Formula 1 heads to the Sepang International Circuit for the next round of the 2026 season, with Malaysia stepping in to host the Bahrain Grand Prix.
The return to Sepang brings Formula 1 back to the circuit for the first time in nine years. Alongside the challenge of the high-speed track, teams and drivers face the prospect of Malaysia’s hot, humid and unpredictable weather.
Rain played a major role during previous F1 weekends at Sepang, where sudden downpours often transformed track conditions within minutes. Similar conditions are possible this weekend, with a chance of rain across all three days.
High temperatures and humidity should also place considerable strain on the drivers, cars and tyres.
2026 Bahrain Grand Prix Weather Forecast
Friday, October 2: FP1 and FP2
Friday is expected to bring hot and humid conditions, with temperatures reaching 32°C and falling no lower than around 23°C.
The heat index is forecast to peak at approximately 37°C, while there is a 50% chance of rain during the day. Light to moderate winds are expected, with gusts reaching around 21.6 km/h.
Track temperatures are forecast to climb as high as 53.85°C. Such high surface temperatures could make tyre management an important part of Friday practice, particularly during longer runs.
Maximum temperature: 32°C
Minimum temperature: 23°C
Chance of rain: 50%
Saturday, October 3: FP3 and Qualifying
Conditions should remain warm and humid for final practice and qualifying on Saturday.
Air temperatures are forecast to reach approximately 31.5°C, with a minimum of 23.5°C. Humidity could reach 86%, producing a heat index of around 36°C.
There is a 40% chance of rain, creating the possibility of changing conditions during qualifying. Wind gusts could also reach 27 km/h.
Track temperatures are expected to peak at approximately 53.32°C, keeping tyre temperatures and degradation among the key factors teams will need to manage.
Maximum temperature: 32°C
Minimum temperature: 24°C
Chance of rain: 40%
Sunday, October 4: Bahrain Grand Prix
Race day currently carries the lowest rain risk of the weekend, although showers remain possible.
Temperatures are expected to reach 31°C, with a minimum of approximately 23.5°C. The heat index could reach 35°C as Sepang’s high humidity continues.
The forecast gives Sunday a 30% chance of rain. Winds should remain light, although gusts of around 21.6 km/h are possible.
Track temperatures could reach approximately 46°C, presenting another tyre management challenge during the Grand Prix.
Maximum temperature: 31°C
Minimum temperature: 24°C
Chance of rain: 30%
Rain Could Add Another Challenge at Sepang
The biggest uncertainty throughout the Bahrain Grand Prix weekend will be the possibility of rain.
Friday currently carries the highest risk at 50%, followed by 40% for qualifying and 30% for Sunday’s race. Malaysia’s weather has a history of changing quickly, so teams will need to prepare for both dry and wet running.
Even without rain, the combination of high humidity, air temperatures above 30°C and potentially extreme track temperatures should make the return to Sepang a demanding weekend.
After nine years away from Formula 1, the Sepang International Circuit is set to return with the type of unpredictable weather conditions which helped make its previous races so challenging.
