The Bahrain Grand Prix will start with Max Verstappen on pole after the Red Bull driver delivered the fastest qualifying lap at Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia on Saturday, October 3.
Verstappen recorded a time of 1:35.130 to beat Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton by 0.298 seconds and secure his first pole position of the 2026 Formula 1 season.
The race is scheduled for Sunday, October 4, at 3 p.m. local time in Kuala Lumpur, with the event serving as the 16th round of the championship.
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Bahrain Grand Prix starting grid
The qualifying result initially placed Red Bull’s Isack Hadjar third, but the French driver will serve a five-place grid penalty after an internal-combustion-engine change.
Hadjar therefore drops to eighth for the race, promoting Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli to third on the starting grid.
| Grid position | Driver | Team |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Max Verstappen | Red Bull |
| 2 | Lewis Hamilton | Ferrari |
| 3 | Kimi Antonelli | Mercedes |
| 4 | Charles Leclerc | Ferrari |
| 5 | Lando Norris | McLaren |
| 6 | Oscar Piastri | McLaren |
| 7 | George Russell | Mercedes |
| 8 | Isack Hadjar | Red Bull |
Pierre Gasly will start ninth for Alpine, while Audi’s Gabriel Bortoleto completes the top 10.
Liam Lawson, Fernando Alonso, Carlos Sainz and Lance Stroll were among the drivers who failed to reach the final qualifying session.
Why the Bahrain Grand Prix is being held in Malaysia
This is not a conventional Malaysian Grand Prix revival under its own name.
The event is officially titled the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, after Formula 1 and the FIA arranged for Sepang to host Bahrain’s race weekend.
The original Bahrain Grand Prix was scheduled for April, but the event was removed from its planned date because of safety concerns linked to the wider regional situation.
The agreement between Formula 1, the FIA, Bahrain and Malaysia preserved the race on the 2026 calendar while moving it to Sepang from October 2 to 4.
Sepang last hosted a Formula 1 race in 2017, when Verstappen won the Malaysian Grand Prix.
What could decide Sunday’s race
Verstappen’s qualifying advantage gives Red Bull the preferred track position, but the long race distance at Sepang leaves several strategic questions open.
The circuit features fast corners, long straights and demanding braking zones, creating opportunities for overtaking and undercut strategies.
Heat and humidity are also expected to test the drivers and cars throughout the 56-lap race.
Sepang’s weather can change quickly, and a sudden rain shower would significantly alter tyre choices and pit-stop timing.
Hamilton’s front-row start gives Ferrari an immediate chance to challenge Verstappen into the opening corners.
Ferrari also placed Charles Leclerc fourth, while McLaren will line up with Lando Norris fifth and Oscar Piastri sixth.
Mercedes has both Antonelli and Russell inside the top seven, leaving the team well placed to influence the opening phase of the race.
When Canadians can watch the Bahrain Grand Prix
The race begins at 3 p.m. in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday, October 4.
That translates to 3 a.m. Eastern Time and midnight Pacific Time in Canada, subject to local broadcaster scheduling.
Live timing is available through the official Formula 1 website and app, while F1 TV Pro carries live coverage in participating markets.
The unusual timing reflects the race’s temporary move to Malaysia and places the Grand Prix among the earliest Sunday-morning starts of the season for Canadian viewers.
What comes next in the 2026 F1 season
The Singapore Grand Prix follows one week later, from October 9 to 11.
Formula 1 will then travel to the United States, Mexico, Brazil, Las Vegas, Qatar and Abu Dhabi for the remaining races.
With the championship entering its final stretch, Sunday’s result could have a major effect on the standings battle between Mercedes, Ferrari, Red Bull and McLaren.
Verstappen will be seeking his first victory of the 2026 season, while the drivers behind him will aim to turn Sepang’s demanding layout into an opportunity at the start.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia?
The race is scheduled for Sunday, October 4, 2026, at 3 p.m. local time at Sepang International Circuit.
Who starts on pole for the Bahrain Grand Prix?
Max Verstappen starts from pole after setting the fastest qualifying time of 1:35.130.
Why is the Bahrain Grand Prix being held in Malaysia?
The Bahrain race was moved from its original April date and relocated to Sepang to preserve the event on the 2026 Formula 1 calendar.
What time does the Bahrain Grand Prix start in Canada?
The scheduled start is 3 a.m. Eastern Time and midnight Pacific Time on Sunday, October 4.
Who is on the front row for the Bahrain Grand Prix?
Max Verstappen starts first and Lewis Hamilton starts second after qualifying at Sepang.
Fact-Checked: Key race, qualifying, grid, venue and schedule details were checked against Formula 1 and FIA information.
Disclaimer: Race times and the starting grid may change if further penalties, technical decisions or schedule adjustments are issued.