Bahrain Grand Prix start delayed by severe thunderstorm

FIA race control halts pre-race procedures at Sepang.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated yesterday1 min read

Photo via @autosport on X

What happened: The start of the Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia is delayed due to a heavy thunderstorm at the Sepang circuit. A sudden downpour and lightning hit the track outside Kuala Lumpur as teams formed on the starting grid.

Why it matters: The torrential rainfall forced FIA race control to suspend the schedule. The medical car is conducting a reconnaissance lap to evaluate the wet track conditions.

By the numbers: Max Verstappen holds pole position for the event, sharing the front row with Lewis Hamilton. Isack Hadjar, Kimi Antonelli and Charles Leclerc round out the top five starting spots.

What to watch: Race control will monitor the weather to determine when the Grand Prix can safely begin.

Sources

@autosport 2026-10-04T07:14:51.018779+00:00

CONVERSATION

Loading comments…

F1Breaking

Follow F1 Intelligence

Real-time signals and analysis

@WireReportF1

WR Pro

The day's sports, briefed to your inbox at 7am ET. Every claim sourced.

$9/month Free weekly newsletter →