Formula heads to Malaysia early Sunday morning for the Bahrain Grand Prix, which begins at 3 a.m. ET. The race will broadcast exclusively on Apple TV, which you can stream for free.
Where to watch F1 Bahrain Grand Prix for free
Today’s race: Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix
When: Sunday, Oct. 4, 3 a.m. ET
TV Channel: N/A
Stream: Apple TV (free trial)
Apple TV offers exclusive coverage to Formula 1 racing, along with MLS and MLB Friday night games. After the seven-day free trial, an Apple TV monthly subscription costs $14.99 a month. For F1 fans, Apple TV is a must to catch the weekly action and drama throughout the season.
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Buy NowWhy today’s race matters
Formula 1 returns to Sepang for the first time since 2017 on Sunday, though officially it remains the Bahrain Grand Prix. The rescheduled race serves as Round 16 of the 2026 championship and arrives with both title fights still active as the series heads deeper into the season.
Mercedes continues to control the championship picture. Kimi Antonelli leads the drivers’ standings, but teammate George Russell cut the deficit to 66 points after a dominant victory in Azerbaijan, his third win of the season. Russell led every lap in Baku and arrives with momentum on a circuit that rewards confidence through high-speed corners and heavy braking zones.
Sepang presents a different challenge than many recent venues. The 5.543-kilometer layout features 15 corners, long straights and several rapid direction changes, placing equal importance on aerodynamic efficiency, tire management and outright speed. Teams face a 56-lap race in conditions expected to be among the hottest of the season, adding another layer to strategy decisions.
Ferrari showed encouraging pace in Friday running, with Charles Leclerc topping the second practice session in 1:37.528. Isack Hadjar finished second, while Lando Norris and Max Verstappen were both within three tenths of the fastest time, suggesting a tightly packed field entering qualifying and race day.
While the championship battle between Antonelli and Russell remains the primary storyline, the return of Formula 1 to Sepang after a nine-year absence gives Sunday’s race a unique feel. With multiple teams showing competitive pace and a demanding circuit awaiting, Bahrain’s long-delayed round could become one of the most unpredictable races of the season.