Now, this is an absolute mess. As Crash.net reports, the start of the Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia has been delayed after a brutal, heavy deluge slammed the Sepang International Circuit just 40 minutes before lights out on Sunday.
Conditions only deteriorated as the clock ticked down toward the scheduled start time, bringing not just relentless water but lightning strikes as well. With the weather completely overwhelming the venue, F1’s governing body the FIA stepped in to officially hold up the proceedings, confirming there will be a minimum 10-minute notice period before the race finally gets underway.
there are new cells popping up, so it is a big deal for everyone.
Here is the thing, though: the forecast suggests this massive rain cell should eventually clear up. Thanks to Malaysia's fierce heat, the asphalt should dry out in a hurry once the sky finally decides to empty itself out.
Should the cars actually head out into wet conditions, it tosses the entire field straight into uncharted territory. As it stands, there has not been a single collective wet session throughout the entire 2026 season so far.
Of course, this venue is legendary for throwing total chaos into the mix. Weather here is famously unpredictable, echoing past disasters like the 2009 Malaysian Grand Prix that was eventually abandoned because of severe thunderstorms, alongside the 2012 race that faced a lengthy suspension for the exact same watery reasons.
Speaking directly to Sky Sports F1 on the grid while the storm raged, Max Verstappen did not sugarcoat the situation, stating, “there are new cells popping up, so it is a big deal for everyone.”
To add an extraordinary backdrop to all of this madness, this unique Bahrain Grand Prix is actually taking place in Malaysia due to the ongoing war in the Middle East, following a special agreement struck between F1, the FIA, and the governments of both Bahrain and Malaysia.
