Arvid LindbladBob SaidLiam Lawson 
via gpfans.comF1 confirms Qatar and Abu Dhabi races will proceedFormula One CEO Stefano Domenicali has confirmed that the final two races of the season in Qatar and Abu Dhabi will go ahead as scheduled. This decision comes despite ongoing conflicts in the region and follows the cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabia races.
gpfans.com+ 2 moreSat 3 Oct · 10:57 UTC
via Motorsport.comLando Norris highlights McLaren's straight-line speed issuesLando Norris has expressed frustration over McLaren's ongoing straight-line speed deficit, which he estimates costs him nearly two-tenths of a second per lap. Team principal Andrea Stella confirmed that McLaren and Mercedes High Performance Powertrains are investigating the issue affecting Norris's performance.
Motorsport.com+ 5 moreSat 3 Oct · 10:44 UTC
via RaceFansHaas admit set-up mistake on Bearman’s car made one session a “total waste of time” | Formula 1Haas has acknowledged that a set-up error on Oliver Bearman's car rendered his second practice session at Sepang ineffective. Bearman reported that the car was performing adequately in the first practice session, but the incorrect adjustments made for FP2 resulted in a significant struggle, leading him to describe the session as a "total waste of time."
As a result of the set-up mistake, Bearman finished 16th in the second practice, three-tenths of a second slower than his teammate Esteban Ocon. The lack of valuable data from FP2 has left Bearman at a disadvantage heading into the rest of the weekend, particularly as it was his first time racing at the Sepang circuit.
RaceFansSat 3 Oct · 10:29 UTC
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
via thejudge13.comHaas to part ways with Esteban Ocon after 2026 seasonHaas will end its partnership with Esteban Ocon following the 2026 season, as confirmed by team principal Ayao Komatsu. Komatsu stated that the decision was based on the 'overall picture', countering Ocon's claim that performance was not a factor.newsonf1.com+ 1 moreSat 3 Oct · 06:50 UTC
via RacingNews365Liam Lawson discusses strategies for Bahrain Grand PrixLiam Lawson has expressed his thoughts on the strategies that could lead to success for the Racing Bulls at the Bahrain Grand Prix. He highlighted the importance of making the right choices as the team prepares for the race in Malaysia.RacingNews365Fri 2 Oct · 18:00 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 RaceFansAlpine question why stewards did not penalise Lindblad for Baku crash | Formula 1Alpine has raised concerns regarding the decision of the stewards not to penalise Arvid Lindblad for a collision during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. This incident occurred during a Safety Car restart, where Lindblad collided with his teammate Liam Lawson, leading to both Alpine drivers retiring from the race.
In contrast, Alpine's Franco Colapinto was penalised with a five-place grid drop for a separate incident that eliminated his teammate Pierre Gasly and McLaren's Lando Norris. Alpine executive consultant Flavio Briatore publicly questioned the inconsistency in the stewards' decisions, stating he does not understand why Lindblad was not penalised.RaceFansFri 2 Oct · 10:10 UTC
via Motorsport.comVerstappen and Hadjar urge Red Bull to experiment nowMax Verstappen and Isack Hadjar have encouraged Red Bull Racing to make all necessary mistakes during the remaining races of the 2026 season. Their aim is to prepare effectively for the 2027 season, while also avoiding a winless year in 2026.Motorsport.com+ 1 moreFri 2 Oct · 09:49 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 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 PlanetF1Liam Lawson expecting Red Bull future decision in ‘next few weeks’Liam Lawson has stated that he is still waiting for news regarding his future with Red Bull, with a decision expected in the coming weeks. Currently, he is ninth in the Drivers' standings and has expressed confidence in his performance this season, despite the uncertainty surrounding his contract for 2027.
Lawson, along with teammate Arvid Lindblad, is among the drivers whose seats have yet to be confirmed. The situation is complicated by the presence of Nikola Tsolov, a promising Red Bull junior, who is also in contention for a seat. Lawson remains focused on his racing while awaiting the outcome of discussions about the team's driver lineup.
