Carlos PaceCharles LeclercGeorge RussellLando Norris 
via CrashLance Stroll receives double warning in Bahrain qualifyingLance Stroll has been issued two warnings for driving too slowly during the qualifying session at the Bahrain Grand Prix. The decision was confirmed by the stewards following an investigation into the incidents.
Crash+ 1 moreSat 3 Oct · 12:46 UTC
via PlanetF1Verstappen responds to Russell's complaints about heatMax Verstappen has dismissed George Russell's concerns regarding the extreme heat at the Sepang circuit, suggesting Russell is 'making a fuss'. Russell had highlighted Mercedes' decision not to develop a better cooling vest due to budget cap restrictions.
PlanetF1+ 4 moreSat 3 Oct · 12:40 UTC
via Sky Sports F1Hamilton and Verstappen set for Bahrain Grand Prix duelLewis Hamilton expressed excitement about the prospect of a competitive race against Max Verstappen at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. Both drivers will start from the front row, heightening anticipation for a thrilling showdown.
Sky Sports F1Sat 3 Oct · 12:00 UTC
via Motorsport.comVerstappen praises Red Bull's improvements after poleMax Verstappen has acknowledged significant improvements in the Red Bull car after securing pole position in Malaysia. This comes less than a month after he described the car as 'made of paper' due to concerns over its degradation during the Monza qualifying.
Motorsport.com+ 1 moreSat 3 Oct · 11:56 UTC
via PlanetF1Lewis Hamilton credits Ferrari set-up change for front rowLewis Hamilton achieved a front-row start at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia after a last-minute set-up adjustment to his Ferrari SF-26. He noted that this change helped unlock additional pace, despite a 0.4-second deficit compared to the fastest time.PlanetF1+ 2 moreSat 3 Oct · 11:44 UTC
via racer.comMercedes upgrades fail to improve W17 performanceMercedes' recent upgrades to the W17 Formula One car did not yield the expected performance boost during qualifying at the Sepang circuit. Team principal Toto Wolff expressed confusion over the car's struggles, as both drivers failed to secure a top-three position.
racer.com+ 6 moreSat 3 Oct · 10:50 UTC
via RacingNews365Lando Norris reflects on McLaren's struggles in MalaysiaLando Norris acknowledged that McLaren lacked the pace to compete effectively at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. The British driver finished ninth after a late-race incident and an unsuccessful tyre strategy.
RacingNews365+ 1 moreSat 3 Oct · 10:50 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 CrashLando Norris dismisses Bahrain GP qualifying excuses with blunt "just slow" admissionLando Norris provided a candid assessment of McLaren's qualifying performance at the Bahrain Grand Prix, stating that the team was simply "just slow" after qualifying sixth. He acknowledged that they were six tenths off the pole position and highlighted that the unique tarmac at the Sepang International Circuit contributed to their struggles, particularly affecting the Mercedes-powered teams.
Despite the disappointing qualifying results, Norris expressed satisfaction with his own lap time but recognised the need for the team to improve their overall performance. He mentioned ongoing issues with straight-line speed and indicated that while the deficit to competitors like Red Bull and Ferrari is significant, there remains potential for recovery during the race through strategic pit stops.CrashSat 3 Oct · 10:30 UTC
via Motorsport WeekGeorge Russell criticises Mercedes' poor qualifying in SepangGeorge Russell has described Mercedes' qualifying performance at the Bahrain Grand Prix as 'very bad', following a disappointing session after a promising practice. The team, which had shown competitive pace earlier, struggled to match the performance of Red Bull, who secured pole position.
Motorsport Week+ 1 moreSat 3 Oct · 10:27 UTC
via RacingNews3651 videoGeorge Russell perplexed by poor qualifying in SepangGeorge Russell expressed confusion over his disappointing qualifying performance at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, where he finished eighth. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff also voiced his bafflement at the team's unexpected lack of pace despite recent upgrades.RacingNews365+ 4 moreSat 3 Oct · 10:22 UTC
via CrashToto Wolff expresses confusion over Mercedes' paceToto Wolff, the team principal of Mercedes, has voiced his confusion regarding the team's performance following a significant upgrade package for the Bahrain Grand Prix. Despite expectations of improved pace, both Kimi Antonelli and George Russell struggled during qualifying, leaving Wolff to suggest that 'something else is going on'.Crash+ 3 moreSat 3 Oct · 09:50 UTC
via RaceFansMercedes questions effectiveness of Bahrain GP upgradesToto Wolff has expressed confusion over the performance of Mercedes' latest upgrade package after the Bahrain Grand Prix, suggesting it may have hindered rather than improved the team's competitiveness. Andrea Kimi Antonelli also acknowledged uncertainty about whether the upgrades made the car faster or slower, as the team struggled during qualifying.
