Andrea Kimi AntonelliGeorge RussellJuan Pablo MontoyaMax Verstappen 
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.
f1oversteer.comFri 2 Oct · 07:00 UTC
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.
Motorsport.com+ 8 moreFri 2 Oct · 05:38 UTC
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.
RacingNews365Fri 2 Oct · 05:33 UTC
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.f1oversteer.com+ 1 moreFri 2 Oct · 05:31 UTC
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.
Crash+ 6 moreFri 2 Oct · 05:31 UTC
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.Motorsport.comFri 2 Oct · 05:23 UTC
via RacingNews3652026 Bahrain Grand Prix Free Practice 1 resultsThe Free Practice 1 session for the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix took place at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia. Full results from the session have been released, detailing the performance of all participating teams and drivers.RacingNews365+ 3 moreFri 2 Oct · 03:25 UTC
via Motorsport.comThe sim rig Max Verstappen swears by ahead of his GT3 race against RossiMax Verstappen is preparing for his upcoming GT World Challenge Europe race against Valentino Rossi, scheduled for October 17 at Portimao. Verstappen will drive the No. 3 Mercedes-AMG GT3, taking over for drivers who are competing in another championship that weekend. He has not driven a GT3 car since the Nurburgring 24 Hours in May, making this a significant return to the track.
To prepare, Verstappen relies on a static sim rig, which he believes allows for faster lap times compared to motion rigs. His setup includes high-end components and is valued at an estimated $25,000 to $35,000. Verstappen's commitment to sim racing is evident, as he logs more hours on his rig than many competitors do in actual GT3 cars, showcasing his dedication to mastering multiple forms of motorsport.Motorsport.comThu 1 Oct · 21:18 UTC
via RacingNews365Oscar Piastri raises menacing Mercedes concern: 'That's not a great sign'Oscar Piastri has voiced concerns regarding Mercedes' recent performance, particularly after George Russell's dominant victory in Baku and the introduction of a significant upgrade for the upcoming Malaysian Grand Prix. Piastri highlighted that Russell's pole position and race win indicate a strong showing from Mercedes, which could pose challenges for McLaren.
Piastri believes that the Sepang circuit's layout may favour McLaren more than Baku did, as it features high-speed corners that align with their strengths. However, he remains cautious about Mercedes' upgrades, which are designed to enhance their cornering capabilities without sacrificing straight-line speed, potentially complicating McLaren's efforts to compete effectively.RacingNews365Thu 1 Oct · 21:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comDavid Coulthard hails Max Verstappen for showing a Michael Schumacher trait Lewis Hamilton lacksDavid Coulthard thinks Max Verstappen is the “benchmark” driver on the 2026 F1 grid because he shares one trait with Michael Schumacher that Lewis Hamilton ...f1oversteer.comThu 1 Oct · 19:00 UTC
via RacingNews365Kimi Antonelli makes eye-catching Mercedes F1 admission after 'conscious decision'Kimi Antonelli has acknowledged his personal growth in Formula 1, particularly after his performance in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix where he finished fifth. He started the race from 16th due to a wall collision during qualifying, marking a significant recovery that he attributes to a conscious decision to drive within his limits rather than risk a potential no-score.
Reflecting on his progress over the past year, Antonelli stated that he would not have been capable of such a strategic approach 12 months ago. He recognised the importance of securing points in challenging situations, especially after a disrupted weekend filled with difficulties, and expressed satisfaction with his decision to prioritize a safe finish over aggressive driving.RacingNews365Thu 1 Oct · 17:40 UTC
via RacingNews365Max Verstappen signals greatest Red Bull desire as drought continuesMax Verstappen is seeking his first victory of the 2026 Formula 1 season after finishing second in Baku, extending his winless streak to 15 races. Despite a series of podium finishes, Red Bull has struggled to keep pace with rivals, currently sitting fourth in the constructors' standings behind Mercedes, Ferrari, and McLaren.
Verstappen, who is sixth in the drivers' standings, acknowledged the team's challenges but remains determined to secure a win this season. He noted that recent upgrades to the car showed promise in Baku, although he is cautious about their effectiveness on different circuits. With Mercedes dominating the season, Verstappen's focus is on learning and improving as the year progresses.RacingNews365Thu 1 Oct · 17:00 UTC
via Motorsport.comMax Verstappen laughs off Malaysian heat concerns: "Months of preparation to not give an F!"Max Verstappen, the Red Bull Racing driver, has expressed his ambition to secure a victory in the 2026 season, despite finishing on the podium in six of the last eight races. He recalls his last win at the Sepang International Circuit in 2017 and acknowledges the challenges posed by the Malaysian heat and rough track conditions, which can lead to significant tyre degradation.
Verstappen dismissed concerns about the heat, stating he had undergone months of preparation and is accustomed to racing in hot conditions. He also mentioned that Mercedes' upcoming upgrade could complicate Red Bull's chances of winning, but he remains focused on performing well and validating the effectiveness of their recent upgrades at different circuits.Motorsport.comThu 1 Oct · 16:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comMax Verstappen reveals what he's had to ‘accept’ at Red Bull amid Mercedes' dominance this seasonMax Verstappen has expressed his acceptance of Red Bull's current struggles in the 2026 Formula 1 season, acknowledging that he cannot compete for the championship this year. With only eight races left, he risks finishing the season without a win, a situation he hasn't faced since his rookie year in 2015. He has had to settle for second place multiple times, sharing the record for the most second-place finishes with George Russell.
