fails to make top 10, Verstappen takes pole in Malaysia
Bahrain GP in Malaysia 2026: Verstappen on pole ahead of Hamilton
Verstappen takes first 2026 pole ahead of Hamilton
Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia LIVE: Practice Three & Qualifying
Bahrain GP in Malaysia: F1 fans complain of gridlocked traffic, over three-hour waits for shuttles
F1 Bahrain GP in Malaysia: Kimi Antonelli recovers from tough Friday to top FP3
Formula 1: Liam Lawson to start 11th in Malaysia as Racing Bulls’ teamwork falls short
Bahrain GP in Malaysia: Max Verstappen beats Lewis Hamilton to pole position to claim first Red Bull pole of 2026 Formula 1 season
Live updates: Formula 1 in Bahrain/Malaysia: Who can stop Max Verstappen?
Verstappen ends pole wait at Bahrain GP in Malaysia but Russell risks losing more ground
Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton go viral after "wholesome" Sepang F1 moment
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in