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via PlanetF1FIA imposes double penalty on Lewis Hamilton at Bahrain GPThe FIA has confirmed that Lewis Hamilton will face a double penalty following an investigation into an incident at the Bahrain Grand Prix. The penalties total 15 grid places, significantly impacting Hamilton's starting position for the race.
via CrashFlavio Briatore moves on from Alpine's Baku disasterFlavio Briatore, the Alpine F1 Team boss, has expressed his disappointment over the team's performance at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix but insists they have moved on. He stated that the events in Baku are now in the past as they prepare for the upcoming race in Malaysia.
via newsonf1.comQatar and Abu Dhabi confirmed as 2026 season finaleFormula 1 has confirmed that the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix will take place as the final two races of the 2026 season. F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali stated that the decision was made despite ongoing concerns related to the conflict involving Iran.
via gpfans.comLewis Hamilton on brink of penalty heading into Bahrain Grand PrixLewis Hamilton is facing a potential grid penalty as he has exhausted all seven power unit components available for the 2026 Formula 1 season. The FIA's report indicates that Hamilton, along with Max Verstappen, is on the edge of needing a replacement part, with Hamilton's situation being particularly critical as he has no components left to spare.
As the Bahrain Grand Prix approaches, three drivers, Isack Hadjar, Franco Colapinto, and Arvid Lindblad, will incur grid penalties for exceeding their engine allocations. Hadjar and Colapinto will only change their Internal Combustion Engines, while Lindblad will also replace his Turbo Charger and Exhaust, resulting in a significant drop to the back of the grid.
via PlanetF1Bahrain Grand Prix second practice session underwayThe second practice session for the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix is currently taking place at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia. Live updates are being provided as teams prepare for the upcoming race.
via f1oversteer.comMercedes just dealt George Russell a bigger ‘drop off’ blow than Max Verstappen’s pace at SepangDuring Practice 1 of the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, George Russell secured second place but faced significant tyre degradation issues, as confirmed by Mercedes. Max Verstappen dominated the session, finishing 0.383 seconds ahead of Russell, raising concerns for the Mercedes team regarding their performance.
Russell inquired about the tyre situation over the radio, revealing that Mercedes was struggling compared to Red Bull. The team indicated that they were the outliers in terms of tyre performance, which could lead to a challenging race weekend if not addressed. Russell is hoping for rain to potentially alter the tyre dynamics in his favour.
via RacingNews365Charles Leclerc leads second practice in MalaysiaCharles Leclerc of Ferrari topped the second practice session for the 2026 Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit. The upgraded Mercedes team was nearly half a second behind Leclerc's fastest time.
via Motorsport.comFranco Colapinto: "No one" talks about how I receive social media abuse following Baku clashFranco Colapinto, the Alpine driver, has spoken out about the social media abuse he has faced following a collision during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. He highlighted that while he has received significant backlash, the issue of online hate extends beyond just his situation and involves fans from various backgrounds, not solely from Argentina.
Colapinto urged for greater awareness among drivers regarding the impact of their words and the need for collective action to address the problem of online abuse. He also mentioned that he is facing grid penalties for his actions in Baku, while Lando Norris, who initially reacted strongly to the incident, later issued an apology.
via gpfans.comF1 broadcaster misses first grand prix in 28 yearsTom Clarkson, a long-time Formula 1 broadcaster, missed the Bahrain Grand Prix in 2026, ending a remarkable streak of attending over 500 consecutive races that began in 1998. The absence was due to a scheduling conflict caused by the race being moved to Malaysia, which coincided with his commitments for a tour with former F1 champion Damon Hill.
Clarkson expressed disappointment about missing the race, especially since it was held at the Sepang International Circuit, a track he loves. He acknowledged that the change in schedule was unexpected and stated that he would have to start a new streak at the next race in Singapore.
via Motorsport.comMercedes finally brings big upgrade and F1 fans are asking if it's game overMercedes has introduced a significant upgrade package for the W17 ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix, marking the first major changes since May. This package includes seven components that enhance the car's aerodynamics, particularly focusing on the floor and sidepods to improve airflow and downforce.