RaceFans+ 4 moreSat 3 Oct · 09:38 UTC
via RaceFansMax Verstappen secures first pole of 2026 in MalaysiaMax Verstappen achieved his first pole position of the 2026 Formula 1 season during qualifying for the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. The result marks a significant milestone for Red Bull, as it is their first pole with their in-house power unit developed in collaboration with Ford.RaceFans+ 7 moreSat 3 Oct · 09:10 UTC
via PlanetF144 videosVerstappen claims pole position for Bahrain Grand PrixMax Verstappen secured his first pole position of the 2026 Formula 1 season during qualifying for the Bahrain Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit. The Red Bull driver outpaced Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton, who will start in second place.PlanetF1+ 10 moreSat 3 Oct · 09:05 UTC
via RaceFans22 videosqualifying results for 2026 Bahrain Grand PrixQualifying for the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix took place at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia. The session focused on the battle for pole position ahead of the race.RaceFans+ 1 moreSat 3 Oct · 09:03 UTC
via Motorsport.comCharles Leclerc reveals touching fan gesture that always makes him emotionalFerrari driver Charles Leclerc shared that hand-drawn pictures from young fans are the gifts that touch him the most. In a social media video, he expressed how these interactions during race weekends stand out, particularly when children present their artwork to him. Leclerc keeps these drawings at home, as they remind him of his own childhood dreams of becoming a Formula 1 driver.
In addition to his reflections on fan interactions, Leclerc is preparing for a new chapter in his life as he and his wife, Alexandra, are expecting their first child. He expressed pride in becoming a father and acknowledged the challenges ahead, while also looking forward to the positivity it will bring. Currently, he sits fifth in the drivers' standings, trailing championship leader Kimi Antonelli by 123 points.Motorsport.comSat 3 Oct · 08:58 UTC
via CrashMercedes drivers lack cooling vests in MalaysiaGeorge Russell and Lewis Hamilton will not use cooling vests during the Malaysian Grand Prix due to restrictions imposed by Formula 1's cost cap. The extreme heat conditions have led the FIA to declare the event a heat hazard.Crash+ 2 moreSat 3 Oct · 07:59 UTC
via RacingNews365Red Bull seen as biggest threat to Mercedes in F1Anthony Davidson, a former Formula 1 driver, has stated that Red Bull is becoming the 'biggest threat' to Mercedes' dominance in the sport. This assessment comes as Red Bull's performance continues to improve, suggesting a shift in the competitive landscape of Formula 1.RacingNews365Sat 3 Oct · 06:32 UTC
via f1oversteer.comKimi Antonelli tops final practice at Bahrain Grand PrixKimi Antonelli of Mercedes achieved the fastest time in Free Practice 3 for the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, finishing ahead of Max Verstappen by 0.278 seconds. This performance sets the stage for a competitive qualifying session between Mercedes and Red Bull.
f1oversteer.com+ 3 moreSat 3 Oct · 05:33 UTC
via RacingNews365Mercedes questions W17 upgrade after Bahrain strugglesMercedes is left questioning the effectiveness of its latest aerodynamic upgrade to the W17 following a challenging performance at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. George Russell described the situation as a 'big question mark' as the team struggled to replicate the pace shown in previous practice sessions.RacingNews365+ 3 moreSat 3 Oct · 04:00 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 Motorsport.comGeorge Russell left "lost for words" by Malaysian F1 fans’ special giftGeorge Russell, the Mercedes driver, was deeply moved when Malaysian fans presented him with a handmade scrapbook ahead of Formula 1's return to Sepang. The scrapbook, created by a group known as 'Team GR63, Malaysia', features handwritten messages, drawings, and photographs, showcasing the support from local fans.
In a video shared by the team, Russell expressed his gratitude and astonishment at the thoughtful gift, stating that it left him 'lost for words'. The gesture highlighted the significance of Mercedes' return to Malaysia after nearly a decade, providing Russell with a boost of encouragement as he prepared for the race weekend.Motorsport.comFri 2 Oct · 18:44 UTC