Bahrain GP flagged as heat hazard in Malaysia
NXTbets Pro | Published On: September 30, 2026
Heat-hazard ruling
The Bahrain Grand Prix has been moved to Sepang International Circuit near Kuala Lumpur and declared a heat-hazard race, with the weekend forecast to unfold in temperatures between 31 and 33 degrees Celsius. High humidity and a chance of rain are expected each day, and heavy rain hit the circuit as teams arrived. Rain is expected to ease as the weekend progresses, but temperatures are expected to rise. It is the third heat-hazard designation in Formula 1 this year. The event is being staged in Malaysia because the Bahrain race was postponed from its original April date due to the war in the Middle East.
Sepang forecast
Sepang brings its own pressure. The circuit near Kuala Lumpur is considered one of the most demanding on the Formula 1 calendar because of its tropical conditions, and the latest forecast keeps that challenge in place. That possibility can turn the track surface quickly and make the margins smaller for drivers and teams. The rain that fell as the teams arrived showed how quickly the conditions can change around the venue, and the hotter forecast later in the weekend only adds to the strain. The heat-hazard regulations apply when temperatures are expected to exceed 31 degrees Celsius, so the race falls squarely into the range that triggers the rules. That means the Malaysian round will demand attention from the first session through the race itself.
Cooling rules
The heat-hazard rules require teams to fit parts of the Driver Cooling System to their cars. Drivers may use a cooling vest or cooling system under their overalls during the race. Those who do not use the cooling system must carry five kilograms of ballast in their cars, and teams must also meet a higher minimum car weight under the regulations. The measure was introduced in 2025 after the 2023 Qatar Grand Prix, when several drivers needed medical attention for heat exhaustion. The new setup is aimed at the kind of conditions Sepang often delivers, where heat, humidity and changing weather can push both equipment and drivers hard over a full race weekend.
