Heavy rain delayed the scheduled start of the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia by 40 minutes

Sunday update: Heavy rain at Sepang delayed the scheduled 15:00 local start of the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia by 40 minutes. [Sources 2, 4]

At 14:20 local time in Sepang (07:20 BST), rain began, according to RacingNews365. The opening corners quickly became wet while the back of the circuit stayed dry; about 15 minutes later, the whole track was soaked as teams prepared their cars on the grid. With rain still pouring, Race Control announced a delay shortly before the scheduled start. Around 15:10, the rain appeared to ease; by 15:25, only a couple of corners remained an issue as marshals swept standing water from the circuit. A formation lap was announced for 15:40.

A separate stoppage followed during the first formation-lap attempt. Throttle inputs became ineffective on several cars, including those of Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, prompting Race Control to suspend the procedure under a red flag; the drivers returned to the pit lane. A second attempt was scheduled for 16:33, with the original grid order. [Sources 2, 4]

As the circuit dried during the race, slick tyres became the faster option. No further rain arrived before the chequered flag. [Sources 2, 4]