Sepang deluge puts Bahrain Grand Prix on hold minutes before lights out
The Bahrain Grand Prix, held at the Sepang International Circuit, faced a significant delay due to torrential rain. Race control paused the event shortly before the start to ensure driver safety as standing water accumulated on the track.
Why it matters
Weather-related disruptions in professional sports highlight the logistical challenges of international racing circuits.
SEPANG, Oct 4 — The start of the Bahrain Grand Prix was delayed today after torrential rain swept across Sepang just minutes before lights out, leaving pole-sitter Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton waiting for conditions to improve.
Race Control confirmed that the Formula One race, scheduled to begin at 3pm, could not start on time after the circuit was hit by a heavy downpour roughly 20 minutes before the scheduled start.
“Delayed start due to excessive rain,” Race Control said in a brief announcement.
No revised start time was immediately given, with teams and drivers forced to wait for further instructions as standing water built up around the Sepang International Circuit.
Also covering this story
19 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
F1 Bahrain GP in Malaysia: Verstappen wins chaotic race from Antonelli as Russell retires late on
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
Bahrain circuit chief recalls surprise call that moved race to Sepang
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
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
LIVE: Reaction as Verstappen wins chaotic Bahrain GP in Malaysia, Russell retires
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
Start of Malaysian F1 race delayed by huge downpour
Verstappen wins rain-delayed Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia
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