Rain is seen on the grid
Photo by: Alex Bierens de Haan / LAT Images via Getty Images
The start of Formula 1's Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia has been delayed due to a heavy thunderstorm hitting the Sepang circuit.
As teams formed on the starting grid for the pre-race procedure, a small drizzle turned into a tropical thunderstorm as a sudden downpour accompanied by lightning hit the circuit outside Kuala Lumpur. The torrential rainfall was so severe that FIA race control had no choice to delay the race start, awaiting improving conditions.
The race, exceptionally held in Malaysia due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, is F1's first wet weather event since the 2025 Belgian Grand Prix, and therefore a wet race debut for the all-new 2026 generation of cars.
At the original scheduled start time, the FIA reported: "Rain intensity has been steady for the last 10 mins and no improvement is forecasted for the next 5/10 mins. Medical car going on track shortly to report on track conditions."
The FIA's official weather provided expected the rest of the afternoon to be relatively dry once the current system clears Sepang: "A stationary moderate rain shower will likely persist over the circuit for another 5-10 minutes before gradually dissipating. Level 2+ rainfall may persist through to 1505-1510 Sunday. Level 1 rain is most likely from 1510-1520 Sunday. Level 0-1 rain/drizzle is most likely after 1520 Sunday until the shower dissipates. Prolonged dry conditions are expected after this shower clears."
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- The Autosport.com Team
Source: Autosport