Formula 1’s 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix, the season’s opening round, is set to take place at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir on 12 March. The event will kick off the 2026 calendar with a full weekend of racing, and the schedule is now confirmed by both The Race and ESPN.
Weekend timetable (local time)
- 12 March 2026 – Saturday – Practice 1 (09:00 GMT) and Practice 2 (12:00 GMT)
- 13 March 2026 – Sunday – Free Practice (09:00 GMT), Qualifying (12:00 GMT) and the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix (15:00 GMT)
Converting to Indian Standard Time (GMT+5:30) the key moments are:
- Practice 1 starts at 14:30 IST
- Practice 2 begins at 17:30 IST
- Free Practice 1 at 14:30 IST
- Qualifying at 17:30 IST
- Race start at 20:30 IST
How to watch the Bahrain GP in India
Indian viewers can stream the entire weekend live on FanCode. The platform offers a dedicated Formula 1 channel with real‑time commentary in Hindi and English, as well as post‑race analysis and driver interviews. A one‑day pass for the Bahrain GP is priced at ₹149, while a full season subscription is available for ₹2,999. Fans should log in a few minutes before the start times to avoid any buffering delays.
What to expect from the 2026 season opener
With the new 2026 regulations in place—such as the revised power‑unit rules and the introduction of a 12‑hour race format for the season’s first event—teams are already testing prototypes in the off‑season. The Bahrain circuit, known for its high‑speed straights and tight corners, will test the new aerodynamic packages and the upgraded hybrid power units. Drivers are expected to push the limits from the very first lap, making the opening race a thrilling spectacle for fans worldwide.
Source: The Race & ESPN
