via Motorsport.comGeorge Russell left "lost for words" by Malaysian F1 fans’ special giftGeorge Russell, the Mercedes driver, was deeply moved when Malaysian fans presented him with a handmade scrapbook ahead of Formula 1's return to Sepang. The scrapbook, created by a group known as 'Team GR63, Malaysia', features handwritten messages, drawings, and photographs, showcasing the support from local fans.
In a video shared by the team, Russell expressed his gratitude and astonishment at the thoughtful gift, stating that it left him 'lost for words'. The gesture highlighted the significance of Mercedes' return to Malaysia after nearly a decade, providing Russell with a boost of encouragement as he prepared for the race weekend.
Motorsport.comFri 2 Oct · 18:44 UTC
via Motorsport.comF1 Bahrain GP in Malaysia: Saturday schedule, weather forecast and how to watchThe Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia is set for Saturday with Charles Leclerc leading the pack after the second practice session. He narrowly edged out Isack Hadjar, while Lando Norris, Max Verstappen, and Lewis Hamilton rounded out the top five. Mercedes faced challenges, with both George Russell and Kimi Antonelli struggling to maximise their soft-tyre runs.
Saturday's schedule includes final practice at 12:30pm MYT followed by qualifying at 4:00pm MYT. The weather forecast indicates hot and humid conditions, with temperatures around 32-33C and a possibility of thunderstorms earlier in the day. Teams will need to prepare for changing grip levels as they navigate the challenging Sepang circuit.Motorsport.comFri 2 Oct · 17:13 UTC
via Motorsport.comF1 Bahrain GP in Malaysia: Sunday schedule, weather forecast and how to watchMax Verstappen achieved pole position for the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, dominating the qualifying sessions. His final lap placed him ahead of Lewis Hamilton, who will start second. Isack Hadjar initially qualified third but will face a five-place grid penalty, promoting Andrea Kimi Antonelli to third on the grid.
The race is set for October 4, 2026, at 3:00 PM MYT, with weather conditions expected to be hot and humid, along with the possibility of thunderstorms. Sky Sports will broadcast the event in the UK, while Apple TV will offer free streaming in the United States. The Sepang circuit's challenging surface and weather conditions will require teams to strategise effectively.Motorsport.comFri 2 Oct · 17:13 UTC
via f1oversteer.comJuan Pablo Montoya heard Max Verstappen say something about George Russell that he ‘never’ likes toJuan Pablo Montoya thinks Max Verstappen saw George Russell “in a different light” for the first time in the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix given his ...
f1oversteer.comFri 2 Oct · 17:00 UTC
via gpfans.comThe bizarre reason F1 star George Russell will race in a 60C ‘oven’ at Bahrain Grand PrixGeorge Russell will compete in the Bahrain Grand Prix without a cooling vest, facing extreme temperatures expected to reach 60C inside his Mercedes cockpit. This decision comes as Mercedes reallocates resources due to the constraints of Formula 1's cost cap regulations, which limit team spending to $215 million in 2026.
Russell highlighted the challenges of racing in such heat, recalling his previous experience of dehydration during the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix. He believes that the development of cooling vests should be exempt from the budget cap, arguing that all drivers should have access to this technology to ensure their safety and performance.
gpfans.comFri 2 Oct · 16:45 UTC
via f1oversteer.comCarlos Sainz admits ‘desire will shift’ away from Williams if he never gets what George Russell hasCarlos Sainz has always maintained that he is happy to see his future at Williams, but now it seems the love affair is conditional for ...f1oversteer.comFri 2 Oct · 16:30 UTC
via f1oversteer.comKimi Antonelli highlights Mercedes W17 weaknessesKimi Antonelli has pointed out a significant shortcoming in the Mercedes W17, raising concerns about the team's recent upgrade following the Bahrain Grand Prix. Mercedes experienced difficulties during the event, struggling to integrate their aerodynamic improvements effectively.f1oversteer.com+ 1 moreFri 2 Oct · 16:00 UTC
via theguardian.comKimi Antonelli tops FP3 at Bahrain Grand Prix in MalaysiaKimi Antonelli topped the final practice session for the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, recovering from a challenging Friday for Mercedes. His performance alleviated concerns regarding the team's upgraded W17 car, although team-mate George Russell was six tenths slower.
theguardian.com+ 5 moreFri 2 Oct · 15:22 UTC
via F1iVerstappen explains why he skipped softs in Sepang FP2Max Verstappen had a promising start to the Bahrain Grand Prix weekend, topping the first practice session but finishing fourth in the second practice, trailing Charles Leclerc. He opted not to use soft tyres in FP2, choosing instead to gather data for longer runs, anticipating potential rain that could affect the race weekend.
Red Bull's technical director, Pierre Wache, explained that the team prioritised understanding tyre behaviour and degradation over setting a fast lap time. Despite initial uncertainties about their car's performance in Sepang, the team was pleasantly surprised by their competitiveness, although they acknowledged the unpredictable weather could change the dynamics of the race.
