Andrea Kimi AntonelliGeorge RussellJenson ButtonRalf Schumacher 
via f1oversteer.comMax Verstappen says George Russell needs big turnaroundMax Verstappen has stated that George Russell requires a significant improvement to catch his teammate Kimi Antonelli in the 2026 Formula One title race, with Russell currently 66 points behind. Meanwhile, Mercedes chief Bradley Lord has expressed concerns about Russell's ability to close the gap as the season progresses.
f1oversteer.com+ 1 moreThu 1 Oct · 10:00 UTC
via gpfans.comMax Verstappen and Kimi Antonelli target Australia's iconic Bathurst 12 Hour raceMax Verstappen and Kimi Antonelli are set to compete in the Bathurst 12 Hour race in early 2027, with the event taking place on February 14 at Mount Panorama Circuit in New South Wales. Other Formula 1 stars, including Lance Stroll and Valtteri Bottas, have also expressed interest in participating in this prestigious GT3 event.
Verstappen is expected to race with his own team, Verstappen Racing, supported by Mercedes AMG. He has previously shown strong performance in endurance racing, nearly winning the Nurburgring 24 Hours in 2026. Antonelli, the current F1 championship leader, has familial ties to the GT3 scene, as his father manages a team in the Italian GT championship.
gpfans.comThu 1 Oct · 07:45 UTC
via f1oversteer.comKimi Antonelli expects major gains from Mercedes upgradesAndrea Kimi Antonelli has stated that Mercedes' engineers anticipate a significant improvement in lap times from their upcoming updates at the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix. Bernie Collins has noted that rivals are closely monitoring the W17 following these developments.newsonf1.com+ 1 moreThu 1 Oct · 07:14 UTC
via Formula1.comRalf Schumacher on his brother and ‘idol’ MichaelRalf Schumacher recently reflected on his brother Michael Schumacher's final Formula 1 victory, which occurred 20 years ago at the Shanghai International Circuit. On that day, Michael crossed the finish line ahead of Fernando Alonso, marking a significant moment in his illustrious career, as it was his last of 91 wins.
The article highlights Michael's remarkable achievements in Formula 1, including 68 pole positions and 155 podium finishes, accumulating over 1,500 points throughout his career. This victory not only showcased his talent but also solidified his status as one of the sport's greatest drivers.
Formula1.comThu 1 Oct · 07:09 UTC
via gpfans.comRUMOURChristian Horner 'embarrassing' as F1 star blasts former Red Bull boss - 'It's simply a disgrace'Ralf Schumacher has publicly criticised Christian Horner for his recent comments regarding a potential return to Formula 1 with Ferrari. Horner described Ferrari as 'the dream' team, suggesting he would consider joining them without needing a significant ownership stake. Schumacher responded by calling Horner's attempts to curry favour with Ferrari embarrassing and disgraceful, questioning the sincerity of his interest.
In light of the speculation surrounding Vasseur's position as Ferrari team principal, Maria Conti, Ferrari's chief communications officer, held a media briefing to confirm the team's unwavering support for Vasseur. Conti stated that the decision to address the media was not solely in response to Horner's comments but was also due to the increasing scrutiny Vasseur has faced recently.gpfans.comThu 1 Oct · 06:45 UTC%2FGettyImages-2297993516.webp&w=1200&q=70)
via Formula1.com1 videoBahrain Grand Prix practice sessions held in MalaysiaThe 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix is taking place in Malaysia, with practice sessions held at the Sepang International Circuit. Coverage of the event is being provided by Channel 4 for UK fans.Formula1.com+ 3 moreThu 1 Oct · 05:35 UTC
via f1chronicle.com1 videoSepang hosts Bahrain Grand Prix after nine yearsThe Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia will host the Bahrain Grand Prix this weekend, marking its return to Formula 1 after a nine-year absence. The event was relocated from Bahrain, where it was originally scheduled for April.
f1chronicle.com+ 1 moreWed 30 Sep · 21:50 UTC
via Motorsport.comKimi Antonelli has "spooked himself" amid F1 title pressure, says Naomi SchiffNaomi Schiff has expressed concerns about Kimi Antonelli's mental state as he leads the Formula 1 championship. She noted that Antonelli seems to be feeling the pressure, which was evident during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix where he finished fifth after starting from 16th, while his teammate George Russell won the race.
Schiff highlighted that Antonelli needs to overcome this psychological hurdle to avoid jeopardising his championship lead. Despite a challenging race, he still maintains a 66-point advantage over Russell, but Schiff warns that if Antonelli continues to feel 'spooked,' it could affect his performance in the remaining races.
