Andrea Kimi AntonelliLewis HamiltonMax VerstappenMike Parkes 
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.com1 videoCharles Leclerc leads second practice in MalaysiaCharles Leclerc set the fastest time in the second practice session for the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, clocking a time of 1 minute 37.528 seconds. The Ferrari driver finished just 0.099 seconds ahead of Isack Hadjar, while the upgraded Mercedes cars were nearly half a second slower.
Motorsport.com+ 2 moreFri 2 Oct · 09:13 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 RacingNews365FIA imposes double penalty on Lewis Hamilton at Bahrain GPThe FIA has confirmed that Lewis Hamilton will face a double penalty following an investigation into an incident at the Bahrain Grand Prix. The penalties total 15 grid places, significantly impacting Hamilton's starting position for the race.RacingNews365+ 3 moreFri 2 Oct · 08:38 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
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 UTCvia newsonf1.comBearman thought Monaco sprint was a ‘prank’Oct.2 (GMM) Oliver Bearman says he initially thought Formula 1’s decision to add a sprint race at Monaco in 2027 was a joke – and Max Verstappen is hardly convinced either. “When they told us that we would get a sprint race in that weekend,” Bearman told Viaplay, “I really thought it was a joke.”…newsonf1.comFri 2 Oct · 07:45 UTCvia newsonf1.comBearman thought Monaco sprint was a ‘prank’Oct.2 (GMM) Oliver Bearman says he initially thought Formula 1’s decision to add a sprint race at Monaco in 2027 was a joke – and Max Verstappen is hardly convinced either. “When they told us that we would get a sprint race in that weekend,” Bearman told Viaplay, “I really thought it was a joke.”…newsonf1.comFri 2 Oct · 07:45 UTCvia newsonf1.comAntonelli considering Monaco moveOct.2 (GMM) Kimi Antonelli could soon join Formula 1’s growing Monaco contingent, with Prince Albert revealing that the Mercedes championship leader is considering moving to the Principality. Antonelli, who was born in Bologna and currently lives in San Marino, moved away from the family home as his Formula 1 career accelerated. Prince Albert revealed the…newsonf1.comFri 2 Oct · 07:45 UTC
via gpfans.comLewis Hamilton on brink of penalty heading into Bahrain Grand PrixLewis Hamilton is facing a potential grid penalty as he has exhausted all seven power unit components available for the 2026 Formula 1 season. The FIA's report indicates that Hamilton, along with Max Verstappen, is on the edge of needing a replacement part, with Hamilton's situation being particularly critical as he has no components left to spare.
As the Bahrain Grand Prix approaches, three drivers, Isack Hadjar, Franco Colapinto, and Arvid Lindblad, will incur grid penalties for exceeding their engine allocations. Hadjar and Colapinto will only change their Internal Combustion Engines, while Lindblad will also replace his Turbo Charger and Exhaust, resulting in a significant drop to the back of the grid.
gpfans.comFri 2 Oct · 07:43 UTC
via RacingNews365Fred Vasseur addresses distractions at FerrariFerrari team principal Fred Vasseur has acknowledged that the 'noise' surrounding his position has become a significant issue for the team. He has called for unity within Ferrari, urging his team to avoid distractions and focus on their performance.RacingNews365+ 8 moreFri 2 Oct · 07:30 UTC
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 WeekF1 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia – Free Practice 1 ResultsMax Verstappen from Red Bull Racing secured the fastest time in Free Practice 1 for the Bahrain Grand Prix held at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia. He clocked a lap of 1m 37.520s, finishing nearly four tenths ahead of Mercedes driver George Russell, who came in second. Red Bull's Isack Hadjar took third place, while Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli rounded out the top five.
The practice session marked Formula 1's return to the Sepang circuit after a hiatus since 2017, with teams focusing on gathering data and testing various setups. McLaren's drivers, Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, finished in 11th and 12th positions respectively. Additionally, Racing Bulls driver Arvid Lindblad is set to receive a grid penalty due to a power unit change.
Motorsport WeekFri 2 Oct · 06:51 UTC
via espn.comVerstappen sets pace in FP1 at Bahrain GPMax Verstappen topped the first practice session for the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, clocking a time that was 0.383 seconds quicker than Mercedes driver George Russell. Isack Hadjar, Verstappen's teammate at Red Bull, secured third place, while Ferrari's Charles Leclerc followed in fourth.
Kimi Antonelli, the current title leader, struggled to keep pace, finishing fifth in his heavily-upgraded Mercedes, more than a second behind Verstappen. The next practice session is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. British Summer Time.
espn.comFri 2 Oct · 06:38 UTC
via RacingNews365RUMOURGeorge Russell tipped to ignite extraordinary F1 title comeback with ‘fire in his eyes’George Russell's recent performance in Azerbaijan has sparked optimism about his chances in the Formula 1 title race. After achieving his first grand chelem, Russell demonstrated a strong drive that has led pundit Martin Brundle to suggest he could find 'another gear' in the upcoming races. Despite Kimi Antonelli's commanding lead in the championship, Russell's performance has reignited hopes for a comeback.
Brundle noted that the title race remains open, especially with challenging circuits ahead that could lead to unpredictable results. Antonelli's struggles in qualifying and Russell's ability to recover highlight the competitive nature of the season. With Mercedes' anticipated upgrades, Russell's prospects for the remainder of the season look promising.RacingNews365Fri 2 Oct · 06:10 UTC
via the-race.comVerstappen beats upgraded Mercedes in Sepang practice oneMax Verstappen dominated the first practice session for the Bahrain Grand Prix in Sepang, outpacing George Russell's upgraded Mercedes by 0.383 seconds. The session saw challenging grip levels due to high track temperatures, with Verstappen adapting quickly to the conditions. Russell's Mercedes, featuring a significant upgrade, struggled with tyre drop-off compared to competitors.
Isack Hadjar and Charles Leclerc followed Verstappen and Russell in the timesheets, while McLaren's performance was disappointing, with both drivers finishing outside the top 10. The session highlighted the competitive nature of the midfield, with Pierre Gasly leading in seventh, and Nico Hulkenberg rounding out the top 10 despite a dramatic moment on track.
the-race.comFri 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 gpfans.comRUMOURFerrari drama as F1 boss intervenes and uncomfortable Hamilton question asked - F1 News TodayStefano Domenicali has entered the discussion regarding Ferrari's leadership, particularly concerning Fred Vasseur's uncertain future as team principal. The team's recent performance has declined, leading to speculation about potential changes in management, especially after Christian Horner's interest in the role.
In addition, Sky Sports commentator David Croft raised challenging questions about Lewis Hamilton's involvement in the ongoing tensions at Ferrari. The team has faced criticism for not meeting expectations this season, despite earlier successes in Barcelona and Silverstone.gpfans.comFri 2 Oct · 04:15 UTC
via RaceFansOn This Day: Hamilton suffers title blow as Ricciardo wins Malaysian GP | BriefOn October 2, 2016, Daniel Ricciardo claimed victory at the Malaysian Grand Prix, a race that significantly impacted the championship standings. Nico Rosberg, the championship leader at the time, was involved in an incident on the first lap with Sebastian Vettel, which altered the dynamics of the race.
Lewis Hamilton, who was in a strong position to reduce Rosberg's points lead, faced a major setback when his Mercedes power unit failed. This mechanical issue left Hamilton with a challenging road ahead in the remaining races of the season, prompting him to voice his concerns about the situation.RaceFansThu 1 Oct · 23:01 UTC