F1 runs Bahrain GP at Sepang as round 16 of triple-header

First Malaysia race since 2017 after Bahrain cancellation

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated 39m1 min read

What happened: The event sits in the middle of the current triple-header. Sepang hosted every season from 1999 to 2017 before funding ended the Malaysian Grand Prix. Bahrain lost its home race earlier this year amid Middle East conflict.

Why it matters: George Russell cut Kimi Antonelli's championship lead from 81 to 66 points with his Baku pole-to-win, his third victory of 2026. Sepang pairs medium-to-high-speed corners with two long straights that will stress battery deployment under the 2026 rules.

By the numbers: Antonelli leads Russell by 66 points with seven rounds scheduled. Baku top five: Russell, Verstappen, Hadjar, Leclerc, Antonelli; Sepang run: 1999-2017.

What to watch: Practice and qualifying set the grid before Sunday's round 16 start. The result shapes momentum for the closing leg of the triple-header.

Sources

Motorsport F1 2026-09-30T15:56:30.636069+00:00

CONVERSATION

Loading comments…

F1PreviewFerrariMcLarenMercedes

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 →