Motorsport.comWed 30 Sep · 20:20 UTC
via Motorsport.comGeorge Russell details F1 drivers' Langkawi boys' trip ahead of Bahrain GP in MalaysiaGeorge Russell, a driver for Mercedes, has shared insights about a recent trip to Langkawi, Malaysia, which he took with six other Formula 1 drivers ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix. The trip featured activities such as go-karting and sightseeing, with Russell expressing his admiration for the island's beauty and the friendliness of its people. He noted that the itinerary was influenced by Mercedes' title partner, Petronas.
In addition to Russell, Kimi Antonelli, his teammate, arrived in Malaysia early but chose to explore Kuala Lumpur and visit a water park. Antonelli currently leads the championship standings by 66 points, following Russell's victory at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The trip served as a unique way for the drivers to bond and prepare for the upcoming race.Motorsport.comWed 30 Sep · 19:56 UTC
via Motorsport.comMercedes braced for tougher strategy calls as George Russell closes on Kimi AntonelliMercedes Formula 1 team is preparing for more challenging strategy decisions as George Russell narrows the championship gap to his teammate Kimi Antonelli. Following a dominant victory in Baku, Russell has reduced Antonelli's lead from 81 to 66 points, prompting team principal Toto Wolff to emphasise the importance of equitable treatment for both drivers in race strategies.
With eight races remaining in the season, Russell's resurgence has shifted the dynamics within the team. Wolff noted that the team must carefully evaluate strategy calls to ensure both drivers have equal opportunities, especially as they aim to maintain a competitive edge over their rivals. Additionally, Mercedes has introduced a special livery for the W17 to celebrate the return of the Malaysian Grand Prix.Motorsport.comWed 30 Sep · 12:47 UTC
via RacingNews365George Russell comments on Mercedes' Bahrain upgradeGeorge Russell provided his initial thoughts on Mercedes' substantial upgrade package for the W17 at the Bahrain Grand Prix. He noted that while the changes are significant, their impact may be obscured by ongoing tyre issues.
RacingNews365+ 6 moreWed 30 Sep · 11:40 UTC
via PlanetF1RUMOURRalf Schumacher tears into Christian Horner over his Ferrari ‘dream’Christian Horner expressed a willingness to lead Ferrari even without ownership shares, calling it a 'dream' job. This statement comes after he has been out of Formula 1 for over a year following his departure from Red Bull. Horner's comments have sparked speculation about the future of Ferrari's current team principal, Fred Vasseur, who has received public backing from the team.
Ralf Schumacher has strongly criticized Horner's remarks, labelling them as embarrassing and suggesting that they reflect poorly on Horner's current standing in the sport. Schumacher believes that if there were genuine interest from Ferrari, Horner would not have made such public claims. He also recommended former McLaren team boss Andreas Seidl as a suitable replacement for Vasseur should the need arise.
PlanetF1Wed 30 Sep · 11:03 UTC
via F1iToto Wolff perplexed by Mercedes' Sepang upgrade strugglesMercedes team principal Toto Wolff expressed confusion over the team's performance following their latest upgrades at the Malaysian Grand Prix. Despite expectations of a three-tenths improvement, Wolff noted that the W17 car instead lost five-tenths due to increased drag and poor handling in low-speed corners.
F1i+ 7 moreWed 30 Sep · 10:43 UTC
via PlanetF1Verstappen warns Mercedes upgrade may shift competitionMax Verstappen expressed caution regarding the impact of Mercedes' significant upgrades ahead of the Sepang practice session. Despite dominating the first practice, Verstappen acknowledged that the changes could alter the competitive landscape in Formula 1.PlanetF1+ 1 moreWed 30 Sep · 10:00 UTC
via RacingNews365George Russell reveals real source of 2026 pressure amid Kimi Antonelli crushingGeorge Russell is facing significant pressure as he aims for the 2026 Formula One championship, currently sitting 81 points behind his teammate Kimi Antonelli, who has dominated the season with eight wins. Russell has acknowledged that his performance has not been strong enough, attributing his position in the standings to reliability issues and a lack of consistency.
Despite the challenges, Russell insists he is not feeling pressure from the championship race itself but rather from his own performance goals. He remains committed to fighting for victories in every race and is focused on improving his performance rather than dwelling on the championship gap. Mercedes is continuing to work with him to enhance his competitiveness under the current regulations.RacingNews365Wed 30 Sep · 10:00 UTC
via PlanetF1Antonelli fires warning to Russell after ‘grandmother’ Baku driveKimi Antonelli has issued a warning to his Mercedes teammate George Russell following a disappointing performance at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where he finished fifth after crashing in qualifying. Antonelli admitted to driving conservatively during the race, likening his approach to that of his grandmother, and expressed his intent to return to form at the upcoming Bahrain Grand Prix.
