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
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 RaceFansFeatured Comment: Social media abuse must not stop drivers speaking their minds | BriefLando Norris has called for respect and humility following a wave of social media abuse directed at him after he commented on fellow driver Franco Colapinto. The backlash included death threats, prompting discussions about the pressures drivers face when expressing their opinions publicly.
A reader, @GongTong, defended Norris, arguing that drivers should be allowed to speak candidly without fear of severe repercussions. The incident underscores the growing concern over social media abuse in the sport, as it can stifle open dialogue among drivers.
RaceFansFri 2 Oct · 14:37 UTC
via f1technical.netFerrari expect rivals to "up their game" for Saturday after strong Sepang practice dayFerrari enjoyed a productive opening day of running at the Bahrain Grand Prix, with Charles Leclerc topping FP2 while Lewis Hamilton finished fifth as the field began to close up at the front.
f1technical.netFri 2 Oct · 14:00 UTC
via gpfans.comFranco Colapinto criticises Lando Norris' actionsFranco Colapinto has stated that Lando Norris went too far in his recent criticism following their public feud at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. This comes after Norris nearly caused a significant incident at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia.
gpfans.com+ 1 moreFri 2 Oct · 13:55 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 F1iHamilton escapes penalty as Ferrari hit with €10,000 impeding fineLewis Hamilton escaped with little more than a slap on the wrist after impeding Audi’s Gabriel Bortoleto during...F1iFri 2 Oct · 13:38 UTC
via f1technical.net“We're struggling more than we'd like to," claims Norris after Sepang practice dayMcLaren made significant progress between the two Friday practice sessions at the Malaysian Grand Prix, with Lando Norris finishing third in FP2 and Oscar Piastri sixth as the team continued to unlock its package at Sepang.f1technical.netFri 2 Oct · 13:33 UTC
via f1oversteer.comFerrari add ‘striking’ secret upgrade to Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc’s SF-26 at SepangFerrari had a strong start to the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix weekend in Malaysia, with Charles Leclerc leading the second practice session. Leclerc's lap time of 1:37.528 placed him ahead of his teammate Lewis Hamilton, who finished fifth. The team introduced minor upgrades, including vortex generators on the SF-26, to improve aerodynamics and downforce.
The Bahrain Grand Prix is being held in Malaysia due to the situation in the Middle East, marking a return of the Sepang circuit to the Formula 1 calendar after a hiatus since 2017. Ferrari is expected to roll out more significant upgrades at the upcoming United States Grand Prix, as they prepare for the remainder of the season.f1oversteer.comFri 2 Oct · 13:00 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 f1technical.netFerrari fined after Hamilton's incident with Bortoleto in second Sepang practiceLewis Hamilton was given a warning by the FIA stewards after unnecessarily impeding Gabriel Bortoleto during the second practice session of this weekend's Bahrain Grand Prix.f1technical.netFri 2 Oct · 12:46 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 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.comFlavio Briatore moves on from Franco Colapinto crash: 'I was upset but the past is the past'Flavio Briatore, the Alpine Formula 1 chief, has expressed his desire to move on from the incident involving Franco Colapinto, who caused a crash during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The collision, which also involved Pierre Gasly and Lando Norris, resulted in all three drivers retiring from the race, costing Alpine valuable points in their battle against Racing Bulls.
Briatore acknowledged his disappointment over the incident but emphasised the importance of focusing on the future as Alpine aims to catch Racing Bulls in the championship standings. Colapinto is facing a five-place grid penalty for the upcoming Bahrain Grand Prix, which has been compounded by an additional 10-place penalty due to a fresh engine installation.Motorsport.comFri 2 Oct · 09:37 UTC
via RaceFansLeclerc quickest as Verstappen avoids softs and Hamilton faces investigation | Formula 1In the second practice session at the Sepang International Circuit, Charles Leclerc topped the timesheets, showcasing strong performance ahead of the race. Max Verstappen, who had been the fastest in the first practice, opted not to use soft tyres, while his teammate Isack Hadjar managed to clock a time very close to Leclerc's.
Lando Norris also demonstrated competitive pace but experienced a close call with Sergio Perez as he approached the pit lane. Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton is facing an investigation related to an incident during the session, adding an extra layer of scrutiny to his performance.RaceFansFri 2 Oct · 09:06 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 CrashLewis Hamilton under investigation over incident during F1 practice againLewis Hamilton is facing an investigation for blocking Gabriel Bortoleto during the second practice session at the Bahrain Grand Prix. The incident occurred when Hamilton was on the racing line and failed to see Bortoleto approaching, leading to the Audi driver expressing his frustration over the radio.
This marks the third consecutive weekend where Hamilton has been involved in similar blocking incidents, having previously received a reprimand for impeding Liam Lawson in Azerbaijan. Hamilton attributed the incidents to challenges posed by the new engine regulations and mentioned difficulties with visibility in his car.
CrashFri 2 Oct · 08:45 UTC
via Motorsport.comLewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc test rare Ferrari 12Cilindri Manuale at FioranoLewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc recently conducted a track test of the limited-edition Ferrari 12Cilindri Manuale at Fiorano. This super GT is powered by a 6.5-litre naturally aspirated V12 engine that delivers 830 horsepower, and it features a unique Manuale-By-Wire system that enhances the driving experience with a manual gearbox feel.
During the test, Leclerc was the first to drive, with Hamilton as his passenger. Both drivers expressed their enjoyment of the car, with Leclerc praising Hamilton's calm demeanor and Hamilton describing the experience as 'fantastico'. The test video has garnered significant attention online, highlighting the excitement surrounding this new Ferrari model.Motorsport.comFri 2 Oct · 08:05 UTC