PlanetF1Thu 1 Oct · 17:02 UTC
via the-race.comF1 teams share insights from Sepang practice sessionsTeams and drivers provided feedback following the first day of practice for the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit. Insights revealed a mix of performance evaluations and challenges faced during the sessions.
the-race.com+ 1 moreThu 1 Oct · 11:28 UTC
via gpfans.comRUMOURF1 champion Fernando Alonso handed career-high payday at the age of 45Fernando Alonso has secured a new contract with Aston Martin that reportedly makes him the highest-paid driver of his career at the age of 45. The deal, which will take effect in 2027, is said to exceed $40 million annually, surpassing his previous earnings at McLaren.
In an official statement, Alonso expressed his happiness about the contract and his commitment to the team. This new salary positions him as the joint-third highest-paid driver in Formula 1, behind Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, while overtaking other notable drivers like Charles Leclerc and George Russell.gpfans.comThu 1 Oct · 09:57 UTC
via CrashLewis Hamilton defends Fred Vasseur amid Ferrari issuesLewis Hamilton has expressed his support for Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur while suggesting that criticism should be directed at higher management within the team. Hamilton's comments come as tensions grow around Ferrari's leadership and performance.
Crash+ 2 moreThu 1 Oct · 09:56 UTC
via Motorsport.com"Whenever I watch TV, I think I would do better" – The real reason Fernando Alonso stays in F1Fernando Alonso has officially extended his Formula 1 career into the 2027 season, marking his 24th year in the sport. The announcement came ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix, with Alonso stating that his conversation with Aston Martin team owner Lawrence Stroll was brief and straightforward, as both parties were eager to continue their partnership.
Alonso expressed that his motivation to race stems from a desire to compete and improve, feeling that he can outperform current drivers when watching from home. He also mentioned the importance of potential regulatory changes for 2027, which he hopes will enhance the racing experience. Despite no immediate changes to next year's regulations, Alonso remains committed to pushing for improvements in the sport.Motorsport.comThu 1 Oct · 09:23 UTC
via espn.comFernando Alonso extends Aston Martin contract to 2027Fernando Alonso has confirmed he will continue racing in Formula 1 with Aston Martin until 2027. Despite acknowledging the possibility of facing another challenging season, Alonso expressed that competing is preferable to watching from home.
espn.comThu 1 Oct · 08:50 UTC
via RacingNews365Franco Colapinto and Isack Hadjar face grid penaltiesFranco Colapinto and Isack Hadjar have both been handed grid penalties for the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. Colapinto will incur a five-place drop due to a new engine, while Hadjar is also set for a grid penalty, although the specifics have yet to be confirmed.RacingNews365+ 3 moreThu 1 Oct · 08:50 UTC
via RacingNews365Audi announces new campus for Formula 1 operationsAudi has unveiled plans to construct a new campus near its existing factory in Hinwil, Switzerland, as part of its long-term strategy in Formula 1. This development aims to enhance the team's operational capabilities and signifies a commitment to its future in the sport.RacingNews365+ 8 moreThu 1 Oct · 07:28 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 PlanetF1RUMOURMax Verstappen addresses Alonso GT3 partnership rumoursMax Verstappen has dismissed speculation about teaming up with Fernando Alonso in GT3 racing. The two drivers have been linked following Alonso's hints about racing outside Formula 1, but Verstappen confirmed his next GT3 appearance will be separate.PlanetF1+ 1 moreThu 1 Oct · 06:48 UTC
via the-race.comIsack Hadjar and Franco Colapinto face grid penaltiesIsack Hadjar from Red Bull Racing has received a five-place grid penalty for using a new power unit element beyond his allocation at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. Franco Colapinto from Alpine has been handed a 15-place penalty due to a collision he caused.the-race.com+ 5 moreThu 1 Oct · 06:42 UTCvia the-race.comLindblad, Hadjar and Colapinto face grid penalties in MalaysiaArvid Lindblad, Isack Hadjar, and Franco Colapinto will all receive grid penalties for the Formula 1 race in Malaysia due to power unit changes. Lindblad will start from the back of the grid after incurring a 30-place penalty, while Hadjar and Colapinto also face sanctions.the-race.com+ 2 moreThu 1 Oct · 06:42 UTC
via RacingNews365Arvid Lindblad to start from the back at Bahrain Grand PrixArvid Lindblad will start from the back of the grid at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia due to a series of power unit penalties. The FIA has confirmed that the Racing Bulls driver will face a 30-place grid penalty for the race.RacingNews365+ 2 moreThu 1 Oct · 06:42 UTC