Despite his struggles in Baku, Antonelli still holds a significant lead in the Drivers' Championship, although Russell's victory has narrowed the gap to 66 points. Antonelli is determined to regain his competitive edge and re-establish his dominance in the championship as he prepares for the next race.PlanetF1Wed 30 Sep · 09:05 UTC
via the-race.comHow Russell usurped Ocon at MercedesThe article discusses the pivotal moment when George Russell overtook Esteban Ocon as Mercedes' preferred driver, particularly highlighting Ocon's missed opportunities and Russell's impressive performances. Ocon's near chance to race for Mercedes in 2019 and his subsequent struggles to secure a seat are contrasted with Russell's rapid rise through the ranks, culminating in his announcement as Lewis Hamilton's teammate in 2021.
It also examines the decisions made by Toto Wolff regarding the driver line-up, emphasizing the importance of driver compatibility with Hamilton. Ocon's time at Force India and his eventual relegation to a third driver role at Mercedes are noted, along with Wolff's concerns about Ocon's potential pairing with Hamilton, which ultimately influenced the team's decisions regarding their driver contracts.
the-race.comWed 30 Sep · 09:00 UTC
via RacingNews365Kimi Antonelli praises Max Verstappen's unique skillsKimi Antonelli has described Max Verstappen's abilities as 'incredible' following their recent wheel-to-wheel battles in Formula 1. Antonelli's comments highlight the unique advantages Verstappen possesses, which he observed during their encounters on track.RacingNews365+ 1 moreWed 30 Sep · 07:00 UTC
via f1technical.netRussell and Verstappen reveal why Baku’s final laps were so much funGeorge Russell and Max Verstappen expressed their enjoyment of the final laps during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, highlighting the intensity and excitement of the race. Russell, who secured victory, noted that the closing stages felt like a qualifying session, with both drivers pushing their limits on the Baku circuit.
The race featured two Safety Car periods that brought Verstappen closer to Russell, creating a thrilling battle. Both drivers appreciated the lack of tyre management required in the final stint, allowing them to race at full pace. Verstappen acknowledged the challenges of the Baku circuit, where proximity to the barriers added to the excitement.
f1technical.netWed 30 Sep · 06:00 UTC
via Formula1.comWhere does Russell’s Baku win rank in the closest F1 finishes?George Russell secured a narrow victory at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, finishing just 0.196 seconds ahead of Max Verstappen. This margin is significant as it places Russell's win among the closest finishes in Formula 1 history, although it falls short of making the top 10 by a mere 0.014 seconds.
The article details the closest finishes in F1, highlighting races from various years, including the 2002 Austrian Grand Prix and the 1971 Italian Grand Prix. These races showcase the intense competition and narrow margins that can occur in Formula 1, with Russell's recent win adding to the legacy of thrilling finishes in the sport.Formula1.comTue 29 Sep · 15:42 UTC
via gpfans.comF1 teams prepare for weather challenges in Bahrain GPFormula 1 teams are bracing for potential thunderstorms and rain during the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia this weekend. The FIA has confirmed special measures to address the challenging weather conditions expected throughout the event.gpfans.com+ 1 moreTue 29 Sep · 15:27 UTC
via Formula1.comF1 Business Summit adds new Las Vegas speakersThe F1 Business Summit will feature Haas Team Principal Ayao Komatsu, chef Gordon Ramsay, and athlete Russell Wilson among others, taking place in Las Vegas on 19 November 2026. Komatsu's session will focus on leadership and innovation in Formula 1, while Ramsay will explore the business of hospitality during race weekends.
The event will also include discussions on athlete ownership and investment, with a keynote panel featuring Wilson and Shaun White. The Summit runs from 8am to 1pm, starting with a networking breakfast, and coincides with the Las Vegas Grand Prix, which occurs shortly after the Summit.Formula1.comTue 29 Sep · 14:10 UTC
via RacingNews365George Russell assigns 'most dominant' verdict as F1 title hopes reignitedGeorge Russell described his performance at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix as the most dominant of his career, achieving his first Grand Slam with a commanding victory. He secured pole position by a significant margin and led the race from start to finish, despite pressure from Max Verstappen, who was aiming for his first win of the season.
This victory has reignited Russell's championship hopes, as he has now reduced the points deficit to Kimi Antonelli to 66. Russell had been struggling earlier in the season, sitting 81 points behind Antonelli before the race, but this strong showing has boosted his confidence as he looks to continue closing the gap in upcoming races.RacingNews365Tue 29 Sep · 14:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.com22 videos2026 Bahrain Grand Prix held in Malaysia's SepangThe 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix will take place at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia, marking the venue's return to the Formula 1 calendar after a nine-year absence. This unique event has raised questions about the race's location, as it is officially named after Bahrain.f1oversteer.com+ 1 moreTue 29 Sep · 12:00 UTC