via RacingNews3651 videoMax Verstappen dominates Bahrain GP qualifyingMax Verstappen of Red Bull Racing showcased his speed by securing pole position during the qualifying session for the Bahrain Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit. His performance highlighted his continued dominance in the 2026 Formula 1 season.
RacingNews365+ 2 moreSat 3 Oct · 06:55 UTC
Wikimedia Commons · Yu Chu Chin · CC BY-SA 4.0Tyre survival could decide wide-open Sepang raceThe upcoming Formula 1 race at Sepang is shaping up to be highly competitive, with Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc, and Kimi Antonelli each showing strong performances in practice sessions. Red Bull's Laurent Mekies has indicated that as many as eight cars could be in contention for the win, with tyre degradation expected to play a critical role in the race outcome.
Drivers have expressed concerns about the high wear on the track surface and extreme temperatures, which could complicate tyre management. George Russell from Mercedes noted that severe overheating might hinder the benefits of their recent aerodynamic upgrades. As teams prepare for the race, effective tyre management will be essential, especially in the challenging conditions expected at Sepang.newsonf1.comSat 3 Oct · 06:50 UTC
via espn.comAntonelli goes fastest in final practice in MalaysiaKimi Antonelli showcased his speed by clocking the fastest time during the final practice session for the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. His impressive lap of 1:36.302 put him ahead of Red Bull's Max Verstappen, who finished just two-tenths behind, while Isack Hadjar secured third place.
George Russell initially held second but ultimately finished fourth, over six-tenths off Antonelli's pace. Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton rounded out the top six in fifth and sixth positions, respectively. The qualifying session is set to commence at 9 a.m. British Summer Time.
espn.comSat 3 Oct · 06:42 UTC
via f1oversteer.comIsack Hadjar ‘never’ sees anything in Max Verstappen’s data he can’t do but one difference is clearIsack Hadjar, the Red Bull driver, claims he has never encountered anything in Max Verstappen's data that he cannot replicate. However, he acknowledges that Verstappen consistently pushes the limits of the car, which sets him apart from other drivers. Hadjar has impressed in his second season, having recently signed a contract extension with Red Bull for 2027.
Despite facing challenges as Verstappen's teammate, Hadjar has shown strong performance, scoring 86 points so far this season. He has reached Q3 in all his appearances, although he trails Verstappen in several qualifying and race results. Hadjar's confidence in his abilities suggests he is adapting well to the pressures of competing alongside a four-time champion.
f1oversteer.comSat 3 Oct · 06:30 UTC
via CrashLewis Hamilton reacts to Fernando Alonso F1 contract extension with 'pure talent' claimLewis Hamilton has expressed admiration for Fernando Alonso following his contract extension with Aston Martin, which will keep him in Formula 1 until at least the end of 2027. Hamilton highlighted Alonso's natural talent, noting that many drivers struggle to compete with him, despite Alonso's current challenges with car performance this season.
Alonso, now 46, is extending his illustrious career into a record 24th season, having debuted in 2001. He has faced difficulties with Aston Martin's competitiveness but remains committed to the team and its future. Alonso has scored all of Aston Martin's points this year, and he looks forward to continuing to race and create memories for fans.
CrashSat 3 Oct · 06:26 UTC
via gpfans.comRUMOURLewis Hamilton addresses Ferrari speculation directlyLewis Hamilton has responded to speculation regarding his relationship with Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur, stating he has 'no clue what they're talking about'. This comes amid ongoing discussions about Vasseur's future with the team.
gpfans.com+ 1 moreSat 3 Oct · 06:15 UTC
via F1iBahrain GP: Antonelli puts Mercedes on top; edges Red Bull duoKimi Antonelli led the final practice session for the Bahrain Grand Prix, clocking a time of 1m36.302s in his upgraded Mercedes W17. This performance marked a significant improvement for Mercedes after a challenging Friday, where Antonelli and George Russell struggled to find pace, finishing second and fifth in the first practice session.
