How to Watch the 2026 Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia
01 October 2026Formula 1 faces a unique scenario this week as the Bahrain Grand Prix is set to be held not in Bahrain, but at Malaysia's Sepang International Circuit.
With the cancellation of the original Bahrain Grand Prix, Formula 1 opted to relocate the race to Sepang, which is geographically convenient for the next round in Singapore, marking the sport's first visit to Malaysia in nine years. To avoid any potential confusion, keep in mind that the race retains its Bahrain title and branding.
Here's everything UK fans need to know about watching the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, including the full session schedule.
Where to watch the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia
Regardless of the host country, UK viewers still have the same two routes to watching it live.
Sky Sports F1
Every session from Sepang, including Free Practice, Qualifying and the race itself, will be shown live on Sky Sports F1, home of every Grand Prix weekend throughout the season.
Adding Sky Sports to an existing Sky package gives full access to the coverage, along with the usual build-up, expert analysis and paddock interviews.
NOW
If you don't have a Sky contract, NOW streams identical live coverage of the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia.
Its Sports membership covers Sky Sports F1 and every other Sky Sports channel, while a day pass suits anyone tuning in purely for race day.
Is the Bahrain Grand Prix on Channel 4?
No. Channel 4's free-to-air deal with Sky covers live British Grand Prix coverage only. Every other round, including this one, is covered by highlights on the channel.
Expect free highlights of Qualifying and the race on Channel 4 and its streaming service later the same day.
F1 TV Pro is also off the table for UK viewers wanting to watch live: Sky's exclusive broadcast rights block live streaming of every race in the UK, though catch-up content remains available on the platform.
For live coverage of the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, Sky Sports F1 and NOW are the only UK options.
What time is the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia?
Unlike the usual Bahrain Grand Prix, this race won't be run under floodlights. The Grand Prix starts at 08:00 UK time (15:00 local time in Malaysia) on Sunday, 4 October. Here's the full weekend schedule.
Date | UK Time | Local Time (Malaysia) | Session |
Friday, 2 October | 05:30 | 12:30 | Free Practice 1 |
Friday, 2 October | 09:00 | 16:00 | Free Practice 2 |
Saturday, 3 October | 05:30 | 12:30 | Free Practice 3 |
Saturday, 3 October | 09:00 | 16:00 | Qualifying |
Sunday, 4 October | 08:00 | 15:00 | Bahrain Grand Prix |
All UK times are BST; local time in Malaysia (MYT) is seven hours ahead. Check F1.com or the F1 app for any late changes to the schedule.
