2026 Bahrain GP in Malaysia start time: how to watch, live stream and F1 schedule
Watch F1 via live stream or on TV: dates and start time for the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia
Sepang hasn't hosted an F1 race since 2017
Grand Prix Photo
The 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix has undergone a major change this year, with the event moving from its usual slot in Sakhir to the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia.
That means F1 fans face an unusual schedule for the Bahrain round, with the action taking place across October 2-4. Practice starts early on Friday morning UK time, followed by qualifying on Saturday before the Grand Prix gets under way at 8am BST on Sunday.
Sky Sports F1 will have live coverage of every session, while streaming services provide additional ways to follow the action and Channel 4 will offer free-to-air highlights.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Bahrain GP schedule, including live TV coverage, streaming options and the start times for practice, qualifying and the race.
2026 Bahrain GP F1 start times, streaming & TV schedule
Friday, October 2
| Session | Session start time | Live TV coverage | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practice 1 | 5.30am | 5am, Sky Sports F1 | — |
| Practice 2 | 9am | 8.45am, Sky Sports F1 | — |
Saturday, October 3
| Session | Session start time | Live TV coverage | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practice 3 | 5.30am | 5.15am, Sky Sports F1 | — |
| Qualifying | 9am | 8am, Sky Sports F1 | 2.45pm, Channel 4 |
Sunday, October 4
| Session | Race start time | Live TV coverage | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bahrain Grand Prix | 8am | 6.30am, Sky Sports F1 | 1pm, Channel 4 |
How to watch F1: Bahrain GP broadcast & streaming guide
The 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix is taking place at an unusual point in the F1 calendar this year, with the event now being staged at Sepang in Malaysia. The revised schedule runs from Friday, October 2 through to Sunday, October 4, with the race getting under way on Sunday morning UK time.
Live TV
Sky Sports F1 will show live coverage of every session across the Bahrain GP weekend, starting with Practice 1 at 5.30am BST on Friday and concluding with the grand prix at 8am BST on Sunday.
Coverage is also available through Sky Sports Main Event, including the race itself. Sky Sports remains the UK’s live broadcaster for the Bahrain round.
Live stream
Sky customers can stream the weekend’s action through the Sky Sports app or Sky Go, depending on their subscription. Live coverage also includes a range of alternative viewing options, including onboard cameras for individual drivers.
For viewers without a Sky subscription, NOW offers contract-free access through a Day Membership or a cancel-anytime Month Membership. The live race coverage begins at 8am BST on Sunday, October 4.
The official F1 app can also be used for live timing, results and session updates, although it does not provide live video coverage in the UK.
Highlights
Channel 4 will provide free-to-air highlights of the Bahrain GP weekend.
The earlier UK start times mean the Bahrain highlights will also be broadcast considerably earlier than those for a typical European-season Grand Prix.