Marking round 16 of the 2026 World Championship, Formula 1 is heading to Malaysia this weekend for the relocated Bahrain Grand Prix.

As a result of the Bahrain Grand Prix being being postponed earlier this year, Formula 1 will race at Sepang International Circuit for the first time in nearly a decade. The GP, originally scheduled for April, was cancelled due to regional safety concerns in the Middle East.

Unfortunately for drivers, Sepang is no walk in the park. An abrasive surface makes this track demanding on tires, and Malaysia’s humidity and unpredictable weather events add another variable to the mix. 

Mercedes‘ Kimi Antonelli is still atop the standings despite a fifth-placed finish in Azerbaijan, but his teammate George Russell narrowed the point gap with a win in Baku.

Here’s how to watch the Bahrain Grand Prix for free, including streaming options and start time for the Formula 1 race.

How to watch F1 Bahrain Grand Prix 2026 without cable

In the United States, Apple TV has the exclusive rights to F1 for the 2026 season. 

New subscribers to Apple TV can sign up for a 7-day FREE trial. If you’ve bought an eligible Apple device recently, you can also get up to three months of the streaming service totally free. After that, the subscription will cost $14.99/month. 

For the 2026 season, Apple TV will host all Free Practice, Qualifying, Sprint sessions, and Grands Prix with select races and all Free Practice sessions throughout the season available to watch for free in the Apple TV app.

F1 TV Premium, F1’s own premier content offering, will continue to be available in the US via an Apple TV subscription only and will be free for those who subscribe.

Bahrain Grand Prix 2026 start time

The 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix will take place at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia on Sunday, Oct. 4 and will begin at 3:00 p.m. local time.

Here’s how that start time translates across North America:

Formula 1 2026 calendar and schedule 2026