SEPANG: The start of the 2026 Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) has been delayed due to heavy rain.
Four-time world champion Max Verstappen of Red Bull was set to start from pole position with seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton alongside him for Ferrari.
The race start was delayed at just before the start 3pm on Sunday (Oct 4) as the cars were making the way from the pits to the track.
The medical car reported a "significant amount of standing water" around the track, with the FIA adding that current conditions were not suitable to start the race.
As at 3.35pm, rain had disspated and cars were lining up on the grid. The race is now expected to flag off at 3.40pm.
The Medical Car is doing a quick recce - it's so wet out there!A reminder that the race start has been delayed#F1 #BahrainGP https://t.co/BmFLKmnUUW— Formula 1 (@F1) October 4, 2026