F1iFri 2 Oct · 14:51 UTC
via PlanetF1Red Bull expresses wish for team orders with VerstappenRed Bull Racing has revealed a desire to implement team orders involving Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar. The team decided against imposing such orders during the recent race in Baku.
PlanetF1+ 1 moreFri 2 Oct · 14:37 UTC
via AutosportWhy Verstappen’s unusual run plan highlights F1 teams’ biggest challenge in MalaysiaMax Verstappen's decision to forgo a qualifying simulation during Friday practice for the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia was influenced by the threat of rain, highlighting the challenge of managing tyre degradation. Red Bull's technical director Pierre Wache emphasised the importance of long runs to understand tyre behaviour, particularly for the medium compound, due to the high degradation levels observed on the track.
The poor track surface led to lap times being significantly slower than expected, complicating the teams' strategies. Pirelli's chief engineer noted that managing both rear and front tyre temperatures is crucial, as the track's conditions create a cycle of increased degradation. This focus on race pace over qualifying performance means teams head into qualifying with more uncertainties than usual.
AutosportFri 2 Oct · 13:43 UTC
via RacingNews365George Russell voices weakened Mercedes upgrade fear after ominous signsGeorge Russell has expressed concerns that Mercedes' latest aerodynamic upgrade is being compromised by extreme tyre overheating at the Sepang International Circuit during the Bahrain Grand Prix. Despite being second fastest in the first practice session, Russell's performance dropped to seventh in the second session, highlighting the difficulties faced by the W17 car under the unique conditions of the track.
The team brought significant upgrades, including a reworked floor and diffuser, but have struggled to achieve the expected performance gains. Trackside engineering director Andrew Shovlin noted that the team is facing challenges with tyre wear and balance, which have hindered their ability to extract the anticipated improvements from the new components. They are optimistic about making progress with setup changes and data analysis ahead of the race weekend.
RacingNews365Fri 2 Oct · 13:20 UTC
via espn.comVerstappen: Russell winning title 'not impossible'Max Verstappen has stated that George Russell requires a significant improvement to have a chance at catching Kimi Antonelli in the world championship standings. Heading into the Bahrain Grand Prix, Russell is currently 66 points behind Antonelli, who has won eight races this season compared to Russell's three. Despite a strong performance in Azerbaijan, where Russell led every lap, the gap remains substantial.
Verstappen highlighted the challenges Russell faces, noting the differences in driving styles and the impact of new regulations on performance. He acknowledged Antonelli's exceptional talent and the difficulties rookies encounter with the current ground-effect cars. As the drivers prepare for the physically demanding conditions in Malaysia, both Russell and Antonelli will need to overcome their practice mistakes to improve their standings.
espn.comFri 2 Oct · 12:47 UTC
via thejudge13.comVerstappen reveals how he would reshape F1: “Make it a bit more logical”Max Verstappen has expressed his vision for reshaping Formula 1, suggesting significant changes to the sport's structure. He would use the current Formula 1 as a base but would implement more powerful engines and reduce the number of races and the length of race weekends to create a less demanding schedule.
Verstappen also highlighted the need for a more logical calendar, proposing a layout that starts in Europe and moves through Asia before returning via the United States. While he is not seeking a formal role in F1 governance, he has been vocal about the sport's evolution and maintains communication with F1 president Stefano Domenicali.
thejudge13.comFri 2 Oct · 12:18 UTC
via Formula1.comWhat the teams said – Friday in MalaysiaDuring the first practice sessions for the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang, Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing led the way in FP1, while Isack Hadjar also showed strong performance, finishing P3 in the first session and P2 in the second. However, Hadjar will face a five-place grid penalty for a new internal combustion engine. Verstappen's teammate, Hadjar, and the team expressed satisfaction with their competitiveness despite some balance issues.
Ferrari's Charles Leclerc topped the timing sheets in FP2, while Lewis Hamilton finished fifth after struggling with grip. George Russell of Mercedes had a strong start in FP1 but faced challenges in FP2, and Kimi Antonelli had a more cautious approach. All teams noted the high tyre degradation and difficult track conditions, which will be critical factors as they prepare for qualifying.
Formula1.comFri 2 Oct · 12:10 UTC
via Motorsport.comF1 Bahrain GP long runs: Max Verstappen the favourite in Malaysia?Max Verstappen emerged as the fastest driver during the long runs in the second free practice session for the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, running on medium tyres. He was followed by George Russell in second and Charles Leclerc in third, with the gaps indicating a competitive field but no clear order yet established.