In a recent podcast appearance, Verstappen reflected on the challenges of not being in title contention, likening it to his early years in the sport. He remains focused on improving the team's performance and aims to return to competitive form next season. Verstappen's commitment to Red Bull is evident as he signed a new contract, while the team seeks stability in their driver line-up to regain their competitive edge.f1oversteer.comThu 1 Oct · 15:00 UTC
via Motorsport.comGeorge Russell flags tyre overheating concern ahead of Malaysian Grand PrixGeorge Russell has expressed concerns about tyre overheating at the Malaysian Grand Prix, which could complicate overtaking maneuvers. He highlighted that the hot conditions at the Sepang International Circuit may lead to aggressive tyre degradation, making it difficult for drivers to maintain close racing.
With the FIA declaring a heat hazard for the weekend, both Russell and McLaren's Oscar Piastri are preparing for a challenging race. The resurfaced track, which hasn't hosted a race since 2017, may present grip issues, and Friday's practice sessions will be vital for teams to assess tyre performance and adapt to the conditions.Motorsport.comThu 1 Oct · 13:51 UTC
via Motorsport.comKimi Antonelli on the hard call that rescued his Azerbaijan GP weekendKimi Antonelli faced a challenging Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend, starting from 16th on the grid due to technical difficulties and a crash in qualifying. To salvage his race, he made a strategic decision to drive conservatively, allowing other drivers to make mistakes while he focused on finishing the race safely.
Despite his struggles, Antonelli's fifth-place finish kept him well ahead in the championship standings, with a 66-point lead over his teammate George Russell, who won the race. Antonelli's approach demonstrated maturity and adaptability in a difficult situation, as he prioritised securing points over aggressive driving.Motorsport.comThu 1 Oct · 12:54 UTC
via Sky Sports F1George Russell confident ahead of title challengeGeorge Russell expressed optimism about his chances in the Formula 1 championship, stating he is no longer 'lost' in his Mercedes. He believes the team's recent car upgrade will enhance his performance as he aims to close the gap on Kimi Antonelli.
Sky Sports F1+ 3 moreThu 1 Oct · 12:48 UTC
via BBC SportRUMOURRussell says his 'confidence is back and growing'George Russell expressed renewed confidence following his recent victory in Azerbaijan, stating he no longer feels lost and is ready to compete for wins consistently. With seven or eight races remaining, he aims to close the 66-point gap to his teammate Kimi Antonelli in the championship standings. Russell noted that he has adjusted his driving style to better suit the Mercedes car, allowing him to focus more on speed rather than adjustments.
Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton backed Ferrari's team principal Frederic Vasseur amidst speculation about his future, asserting that removing him would be a mistake. Hamilton highlighted Ferrari's improvement this season, noting their second place in the constructors' championship despite a power deficit compared to rivals. He emphasised the importance of building on their progress and maintaining a strong foundation for future success.
BBC SportThu 1 Oct · 11:07 UTC
via Formula1.comAntonelli believes Russell has ‘got the momentum’Kimi Antonelli has expressed his belief that George Russell has gained significant momentum following his recent victory at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Despite maintaining a 66-point lead in the drivers' standings, Antonelli acknowledges the challenge Russell poses, especially after his strong performance in Baku where he secured pole position and ultimately won the race.
Looking ahead to the Bahrain Grand Prix, Antonelli is optimistic about the upgrades Mercedes will introduce, which he hopes will enhance the car's grip and downforce. He is eager to test his skills on the Sepang circuit, noting the importance of improving in areas such as managing long corners. Antonelli remains focused on achieving the best results and is excited about the opportunities that lie ahead.
Formula1.comThu 1 Oct · 10:19 UTC
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 RaceFansVerstappen eager to avoid his first win-less season since F1 debut | Formula 1Max Verstappen is determined to secure at least one victory in the 2026 Formula 1 season, as he approaches the end of what could be his first win-less season since joining Red Bull in 2016. Despite achieving multiple podium finishes, he has not yet clinched a win this year, which has raised concerns as the season nears its conclusion.
Verstappen expressed his frustration, stating he is doing everything possible to win, but acknowledges the challenges ahead with only eight races left in the season. With uncertainty surrounding the final two races, he remains focused on breaking his win-less streak and achieving his goal of winning at least one race this season.
RaceFansThu 1 Oct · 09:07 UTC
via AutosportMax Verstappen to race GT3 at Portimão this monthMax Verstappen has confirmed he will compete in a GT3 race at Portimão, adding to his already busy Formula 1 schedule. The Red Bull Racing driver will race a Mercedes-AMG GT3 entered by 2 Seas Motorsport.
Autosport+ 4 moreThu 1 Oct · 08:45 UTC
via Formula1.comVerstappen determined to win ‘at least one’ race in 2026Max Verstappen has expressed his determination to win at least one race during the 2026 season, following a series of podium finishes. He noted that Red Bull Racing is currently in fourth place in the Teams’ Championship and has made progress in recent races, including a notable 2-3 finish in Azerbaijan.
Despite his success in podiums, Verstappen acknowledged the challenge posed by Mercedes, who have been the fastest team this season. He emphasized the importance of the upcoming races for learning and preparation for the next season, while also reflecting on his positive experiences racing at the Sepang International Circuit.Formula1.comThu 1 Oct · 07:57 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