Torrential downpours and lightning strikes around the Sepang International Circuit have forced race officials to delay the start of the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia.
What began as a mild mist while cars lined up on the grid rapidly escalated into a full tropical storm. Safety officials stepped in to suspend the start sequence, citing dangerous standing water and zero visibility across the track near Kuala Lumpur.
The event—temporarily relocated to Malaysia from its traditional Middle Eastern venue amid regional instability—marks the first time teams will operate the redesigned 2026 regulations in wet conditions. Drivers have not raced in active rainfall since Spa in 2025, adding an extra layer of uncertainty for the grid.
Officials confirmed that track safety vehicles are conducting reconnaissance runs to evaluate drainage and surface conditions, though weather radar shows little immediate relief on the horizon. Race control will issue updated timetable estimates once visibility improves.
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