For the 2026 Formula 1 season, the Bahrain Grand Prix will return to the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir, marking a return to the Middle East after a brief hiatus. Per news.gp, the event will run from Friday 28th March to Sunday 30th March. The Saturday race day will feature the traditional 56‑lap sprint, while the Sunday main race will cover 58 laps. The full timetable is as follows:
- Friday, 28 March – 10:00 IST: Free Practice 1
- Friday, 28 March – 13:00 IST: Free Practice 2
- Friday, 28 March – 16:00 IST: Free Practice 3
- Saturday, 29 March – 10:00 IST: Qualifying
- Saturday, 29 March – 12:00 IST: Sprint Race
- Sunday, 30 March – 10:00 IST: Qualifying for the Main Race
- Sunday, 30 March – 14:00 IST: Main Race
For Indian viewers, the race will be available on FanCode and Hotstar, both offering live coverage with commentary in Hindi and English. The streaming service will start at 10:00 IST for the Friday practice sessions, with the Saturday sprint and Sunday main race following the schedule above. Fans can also catch the event on the official Formula 1 app, which provides real‑time telemetry and multi‑camera angles.
In addition to live broadcasts, Crash.net notes that the race will be simulcast on the local sports channel Star Sports 3, which is part of the Star India network. Star Sports 3 typically offers commentary in Hindi, making it a convenient option for viewers who prefer traditional TV over streaming. The channel will also provide post‑race analysis and driver interviews.
For those who prefer a more interactive experience, the F1 mobile app will host live chat rooms and fan polls during the race. Indian fans can also follow the official F1 Twitter account for real‑time updates, including trackside footage and driver tweets.
Source: news.gp, Crash.net
