2026 Bahrain GP FP1 live from Sepang
Good morning and welcome, ScuderiaFans.com readers. We are live to bring you minute-by-minute coverage of Free Practice 1 for the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix weekend at Sepang, an event that is effectively serving as the replacement for the Bahrain Grand Prix cancelled last spring.
Whatever the official definition, the important point is that Formula 1 action begins at 06:30 CET, with the opening practice session running for one hour until 07:30. The complete weekend timings and circuit information are available in our 2026 Bahrain GP at Sepang schedule and circuit guide.
Formula 1 returns to Sepang for an important first practice
This opening session will be particularly significant because many of the drivers currently on the Formula 1 grid have never driven at Sepang, a circuit that has not hosted a World Championship race since 2017.
Much of the attention will be on Mercedes, which is expected to introduce a substantial upgrade package for the W17 driven by championship leader Andrea Kimi Antonelli and George Russell, the recent winner of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
Red Bull will also be closely watched after showing particularly strong performance in Azerbaijan. Ferrari and McLaren, meanwhile, are expected to be better suited to the characteristics of the Sepang circuit than they were at Baku. For Ferrari specifically, the tyre selection and circuit characteristics could offer a more favourable combination, as explored in our analysis of why Sepang may suit the SF-26 better than Baku.
Who will have the upper hand when Formula 1 returns to the Kuala Lumpur circuit? Follow all the action with the minute-by-minute live coverage and commentary from Free Practice 1 at the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix.
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