The 2026 Formula 1 season takes a bit of a detour this weekend as the drivers head to the F1 Bahrain Grand Prix — but not in actual Bahrain.
The annual race in the Kingdom of Bahrain has been moved to Malaysia for this weekend, following uncertainties in the Middle East triggered by President Trump’s war in Iran. Now officially known as the “2026 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia,” the race takes place this Sunday, Oct. 4 live from the Sepang International Circuit in the Southeast Asian country.
The official starting time for the Bahrain Grand Prix is at 3 p.m. Malaysia time (3 a.m. ET/12 a.m. PT). Apple TV is the official U.S. streaming home for Formula 1 and viewers can tune into the race through the Apple TV website or app (Amazon Prime members can also add Apple TV to their streaming channels here).
While Apple TV now costs $14.99/month after a recent price hike, this weekend’s F1 race is free to watch online on the streamer. Fans can watch the practice rounds, qualifying and Sunday’s race online for free, with no subscription required. Apple says the race weekend is part of Apple TV’s previously announced plan to make select races and practice sessions available free to fans throughout the season.
Apple TV is streaming the F1 Bahrain Grand Prix in 4K with Dolby Vision and immersive 5.1 surround sound. Note: you’ll need a streaming device that supports 4K content in order to get the 4K feed.
The Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia follows a dramatic photo-finish between Mercedes star George Russell and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen in Azerbaijan last week. Current Drivers’ Championship leader Kimi Antonelli finished fifth, further padding his lead in the standings over teammate Russell.
The drivers head to Malaysia this weekend to tackle the 5.5-kilometer Sepang International Circuit, which hosted the Formula 1 Malaysian Grand Prix from 1999 to 2017.
The race also comes on the heels of the latest F1 x Disney merch drop, with apparel and accessories inspired by racing motifs, Mickey Mouse and the hit Pixar movie, “Cars.”
Source: Variety
-Agencies