In the final session, Antonelli initially lost the top spot to Charles Leclerc and Isack Hadjar but reclaimed it with his impressive lap. Verstappen's Red Bull secured second place, while Russell and Leclerc rounded out the top five. McLaren continued to face difficulties, with Norris and Oscar Piastri finishing seventh and eighth respectively, over a second behind Antonelli's benchmark.
F1iSat 3 Oct · 05:48 UTC
via RaceFansAntonelli leads the Red Bulls in final practice | Formula 1In the final practice session at the Sepang International Circuit, Andrea Kimi Antonelli achieved the fastest lap, putting Mercedes at the top for the first time this weekend. He outpaced his teammate George Russell, who is also a contender for the championship, by more than half a second, showcasing the effectiveness of Mercedes' new upgrade package.
The Red Bull drivers, including Max Verstappen, managed to place themselves between the two Mercedes drivers, with Verstappen nearly three-tenths of a second slower than Antonelli. Meanwhile, both Ferrari drivers struggled, clocking in seven-tenths slower than the session leader. The drivers faced challenges due to the track's abrasive surface, which made it difficult to achieve optimal lap times.
RaceFansSat 3 Oct · 05:41 UTC
via Motorsport.comKimi Antonelli tops final practice in Bahrain for MercedesKimi Antonelli topped the final practice session for the Bahrain Grand Prix, marking a strong recovery for the Mercedes team after a challenging Friday. The championship-leading outfit showcased significant upgrades, demonstrating their competitive edge ahead of the race.
Motorsport.com+ 1 moreSat 3 Oct · 05:40 UTC
via gpfans.comF1 Standings at the Bahrain Grand Prix: Crucial for Russell, last chance for Lewis Hamilton?As the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix approaches, Kimi Antonelli holds a commanding lead in the drivers' standings with 302 points, followed by George Russell at 236 points. Russell's recent win in Azerbaijan has reignited his title hopes, but he faces significant pressure to perform in Bahrain to close the gap on his teammate.
Lewis Hamilton, currently in third place with 199 points, is in a precarious position as he is 103 points behind Antonelli. The Constructors' Championship sees Mercedes firmly in front with 538 points, significantly ahead of Ferrari, which has 378 points. The upcoming race is crucial for both Russell and Hamilton as they seek to improve their standings.gpfans.comSat 3 Oct · 03:30 UTC
via f1chronicle.com1 videoToto Wolff addresses George Russell's struggles with AntonelliToto Wolff has acknowledged that George Russell found it difficult to cope with Kimi Antonelli's impressive start to the 2026 season, where Antonelli won five consecutive races. Wolff expressed optimism that both Mercedes drivers would maintain respect for the team's interests despite the challenges.
f1chronicle.com+ 1 moreFri 2 Oct · 22:25 UTC
via f1chronicle.comRUMOURHamilton defends Vasseur amid Ferrari's turmoilLewis Hamilton defended Ferrari team principal Frédéric Vasseur during a turbulent week for the team, while still calling for significant changes within the organisation. Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna was present in the Sepang paddock, although he stated that his visit was planned prior to the recent speculation.f1chronicle.com+ 2 moreFri 2 Oct · 22:23 UTC
via Motorsport.comLewis Hamilton's custom Monza outfit revealed after iconic Ferrari F40 photoshootLewis Hamilton's outfit from his arrival at the Italian Grand Prix has been revealed, showcasing a custom Khaite ensemble. He made a striking entrance in a restored Ferrari F40, wearing a black suit with a tan overcoat, complemented by a black beret and boots.
Hamilton expressed his excitement about acquiring the F40, a car he has dreamed of owning since childhood. He shared that he had previously sold his car collection and was thrilled to restore the F40, which had been sitting in a garage for over thirty years, with the help of Ferrari's engineers.Motorsport.comFri 2 Oct · 21:45 UTC
via RacingNews365Lewis Hamilton warned over Ferrari mirror woe as mistake sparks track change - RacingNews365 ReviewLewis Hamilton received a warning from the Bahrain Grand Prix stewards after he impeded Gabriel Bortoleto during the second practice session at the Sepang International Circuit. This incident has raised concerns about Hamilton's performance as the team prepares for the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia.
