The Bahrain Grand Prix held in Malaysia in 2026 presented a challenging scenario for several teams due to a lengthy delay and tricky track conditions. The decision by McLaren and Ferrari to start on slick tyres during the restart behind the safety car ultimately affected their race prospects, as the track was still damp and better suited to intermediate tyres.
After a delay of one hour and 33 minutes, the Sepang circuit was drying but remained slippery in parts. Ferrari chose the soft compound slick tyres for the restart, while McLaren opted for medium slicks. However, the conditions favored intermediates, which led to a disadvantage for those on slicks during the opening laps.
McLaren quickly adapted by switching Oscar Piastri to intermediate tyres before the standing start, while Lando Norris and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc initially stayed out on slicks. Leclerc later pitted after the first lap to change to intermediates but lost time and track position to Lewis Hamilton, who had remained longer on soft slicks. Hamilton’s strategy and pit stops allowed him to recover to a podium position despite the early setback.
Lando Norris acknowledged that the choice to start on slick tyres was a gamble influenced by limited data on intermediate tyres and concerns about the rough track surface causing rapid degradation of intermediates. Charles Leclerc pointed out that the combination of rough tarmac and cooler temperatures led to water pooling in certain areas, which delayed the track drying and complicated tyre selection.
Lewis Hamilton recognized the risk involved in the tyre strategy but praised his team’s approach and pit stop execution. The late-race virtual safety car and safety car periods also played a role in helping Hamilton regain positions after switching back to soft tyres.
This situation underlines how critical tyre choice and track conditions can be in Formula 1® races, especially when weather and delays create unpredictable circumstances. McLaren and Ferrari’s initial commitment to slick tyres in less-than-ideal conditions had a tangible impact on their race pace and positioning during the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia.
Overall, the event highlighted the challenges teams face when making strategic decisions under uncertain conditions, with driver feedback and real-time adaptations proving essential in managing the evolving situation on track.