F1 Bahrain GP in Malaysia LIVE: Race updates, results, stream, highlights from 16th round of 2026 Formula 1 season at Sepang

KUALA LUMPUR, 4 OCTOBER 2026 —

Max Verstappen secured his first pole position of the 2026 Formula 1 season, setting the stage for the Bahrain Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia.

This marks the 15th time in their careers that Verstappen and Hamilton will share the front row, and the first such occurrence since the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Notably, they also started from the front row during the last time Formula 1 raced in Sepang in 2017.

Verstappen aims to claim his first victory of the season and defend his 2017 Sepang win. Charles Leclerc, driving the other Ferrari, qualified fourth, raising questions about how the Scuderia will manage the circuit’s raw straight-line speed demands in race conditions. Isack Hadjar, who returned from injury to finish on the podium in Baku, qualified third but will serve a five-place grid penalty for the race.

Consequently, 20-year-old championship leader Kimi Antonelli moves up to start third, while his teammate and Azerbaijan winner George Russell starts from a lowly seventh position.

Mercedes introduced an updated package for the weekend, but it has not improved their performance, with results described as the opposite of helpful. Antonelli, who leads the championship, faces a tough challenge in claiming victory from Verstappen, though a podium finish remains a realistic target. He currently holds a 66-point lead over Russell, a 103-point lead over Hamilton, and a 139-point lead over Verstappen.

The circuit, a purpose-built track returning to the calendar due to the ongoing situation in the Middle East, features two long straights, four straight zones, and a high-speed middle sector, with the potential for rain adding further unpredictability.

McLaren is attempting to bounce back from a disastrous Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where Lando Norris was forced to retire due to a misjudgment by Franco Colapinto, and Oscar Piastri locked up into turn one, finishing outside the points despite looking set for a podium. The McLaren duo will start fifth and sixth, respectively. A large portion of the current grid has not raced in Sepang, making the weekend a test of adaptability for many drivers.

The event serves as the 16th round of the 2026 Formula 1 season, with the race taking place in Malaysia. The return of the circuit to the calendar highlights the logistical adjustments made by the series in response to regional geopolitical conditions. The high-speed nature of the track, combined with the strategic implications of the grid penalties and the championship standings, sets up a complex tactical battle for the teams.

Viewers can watch the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia via live streams, with availability varying by country. The race offers a critical opportunity for Verstappen to break his winless streak and for Antonelli to extend his championship lead. The outcome will significantly influence the dynamics of the remaining season, particularly regarding the title race and team performance consistency.