F1 Betting Tips Bahrain Grand Prix: Predictions & Picks for 2026

Formula 1 action returns to the Sepang International Circuit for the first time since 2017, as the Malaysian track hosts the Bahrain Grand Prix on Sunday, October 4, 2026, with the race due to start at 8:00 AM on Sky Sports F1.

All eyes will be on Kimi Antonelli, who will be hoping to regain control of the Drivers’ Championship battle after a challenging couple of weeks. Teammate George Russell and former world champion Max Verstappen have been strong in practice, and both could make strong claims.

Kimi Antonelli may be the runaway leader in the Drivers’ Championship, but there have been recent signs that the pressure could be getting to the Italian. Antonelli crashed out in qualifying last weekend in Baku, although ultimately limiting the damage by finishing P5.

However, George Russell’s hopes of cutting into his teammate’s championship advantage could be hindered by Max Verstappen’s presence, who topped FP1 on Friday. The Dutchman has been performing excellently despite being in arguably the fourth-fastest car on the grid.

The four-time world champion has finished P2 in back-to-back races and has hit the podium in five of the last six rounds. His expertise at this fast-flowing circuit could count for a lot on Sunday, and it is notable that the Dutchman won the final F1 race at Sepang back in 2017.

The curse of the second Red Bull seat may have been lifted this season, as Isack Hadjar has quickly made himself at home alongside Verstappen.

The Frenchman’s consistency has seen the team become more competitive in the Constructors’ Championship, and his performances have been rewarded with a new deal. Hadjar didn’t look like he missed a step after missing three races due to a wrist injury in Baku last Saturday, achieving a third podium in F1.

His consistency should be respected in the top-six betting market, as he has finished in the required position in each of the last eight Grand Prix since settling in. At the prices, he is an eye-catching selection in Malaysia, at a track that will suit the Red Bull.

The battle for points in the middle of the grid is heating up, with Alpine, Racing Bulls, Audi and Haas all enjoying periods of form in different patches this season. However, the Sepang International Circuit is likely to suit the Racing Bulls, just as the sweeping, flowing sequences of the Shanghai International Circuit at the Chinese Grand Prix did earlier in the campaign.

Therefore, Liam Lawson could provide value to secure an important points finish for the Constructor. Lawson finished seventh in both the Sprint and Grand Prix in China earlier in the season, and he has racked up eight top-ten finishes in eleven races since retirement at the Miami Grand Prix.

He has already shown his efficiency at Sepang in practice, finishing P8 and P9 in FP1 and FP2, respectively.

Action at the Sepang International Circuit got underway on Friday with the first two practice sessions. You can find a rundown of the timings for the remainder of the weekend below.

• Practice 3: Saturday, 3rd October, 2026 (5:30 AM)
• Qualifying: Saturday, 3rd October, 2026 (8:00 AM)
• Grand Prix: Sunday, 4th October, 2026 (8:00 AM)

All practice sessions, qualifying, and the Bahrain Grand Prix will be live on Sky Sports F1. Channel 4 will show qualifying and race highlights, with extended Grand Prix highlights from 1:00 PM on Sunday.

You can take advantage of free bets and exclusive bookmaker offers for the Bahrain Grand Prix with the sportsbooks below.