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via Motorsport.comLewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc arrive at Sepang in matching sports saloonsYour Ferrari drivers don't usually disappoint us with what they drive to race weekends. Whether it be a classic Ferrari supercar or a Ducati superbike, it usually leaves us fans drooling with jealousy. This weekend in Malaysia was no different as Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc arrived in matching sports saloons from Alfa Romeo. The Scuderia pair was spotted driving Alfa Romeo Giulia ... Keep reading
Sun 4 Oct · 08:13 UTC
via grandprix.comTorrential rain delays Sepang start by 40 minutesThe Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia experienced a 40-minute delay at the start due to torrential rain creating standing water on the Sepang circuit. Originally scheduled for 3:00 a.m. EDT, the race's start was postponed as the FIA assessed the conditions and ultimately set a new start time of 3:40 a.m. EDT, with the cars beginning behind the Safety Car on full-wet tires.
Max Verstappen secured pole position for Red Bull, with Lewis Hamilton in second for Ferrari and Kimi Antonelli third for Mercedes. The delay raised concerns about the potential for a shortened race, but there was still enough time to complete the full race distance if conditions improved. The event marked the first wet race under the new technical regulations introduced in 2026.
via Motorsport.comSepang F1 marshal steals the show during Bahrain GP delay: “Absolute icon”During a rain delay at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Sepang, a local marshal captured the attention of fans by humorously pretending to ride a broomstick while clearing water from the track. This light-hearted moment provided entertainment as spectators awaited the race's start, with many praising the marshal's antics on social media.
After a 40-minute delay, the formation lap commenced but was chaotic, with Red Bull driver Isack Hadjar running off the circuit and Lewis Hamilton experiencing technical difficulties. Despite these issues, both drivers managed to continue, although the starting procedure faced further suspension.Sun 4 Oct · 08:03 UTC
via RacingNews365Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia red-flagged after chaosThe Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia was red-flagged following a chaotic formation lap, where multiple cars experienced power unit issues. The race was unable to commence due to the adverse weather conditions caused by a heavy tropical thunderstorm.
+ 3 moreSun 4 Oct · 07:55 UTC
via RacingNews365Bahrain Grand Prix start delayed by heavy rainThe start of the Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia has been delayed due to torrential rain and thunderstorms at the Sepang International Circuit. The FIA confirmed the postponement as teams were preparing on the starting grid.+ 9 more
via RacingNews365Lewis Hamilton shares plan to fight Max Verstappen in 'different ball game'Lewis Hamilton is set to compete against Max Verstappen at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, where both drivers secured the front row for the race. Hamilton qualified second, three-tenths of a second behind Verstappen, and is focused on maintaining pace with the Dutch driver during the 56-lap race.
Hamilton highlighted the challenges posed by the Sepang International Circuit, particularly the abrasive track surface and oppressive temperatures. He emphasised the need for effective tyre management, stating that the race conditions will be significantly different from qualifying. Despite the challenges, Hamilton expressed optimism about his car's performance and his ability to keep up with Verstappen.Sun 4 Oct · 04:30 UTC
via RacingNews365Oscar Piastri claims McLaren challenge 'exposed' by 'brutal' MalaysiaOscar Piastri expressed that the challenging conditions at the Malaysian Grand Prix revealed significant weaknesses in McLaren's MCL40 Formula 1 car. Despite finishing seventh on the road, he will start sixth after Isack Hadjar's penalty. Piastri's qualifying time was just 0.005 seconds slower than his teammate Lando Norris, but he acknowledged that the car's performance was not competitive on the Sepang track, which highlighted its struggles in low-speed corners.
Reflecting on the qualifying session, Piastri stated that the rough track conditions made it difficult to extract maximum performance from the car. He noted that while he felt there was potential for a better result, the inherent challenges of the MCL40 were evident. Piastri's comments underscore the ongoing difficulties McLaren faces as they work to improve their car's performance in the current season.Sat 3 Oct · 21:00 UTC
via f1chronicle.comSepang over the years and what to expect from the 2026 Bahrain Grand PrixMax Verstappen secured pole position for the Bahrain Grand Prix with a remarkable lap time of 1:35:130 at Sepang. Lewis Hamilton will start alongside him in second place, driving for Ferrari, while Isack Hadjar qualified third in another Red Bull car. This qualifying session highlighted Verstappen's consistent performance throughout the weekend, as he aims to spoil Mercedes' dominance in the championship.