Mercedes faced challenges with their new update package, showing a potential loss of pace compared to previous races. McLaren's Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri finished fourth and sixth, respectively, while Alpine's Pierre Gasly led a tightly packed midfield. The session highlighted significant tyre wear issues, suggesting a two-stop strategy may be necessary for the race.Motorsport.comFri 2 Oct · 11:49 UTC
via Formula1.comVerstappen assesses ‘positive’ start in MalaysiaMax Verstappen expressed satisfaction with his performance during the first day of the Bahrain Grand Prix, where he topped the timesheets in the first practice session. Despite finishing fourth in the second practice and not running on the soft tyre, he felt the day was positive, although he acknowledged there were still challenges to address due to the hot track conditions.
Red Bull's Technical Director Pierre Wache explained that the decision to avoid the soft tyre was strategic, aiming to gather more data on the medium compound in anticipation of possible rain. Wache also mentioned that the team was pleasantly surprised with their performance compared to expectations, but noted that rivals like Mercedes and McLaren appeared competitive as well.Formula1.comFri 2 Oct · 11:39 UTC
via Sky Sports F1'Not where it needs to be' - Russell warns of threats to Mercedes at brutal SepangGeorge Russell expressed concerns about the competition from Max Verstappen and McLaren at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, despite Mercedes introducing a significant upgrade package. After a challenging practice session, Russell and his teammate Kimi Antonelli found themselves outside the top five, with Russell finishing second in the opening practice but dropping to seventh later on due to tyre degradation issues.
Ferrari's Charles Leclerc topped the practice timesheet, followed closely by Red Bull's Isack Hadjar and McLaren's Lando Norris. Russell acknowledged the need for setup adjustments to improve their performance ahead of qualifying. He highlighted the competitive nature of the top teams, noting that McLaren appeared to be a strong contender as well.
Sky Sports F1Fri 2 Oct · 11:24 UTC
via Sky Sports F1Wolff: Russell found it 'difficult to cope' with Antonelli 'reality'Toto Wolff revealed that George Russell has faced challenges coping with the impressive performances of his teammate Kimi Antonelli during the 2026 Formula 1 season. Despite entering the season as a favourite for the Drivers' Championship, Russell struggled early on, particularly after an engine failure at the Canadian Grand Prix, which limited his podium finishes until the summer break.
Wolff highlighted the emotional nature of Russell's character, noting that he has had to adapt to the competitiveness of the 19-year-old Antonelli, who has quickly established himself as a formidable rookie. As the season progresses, Wolff aims to ensure both drivers are treated equally, emphasizing the importance of open communication and support within the team.Sky Sports F1Fri 2 Oct · 10:21 UTC
via f1oversteer.comBernie Collins saw something ‘ominous’ on Kimi Antonelli’s Mercedes in the Sepang pit laneBernie Collins has expressed concerns over the new upgrades on Kimi Antonelli's Mercedes ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix, noting that the changes could enhance the car's performance significantly. The upgrades, which include modifications to the sidepods and engine cover, are designed to improve aerodynamics and cornering speed, potentially giving the W17 a competitive edge.
Antonelli mentioned that the upgrades could result in a lap time improvement of 0.3 seconds. Collins highlighted the importance of these updates, suggesting that they could make Mercedes the team to beat during the race weekend. As the Bahrain GP takes place in Malaysia this year, all eyes will be on how these enhancements perform in practice and qualifying.f1oversteer.comFri 2 Oct · 10:00 UTC
via Motorsport.comVerstappen and Hadjar urge Red Bull to experiment nowMax Verstappen and Isack Hadjar have encouraged Red Bull Racing to make all necessary mistakes during the remaining races of the 2026 season. Their aim is to prepare effectively for the 2027 season, while also avoiding a winless year in 2026.Motorsport.com+ 1 moreFri 2 Oct · 09:49 UTC
via RacingNews365Charles Leclerc beats the heat but Max Verstappen has overall edgeCharles Leclerc managed to secure the top spot in the second practice session ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix, overcoming extreme heat conditions. However, it was Max Verstappen who recorded the fastest lap of the day during the first practice session, showcasing Red Bull's competitive edge.
In FP1, Verstappen clocked a time of 1:37.520s, narrowly beating Leclerc's FP2 time of 1:37.528s. The high track temperatures forced teams to adapt their strategies, with many drivers switching to soft tyres earlier than planned. Lewis Hamilton faced scrutiny for an incident involving another driver, while Lando Norris and Isack Hadjar also performed well, finishing third and fourth respectively in FP2.RacingNews365Fri 2 Oct · 09:00 UTC
via CrashMercedes questions effectiveness of Bahrain GP upgradesToto Wolff expressed confusion over the performance of Mercedes' new aerodynamic upgrade following the Bahrain Grand Prix, suggesting it may have hindered rather than improved the team's competitiveness. Andrea Kimi Antonelli and George Russell both reported disappointing qualifying results, leaving the team uncertain about the upgrades' impact.
Crash+ 10 moreFri 2 Oct · 08:20 UTC
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.newsonf1.com+ 2 moreFri 2 Oct · 07:45 UTC