Formula 1 is slated to make a highly‑anticipated comeback to the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia after a nine‑year hiatus, with the 2026 Malaysian Grand Prix pencilled in for the weekend of 7‑9 March. Sky Sports, the UK broadcaster, released a detailed timetable showing practice sessions on Thursday, qualifying on Friday and the race on Saturday, mirroring the traditional three‑day format used at most European venues.
According to Sky Sports, the first free‑practice session will kick off at 12:30 GMT on Thursday, followed by a second session at 15:30 GMT. Friday’s schedule features a 12:30 GMT free‑practice and a 15:30 GMT qualifying session. The main race is slated for a 12:00 GMT start on Saturday, which translates to 17:30 IST for Indian viewers. The weather forecast for the weekend is expected to be hot and humid, typical of early‑year Malaysian conditions, with a chance of occasional showers that could influence tyre strategy.
While Sky Sports will carry the live feed for UK audiences, Indian fans have several options to watch the event. The official F1 TV Pro streaming service will broadcast the race live with a dedicated Indian feed, and local streaming partner FanCode is also expected to offer live coverage, complete with commentary in English and Hindi. Both platforms will provide pre‑race analysis, on‑track highlights and post‑race interviews, ensuring fans can follow the action in real time.
For Indian viewers, the 12:00 GMT start time means the race will begin at 17:30 IST, a convenient early‑evening slot that fits well with work schedules. Fans can set reminders on their preferred streaming apps and look out for pre‑race shows that often feature Indian drivers’ perspectives and local sponsor activations. With the race taking place in a region close to India, the time zone alignment makes it one of the more accessible Grand Prix events for the sub‑continent.
Sky Sports also highlighted that the Sepang circuit will retain its signature 5.543‑km layout, featuring the iconic Turn 1 and the long back‑straight that tests both engine power and aerodynamic efficiency. Teams will need to adapt to the high temperatures and potential rain, making tyre management a critical factor throughout the weekend.
Source: Sky Sports