Mother Nature had other plans for Formula 1 today. As Motorsport.com reports, the start of the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia was delayed after heavy thunderstorms battered the Sepang circuit outside Kuala Lumpur.
What started as a small drizzle during the pre-race procedure on the starting grid quickly escalated into a violent tropical downpour accompanied by lightning. The rainfall turned torrential in a matter of moments, leaving FIA race control with no other choice than to postpone the race start while waiting for the weather to improve.
The situation became crystal clear when the FIA's medical car headed out for a reconnaissance lap. The report back was brutal: a significant amount of standing water sat around the track, rendering the conditions completely unsuitable for racing.
There is light at the end of the tunnel, however. The official FIA weather forecast anticipates that the rest of the afternoon will turn relatively dry once the current system finally clears Sepang, with officials noting that prolonged dry conditions are expected after the shower clears.
This unusual weekend sees the Bahrain Grand Prix exceptionally hosted in Malaysia due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. It marks the first wet weather Formula 1 event since the 2025 Belgian Grand Prix, creating a baptism by water for the all-new 2026 generation of machines.
That means a massive technical shake-up for the low-grip conditions. Under the 2026 regulations, drivers are barred from using the boost mode for an extra power spike on overtaking, active aerodynamics are restricted so only the front wing flap moves while the rear wing stays shut, and maximum electric deployment is reduced to limit torque and help drivers keep these beasts under control.