The article reflects on the historical significance of Sepang in Formula 1, recalling memorable moments from past races, including Kimi Raikkonen's first win and Sebastian Vettel's dominance at the circuit. As the Bahrain Grand Prix approaches, the excitement builds for a potential showdown between Verstappen and Hamilton, reminiscent of their fierce rivalry in previous seasons.
Sat 3 Oct · 20:48 UTC
via f1oversteer.comJolyon Palmer saw Arvid Lindblad playing ‘not a good team game’ with Liam Lawson at SepangRacing Bulls missed an opportunity in qualifying for the 2026 F1 Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia this Saturday, as Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad only ...
Sat 3 Oct · 20:00 UTC
via f1technical.netLeclerc explains why he "started losing some performance from Q2" in Sepang qualifyingCharles Leclerc qualified fourth for the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, while Lewis Hamilton secured second place and Max Verstappen took pole position. Leclerc admitted to struggling with rear-end instability during Q3, which affected his performance after he had already noticed a decline in Q2. Despite this, he acknowledged that Ferrari had improved compared to their final practice session.
Team Principal Fred Vasseur expressed satisfaction with the qualifying results, highlighting Hamilton's strong lap and Leclerc's potential for a better time. Vasseur emphasized that race strategy and tyre management would be more important than grid positions, especially given the extreme temperatures expected during the race. Leclerc is the only driver to have run on hard tyres at Sepang, which could provide Ferrari with a strategic advantage.
Sat 3 Oct · 20:00 UTC
via F1iSepang Speed Trap: Who is the fastest of them all?During the qualifying session at Sepang, Valtteri Bottas achieved the fastest speed trap time at 329.5 km/h, followed closely by Oliver Bearman and Liam Lawson at 325.3 km/h. In contrast, pole-sitter Max Verstappen, who broke Mercedes' pole streak, recorded a significantly lower speed of 310.7 km/h, placing him 18th in the speed rankings. Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc also opted for higher downforce setups, resulting in lower top speeds compared to Bottas.
Pirelli's tyre strategy recommendations suggest a two-stop or three-stop race plan, with potential weather disruptions due to a 40% chance of rain. Both Verstappen and Leclerc face challenges with their tyre allocations, as they lack sufficient Hard tyres for their strategies. The unpredictable conditions at Sepang could lead to dramatic changes in race dynamics, making the upcoming Grand Prix highly anticipated.
Sat 3 Oct · 17:48 UTC
via Formula1.comBetting mistakes to avoid during the Bahrain GPThe article provides essential advice for betting on the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix, emphasising the importance of relying on trustworthy sources for tips. It warns against making emotional decisions and encourages bettors to establish a budget that they can adhere to throughout the betting process.
Additionally, the piece highlights the necessity of researching both driver and team performances to make informed choices. Understanding betting odds is also crucial for successful wagering, ensuring that bettors are well-prepared for the upcoming race.
Sat 3 Oct · 17:43 UTC
via f1technical.netPiastri admits McLaren still lacks pace despite sixth-place starting spotOscar Piastri acknowledged that McLaren is still struggling with pace despite qualifying seventh for the Bahrain Grand Prix, which will see him start from sixth due to a grid penalty for Isack Hadjar. Piastri's qualifying performance was close, finishing just 0.005 seconds behind his teammate Lando Norris, but he admitted that he could not extract the best from his final lap due to grip issues at Turn 2.
Looking ahead to the race, Piastri expressed concerns about the challenges posed by high tyre degradation and the competitive field. He noted that while McLaren's long-run performance appeared promising, the surrounding competition also showed strong race pace. Piastri emphasised the importance of strategy and maximising opportunities during the race to gain positions.Sat 3 Oct · 17:00 UTC
via RacingNews365Kimi Antonelli rues costly error after added F1 qualifying stressKimi Antonelli expressed disappointment over a track limits violation during Q2 of the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, which resulted in him needing an additional set of soft tyres to reach Q3. Despite this setback, he managed to qualify fourth, significantly ahead of his Mercedes teammate George Russell, who qualified eighth.