Team principal Toto Wolff expressed hopes that these upgrades will help the team compete for pole position, especially after facing challenges at previous races. Driver George Russell is also optimistic about the changes, indicating that they may benefit his performance. With a strong lead in the championship, Mercedes aims to maintain its competitive edge as more upgrades are expected later in the season.
via Motorsport.comMax Verstappen leads opening practice at Bahrain GPMax Verstappen of Red Bull set the fastest time in the first practice session for the Bahrain Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit. He was followed closely by George Russell, marking a competitive start to the event.
via RaceFansVerstappen quickest in first session as drivers encounter “insane” tyre degradation at Sepang | Formula 1Max Verstappen topped the first practice session at the Sepang circuit, clocking a time of 1'37.520. The session marked a return to the Malaysian track for Formula 1 after a nine-year absence, showcasing Verstappen's and Red Bull's strong performance.
The session was characterised by significant tyre degradation, with drivers struggling on the abrasive surface. Verstappen opted to use only soft tyres throughout the session, conserving his harder compounds for later use, while George Russell experimented with both soft and medium tyres.
via RacingNews365Max Verstappen secures pole position in SepangMax Verstappen achieved pole position during the first Formula 1 qualifying session in Malaysia in eight years. The session took place in Sepang, where Verstappen topped the timesheets amid soaring temperatures.
via f1oversteer.comMax Verstappen leads first practice in MalaysiaMax Verstappen recorded the fastest time in the first practice session at the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. The Red Bull driver outpaced George Russell, setting a strong tone for the weekend.
via CrashKimi Antonelli tops Free Practice 3 in BahrainKimi Antonelli secured the fastest time in Free Practice 3 for the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix held in Malaysia. The session took place at the Sepang International Circuit as teams prepared for the upcoming qualifying rounds.
via Motorsport.comMax Verstappen's Sepang answer has F1 fans falling for him all over againMax Verstappen, the Red Bull Racing driver, provided a humorous response when asked about preparing for the heat at Sepang, stating he had undergone 'intense preparation' but mostly relied on his experience. He compared the conditions to those in Monaco and suggested that spending time in a sauna could help acclimatise to the heat.
Fans reacted positively to Verstappen's candidness, finding him relatable and down-to-earth. Despite his laid-back attitude, he remains passionate about racing and aims to secure at least one win before the season concludes, while acknowledging the competitive edge of Mercedes on various circuits.
via AutosportFranco Colapinto faces 15-place grid penalty in BahrainFranco Colapinto of Alpine has been handed a total of 15 grid places in penalties for the upcoming Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix. This includes a five-place drop for taking a new Mercedes V6 engine, alongside additional penalties confirmed by the FIA.
via AutosportMercedes introduces new floor, sidepods for F1 Bahrain GPMercedes has revealed significant updates to its car for the Bahrain Grand Prix, including a redesigned floor and new sidepods. These changes are aimed at maintaining their competitive edge in the 2026 Formula 1 season, where they have been performing strongly against rivals like Ferrari, McLaren, and Red Bull.
The updates involve a shift in sidepod geometry and enhancements to the floor design to improve airflow and downforce. George Russell noted the importance of these upgrades, as it has been several months since the last major update. Mercedes will also sport a special teal and black livery in recognition of its title partner, Petronas.
via Formula1.comLIVE COVERAGE: First Practice for the Bahrain GP in MalaysiaThe first practice session for the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix is currently taking place in Malaysia. Fans can follow the live coverage to stay updated on the action as it unfolds.
Becky Hart is providing insights and updates during this session, highlighting key moments and performances from the drivers. This event marks an important part of the Formula 1 calendar as teams prepare for the upcoming race.
via PlanetF1Bahrain GP in Malaysia LIVE: FP1 updates from Sepang as it happensLive Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia updates from Sepang, beginning with FP1.Page 11 of 32