Today’s rescheduled Bahrain Grand Prix in Sepang drives major broadcasting revenue, sponsorship exposure, and championship points shifts for Red Bull, Ferrari and Mercedes

Executive summary: The Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix, originally scheduled for April but postponed because of the Iran‑United States conflict, is being run today at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia, with Max Verstappen starting from pole, Lewis Hamilton alongside him, and championship leader Kimi Antonelli starting third. The race awards championship points that can alter the drivers’ and constructors’ standings, delivers valuable television and streaming audiences for Sky Sport and NOW, and provides high‑visibility exposure for the teams’ sponsors.

Who is involved: Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing), Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari), Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes), the FIA, Sepang circuit organizers, broadcasters Sky Sport and NOW, and various corporate sponsors.

Likely next: After the checkered flag, points will be allocated and the FIA will publish the updated standings; the next round of the championship is scheduled for the Singapore Grand Prix the week of 11 October 2026.

The Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix, postponed from April due to the Iran‑United States conflict, is being held at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia. Max Verstappen starts from pole, Lewis Hamilton alongside him and championship leader Kimi Antonelli third, with the race streamed live on Sky Sport and NOW. The event awards valuable championship points, delivers a large television and streaming audience, and provides high‑visibility sponsorship opportunities for the competing teams.

What's next — scenarios

Base: Verstappen wins the Bahrain GP (45%)

Red Bull gains a 25‑point boost in the constructors’ championship and extends Verstappen’s lead in the drivers’ standings.

Verstappen maintains pole position through the first lap
No safety car periods affecting tyre strategy
Red Bull’s pit stop under 2.0 seconds

Upside: Hamilton wins from second on the grid (30%)

Ferrari secures a vital victory that narrows the constructors’ gap to Red Bull and boosts Hamilton’s championship bid.

Hamilton overtakes Verstappen before turn 6
Mercedes tyre strategy allows a one‑stop vs Red Bull’s two‑stop
No major incidents in the opening laps

Downside: Race interrupted by a safety car leading to a surprise podium for Antonelli (25%)

Mercedes gains an unexpected podium that lifts Antonelli’s points and raises questions about tyre durability.

First‑lap incident brings out the safety car
Tyre degradation forces early stops
Antonelli benefits from alternative strategy under safety car

What to watch

Official FIA points update released within 2 hours after race finish (approx 2026-10-04 11:30 UTC)
Sky Sport’s post‑race Notebook viewership numbers reported by 2026-10-05
Malaysian Ministry of Tourism releases Sepang circuit attendance figures for the Bahrain GP by 2026-10-10
Constructors’ standings after the Singapore GP (scheduled 2026-10-11) published by FIA

Timeline

2026-10-04 — Formula 1, oggi il GP Bahrain: orari tv e ultime news da Sepang (Sky Sport)

Analysis — what this means

Likely next events

Post‑race Notebook live stream on Sky Sport and NOW at 12:00 UTC on 2026-10-04
Formula 1 World Championship moves to the Singapore Grand Prix the week of 2026-10-11
Championship points awarded after the race, updating the drivers’ standings

Sectors affected

Motorsport event promotion
Sports broadcasting (Sky Sport, NOW)
Automotive sponsorship (Red Bull, Ferrari, Mercedes)
Malaysian tourism and Sepang circuit hospitality services

Historical parallels

2020 Bahrain Grand Prix cancelled due to the COVID‑19 pandemic
2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix decisive title showdown between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton
2015 Malaysian Grand Prix last held at Sepang before the circuit left the F1 calendar