F1 Confirms Malaysia Race Start Time as Pourchaire Joins Formula E

The FIA has confirmed the race start time for Formula 1's return to Malaysia later this year, ending the sport's absence from the venue. The news landed alongside confirmation that 2023 F2 champion Theo Pourchaire will race in Formula E for new team Opel as the series enters its Gen4 era.

Why it matters:

• Malaysia's comeback reinforces F1's push into Asia, giving teams a concrete logistical target for the latter stages of the 2026 calendar.
• Pourchaire's move signals that Formula E is increasingly viewed as a legitimate next step for proven junior talent, especially with fresh manufacturer investment on the horizon.

The details:

• Malaysia timing locked in: The FIA set the start time as the series prepares to race in Malaysia for the first time in several years.
• Pourchaire joins Opel: The 2023 F2 champion will drive for the new Opel squad during Formula E's Gen4 era.
• Red Bull junior hopeful: Current F2 leader Nikola Tsolov is confident he will earn an F1 opportunity if he maintains his current form.
• Paddock views: Former team boss Otmar Szafnauer called Lewis Hamilton's race weekend fashion "ridiculous," while Bernie Ecclestone hailed Max Verstappen as the real reason for Zandvoort's return.

What's next:

As the 2026 season unfolds, Malaysia's late-year slot will test teams in tropical conditions, while Pourchaire's move to electric racing offers a fascinating subplot. Tsolov's continued F2 dominance also keeps him in the conversation for upcoming F1 vacancies.