Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia: How is Formula 1 tyre supplier Pirelli preparing?

Unusual times call for unusual measures: the 2026 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, scheduled for April, could not go ahead due to the conflict in the Middle East. The Bahrain Grand Prix was also cancelled. The Bahrainis have come up with a surprising solution – their race will be rescheduled for 4 October at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia.

The Netflix generation is left scratching their heads: Malaysia, Malaysia… hmm, when was the last time a race was actually held there? That’s right, it was in 2017, with Max Verstappen taking the win in a Red Bull Racing car.

The nine-year break in Grand Prix racing presents a brainteaser for Formula 1 tyre supplier Pirelli. Back then, the cars were fitted with completely different tyre designs and compounds.

Dario Marrafuschi, Pirelli’s head of racing, says: “Since 2011, when Pirelli replaced Bridgestone as the sole tyre supplier to Formula 1, we’ve been there every year, so we have a very solid track record. 2017 was the first year with wider tyres compared to the previous season. As far as the balance between tyre sizes and the characteristics of the cars is concerned, that situation was quite similar to today’s.’

Pirelli-Rennchef Dario Marrafuschi

Foto: XPB

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“For this reason, I would base our decisions on the data collected in 2017 and opt for a choice that corresponds to the one made in that year, rather than those of 2016, 2015 or 2014.”

Formula 1 intends to take its time until September to decide how to proceed with the planned races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi. Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has made it clear: “If these races cannot go ahead, then we will move the season finale to Europe.”

Marrafuschi on the instability in the race calendar: “Of course it’s a headache for us. We’re considering all possible scenarios, but we always strive to be flexible. To meet all requirements, we sometimes opt for multiple production set-ups, and if one of them isn’t used, we can use it for the next race. Basically, we’re always devising alternative scenarios. That’s the key to dealing with such an unpredictable situation.”

A possible finale in Europe: Imola. A delegation from Italy attended the Hungarian Grand Prix to negotiate with Domencali. However, in early December, temperatures in Emilia-Romagna could be eight degrees or lower.

Marrafuschi is unimpressed: “We can rely on data from the tests in Barcelona. The conditions would be similar to those we’ve already experienced during winter testing in Barcelona, so it’s a situation we’re familiar with. Of course, it wouldn’t be ideal, but it doesn’t worry us.”