Just when Formula 1 fans thought Sepang couldn’t get any more unpredictable, Malaysia’s weather decided to join the race too.
Heavy rain hit the Sepang International Circuit on Sunday (Oct 4), forcing the start of the 2026 Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia to be delayed.
The race was originally scheduled to begin at 3pm, but the FIA postponed the start after a significant amount of standing water was detected on the track, making conditions unsafe for racing. A medical car was also sent out to assess the circuit.
Speaking to WeirdKaya, a race attendee, Sarah, said the start was pushed back by around 40 minutes, from 3pm to 3.40pm, due to the rain.
“Wet race in Sepang”
Over on Threads, the downpour quickly became part of the entertainment, with fans sharing photos and videos of the increasingly wet conditions.
The official Threads account of F1 made fun of the situation by welcoming everyone to the BahRAIN Grand Prix in Malaysia.
View on Threads
A Threads user joked about the famously unpredictable Malaysian weather, saying:
“Only Sepang can get Heat Hazard classification and then have a delayed start due to Tropical Rainshowers.”
View on Threads
Some fans were especially excited to finally witness a proper wet race at Sepang. One Threads user, Sarah, wrote:
“GUYS IT IS ACTUALLY RAINING AT SEPANG DURING THE RACE 😭😭😭 I HAVE DREAMT OF THIS DAY I MANIFESTED THIS RAIN I PRAYED FOR THIS RAIN GOD IS A F1 FAN.”
View on Threads
The post was accompanied by a video showing heavy rain pouring over the circuit as the track became visibly soaked.
Meanwhile, other spectators were seen improvising their own “drain” using a large sheet to move rainwater away from their seating area.
View on Threads
Mercedes-AMG F1 also joined in on the fun, posting rainy photos from the circuit with the caption:
Putting the rain in Bahrain GP in Malaysia.”
View on Threads
While the formation lap started on time at 3:40, FIA decided to put the starting procedure on hold just a short while after that.
View on Threads
According to the race attendee, the formation lap was messy and a new round of the race is expected to start around 4:33pm.
Classic Sepang weather strikes again
Rain had already been a possibility heading into race day, with forecasts warning of thunderstorms around Sepang.
And for longtime F1 fans, a wet Sepang race is nothing new, with the Malaysian circuit long known for tropical downpours that can completely change how a race plays out.
For now, fans are waiting for conditions to improve before racing can safely get underway.
Max Verstappen is set to start from pole, with Lewis Hamilton alongside him in second and Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli starting third.
One thing is certain: F1 wanted Sepang back, and Sepang is already giving everyone the full experience.
**Special thanks to Sarah for sharing first hand video and information from SIC
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