Looking ahead to the race, Antonelli acknowledged the challenges posed by the harsh climate and track conditions, which could lead to high tyre degradation. He is currently leading the drivers' championship and plans to manage his race strategy carefully, aiming for the best possible result while being cautious not to take unnecessary risks.Sat 3 Oct · 16:50 UTCvia f1technical.netSRATEGY GUIDE: Did Leclerc and Verstappen put themselves under pressure with their tyre allocation?Max Verstappen achieved his first pole position of the 2026 season at the Bahrain Grand Prix, finishing ahead of Lewis Hamilton by 0.298 seconds. The Red Bull driver set his fastest lap of 1:35.130 during his final run, while Hamilton qualified second with a time of 1:35.428. Isack Hadjar, who initially placed third, will start further down the grid due to a five-place penalty, allowing Kimi Antonelli to take his spot on the front row.
The race strategy is expected to revolve around tyre allocation, with Pirelli highlighting the importance of the Hard compound. Both Verstappen and Charles Leclerc have only one set of Hard tyres available, which may force them to adapt their strategies. Pirelli anticipates that a two-stop strategy will be the baseline for the race, with the potential for rain adding further complexity to the teams' plans.Sat 3 Oct · 16:08 UTC
via f1technical.netCadillac admits pace deficit after difficult Sepang QualifyingCadillac faced a challenging qualifying session at the Sepang International Circuit, with both Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez eliminated in Q1. Bottas managed to secure 21st place, while Perez followed closely in 22nd, as the team struggled to find performance in the hot conditions.
Despite the disappointing qualifying results, Bottas expressed optimism about the team's race pace, which he felt could allow them to compete with Williams. Team Principal Marcin Budkowski acknowledged the difficulties faced at Sepang compared to their previous race in Baku, but noted progress in car balance and setup. The team is hopeful that the race will present opportunities, especially with uncertain weather and tyre management challenges.Sat 3 Oct · 16:05 UTC
via f1technical.netWilliams reflect on their "well-executed qualifying" after Friday strugglesCarlos Sainz delivered a commendable qualifying performance for Williams, securing 13th place at the Bahrain Grand Prix despite the team's ongoing struggles with pace. Sainz's ability to progress through both qualifying sessions showcased his skill, as he managed to extract more performance from the FW48 than expected. Team Principal James Vowles acknowledged the positive aspects of Sainz's performance while also highlighting the limitations of the car.
In contrast, Alex Albon faced a challenging qualifying session, finishing in 20th place but moving up to 18th due to penalties for other drivers. Albon's difficulties were attributed to a different setup direction that did not yield the desired results. Both drivers are preparing for a race that could be influenced by high tyre degradation and potential rain, with the team hoping to capitalise on any opportunities that arise.Sat 3 Oct · 16:04 UTC
via f1technical.netFernando Alonso praises Aston Martin's qualifying progressFernando Alonso highlighted Aston Martin's best qualifying performance of the 2026 season, achieving a strong 12th place at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. Alonso urged caution despite this milestone, as both he and Lance Stroll advanced to Q2 during the session.+ 2 moreSat 3 Oct · 16:03 UTC
via f1technical.net"I felt really at ease with the car," claims Bortoleto after strong Sepang qualifyingGabriel Bortoleto expressed confidence in his performance after qualifying for the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, where he reached Q3 for the first time since Zandvoort. He achieved a lap time of 1:37.673, placing him 10th on the grid, but will start from ninth due to grid penalties for other drivers. Bortoleto credited the Audi team for their upgrades and the car's improved performance.
Nico Hülkenberg faced disappointment after a lock-up in Q1 prevented him from advancing, resulting in a 17th place finish, though he will start 15th due to penalties for others. Both drivers are optimistic about their chances in the race, with Bortoleto aiming for points and Hülkenberg looking to capitalize on potential opportunities from his starting position.Sat 3 Oct · 16:02 UTC
via f1technical.netWhat does Alpine aim for in Sepang after Baku disaster?Alpine's Pierre Gasly secured ninth place on the grid for the Malaysian Grand Prix, successfully reaching Q3 while managing tyre strategy. The team opted to use two used sets of Soft tyres during qualifying, preserving a fresh set for the race, which they believe will provide strategic flexibility. Gasly expressed satisfaction with the team's performance and aims to convert the qualifying result into points during the race.
Franco Colapinto, who faced grid penalties, focused on race preparation rather than a conventional qualifying strategy, finishing 15th. Alpine's Managing Director, Steve Nielsen, confirmed that the team’s approach aligned with their expectations, allowing them to maximize their performance without taking unnecessary risks. With different strategies for both drivers, Alpine is optimistic about their chances to score points in the challenging conditions expected during the race.Sat 3 Oct · 16:01 UTCPage 2 of 10