Additionally, the FIA had to make a last-minute adjustment to the starting grid due to a mistake where the pole position was incorrectly marked on the track. Meanwhile, Max Verstappen opted for an unconventional strategy during practice to prepare for potential rain, indicating a proactive approach by Red Bull in the face of changing conditions.RacingNews365Fri 2 Oct · 20:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comJuan Pablo Montoya says there would be 'tears' if he raced Max Verstappen thanks to F1’s rulesJuan Pablo Montoya expressed his thoughts on how racing against Max Verstappen would have been disastrous, stating it would likely end in tears due to their aggressive driving styles. He noted that modern drivers are more aware of the financial implications of crashes, which adds to the caution on track.
During a podcast interview, Montoya defended his own driving record, claiming he did not crash as frequently as people believed. He acknowledged that while he had significant crashes, they were not as common as his reputation suggested. Ultimately, he concluded that the combination of their driving styles would have led to significant incidents if they had raced together.f1oversteer.comFri 2 Oct · 20:00 UTC
via RacingNews365Red Bull explain unusual Max Verstappen running in F1 rarityRed Bull's technical director Pierre Waché noted the team's strong performance during the opening day of the Bahrain Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit. Max Verstappen achieved the fastest time in the first practice session, while Isack Hadjar showed promise in the second session, despite the extreme heat and challenging track conditions.
Waché explained that Verstappen's decision to skip soft compound tyres in FP2 was strategic, focusing on long-run preparations due to potential rain. The team faced difficulties with brake management, particularly for Hadjar, as the unique layout of the Sepang circuit posed challenges for both car performance and tyre management.RacingNews365Fri 2 Oct · 19:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comLaurent Mekies admits he'd love the Max Verstappen 'problem' Martin Brundle can now see for Red BullLaurent Mekies of Red Bull Racing expressed enthusiasm about the competitive dynamic between Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar, following their recent success. The duo achieved a double podium finish, marking a significant improvement for the team this season, and Mekies highlighted Hadjar's impressive performance in Baku as a turning point for the second seat at Red Bull.
Mekies acknowledged the potential challenges of managing two strong drivers competing for points but views it as a positive situation for the team. He emphasized the importance of teamwork and the possibility of making difficult decisions in the future, indicating that both drivers are committed to maximizing team results. With Hadjar eager to establish his position and Verstappen focusing on the upcoming season, Red Bull appears to be in a strong position moving forward.f1oversteer.comFri 2 Oct · 19:00 UTC
via RacingNews365Lewis Hamilton seeking Ferrari 'compromise' after tricky F1 discoveryLewis Hamilton is looking for the right balance in his Ferrari after a challenging return to the Sepang circuit for the Bahrain Grand Prix. He finished fifth in the second practice session, trailing team-mate Charles Leclerc, who was 0.305 seconds faster, and faced difficulties with the track's abrasive surface affecting grip and tyre management.
Hamilton noted that the day was overall challenging, with limited grip available on track. He mentioned that the team explored various set-up directions and is now focused on analysing data to find the best compromise ahead of qualifying. Despite the struggles, Hamilton believes they are not far off the pace and acknowledges that there is still work to be done.RacingNews365Fri 2 Oct · 17:20 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 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 f1oversteer.comLando Norris just did something ‘no one else’ could at the Bahrain Grand Prix in MalaysiaDuring the second practice session for the Bahrain Grand Prix, Lando Norris achieved P3, showcasing a significant improvement from his earlier performance. Despite not having the fastest overall pace, Norris demonstrated the best long-run pace, which is crucial for the race strategy given the unique conditions of the Sepang track.
Norris' lap time of 1'44"727 was unmatched by his competitors, who all fell into the 1m 45s range. This performance, combined with McLaren's usual Friday pace and good tyre degradation, positions Norris as a strong contender for a podium finish in the upcoming race.f1oversteer.comFri 2 Oct · 15:00 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