Carlos PaceCharles LeclercLewis HamiltonMartin Brundle 
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 RacingNews365FIA alters Sepang track after driver safety concernsThe FIA has made significant changes to the Sepang International Circuit following safety concerns raised by Formula 1 drivers during practice sessions. Charles Leclerc and others highlighted issues with the track's degrading surface, prompting the adjustments.
RacingNews365+ 1 moreFri 2 Oct · 16:40 UTC
via theguardian.comKimi Antonelli tops FP3 at Bahrain Grand Prix in MalaysiaKimi Antonelli topped the final practice session for the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, recovering from a challenging Friday for Mercedes. His performance alleviated concerns regarding the team's upgraded W17 car, although team-mate George Russell was six tenths slower.
theguardian.com+ 3 moreFri 2 Oct · 15:22 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 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 RaceFansHamilton warned and Ferrari fined for practice incidentLewis Hamilton received a formal warning from the FIA stewards for unnecessarily impeding Gabriel Bortoleto during second practice at Sepang. Ferrari was also fined €10,000, approximately $11,250, for their involvement in the incident.
RaceFans+ 2 moreFri 2 Oct · 12:37 UTC
via f1oversteer.comDavid Coulthard clarifies ‘slamming’ Charles Leclerc’s family ‘picnic’ by admitting his real concernDavid Coulthard recently faced backlash for his comments regarding Charles Leclerc's focus during race weekends, suggesting that having his family present was akin to treating the event like a picnic. Coulthard expressed concern that such distractions could hinder Leclerc's performance as a driver, given the serious nature of Formula One racing.
In response to the criticism, Coulthard clarified his statements on the Up To Speed podcast, explaining that he did not intend to slam Leclerc but rather to highlight the importance of full concentration in the sport. He compared the situation to a surgeon needing complete focus during a procedure, indicating that distractions could impact performance.f1oversteer.comFri 2 Oct · 12:00 UTC%2FGettyImages-2298175162.webp&w=1200&q=70)
via Formula1.comLeclerc highlights 'main talking point' as he judges performanceCharles Leclerc had a strong performance during the practice sessions for the Bahrain Grand Prix, finishing first in the second practice and fourth in the first. Despite this, he expressed concerns about Ferrari's competitiveness compared to rivals Red Bull and Mercedes, highlighting their standout performances. Leclerc noted that the track conditions were challenging, with significant tyre degradation expected to be a crucial factor in the upcoming race.
Ferrari's Team Principal Fred Vasseur echoed Leclerc's sentiments, acknowledging the difficulties posed by the track's grip and the need for improvement. Both Leclerc and Vasseur emphasised the importance of focusing on their own performance while preparing for the race, as they anticipate that managing tyre degradation will be key to achieving a strong result.
Formula1.comFri 2 Oct · 11:54 UTC
via PlanetF1FIA declares Bahrain Grand Prix a heat hazardThe FIA has classified the Bahrain Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit as a heat hazard, triggering driver-cooling regulations for the race. Several drivers, including Charles Leclerc, have expressed concerns regarding the challenging conditions.
PlanetF1+ 1 moreFri 2 Oct · 11:27 UTC
via F1iBahrain Grand Prix chaos marked by rain and glitchesThe 2026 Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia experienced significant disruptions due to torrential rain and software glitches. Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc were notable performers throughout the weekend, showcasing their competitive edge during the qualifying sessions.
F1i+ 1 moreFri 2 Oct · 11:07 UTC%2FGettyImages-2298210625.webp&w=1200&q=70)
via Formula1.comMcLaren admits error in Bahrain Grand Prix strategyAndrea Stella, McLaren's team principal, acknowledged that the team made an incorrect judgement regarding their tyre strategy during the Bahrain Grand Prix. Lando Norris, who qualified sixth, found himself at the back of the pack shortly after the race began due to this miscalculation.Formula1.com+ 1 moreFri 2 Oct · 10:53 UTC
via RacingNews365George Russell warns of Mercedes struggles in BahrainGeorge Russell has expressed concerns about Mercedes' performance at the Bahrain Grand Prix, stating that the car is 'off the pace' compared to rivals Red Bull and McLaren. Despite a significant upgrade, Russell believes adjustments are necessary to improve competitiveness.RacingNews365+ 2 moreFri 2 Oct · 10:50 UTC
via Motorsport WeekFIA investigates Lewis Hamilton over Bahrain practice incidentThe FIA has launched an investigation into Lewis Hamilton following a blocking incident involving Gabriel Bortoleto during the second practice session at the Bahrain Grand Prix. This marks another instance of Hamilton facing scrutiny for his actions in practice.
Motorsport Week+ 2 moreFri 2 Oct · 10:41 UTC
via PlanetF1‘Brave and brilliant’ – Martin Brundle leads tributes after heartbreaking newsMartin Brundle has expressed his condolences following the death of Esther Rantzen, a prominent British television personality, who passed away at the age of 86 after battling lung cancer. Rantzen was well-known for her long-running show That's Life! and for founding the charity Childline, which provides support for children in need.
In his tribute, Brundle praised Rantzen as a brave and brilliant communicator. He highlighted her advocacy for assisted dying after her cancer diagnosis in 2023. Brundle, a former Formula 1 driver and current commentator, has returned to his role at the Bahrain Grand Prix, which is being held in Malaysia this year due to a rescheduling.PlanetF1Fri 2 Oct · 10:31 UTC
via F1iCharles Leclerc fastest in Bahrain Grand Prix FP2Charles Leclerc of Ferrari recorded the fastest time in the second practice session for the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. The session highlighted struggles for the Mercedes team, which failed to match the pace set by Leclerc.F1i+ 1 moreFri 2 Oct · 09:23 UTC
via PlanetF1FIA investigates multiple drivers after Bahrain GP chaosThe FIA has announced a formal investigation into the events at the Bahrain Grand Prix, which included significant issues during the formation lap. Lando Norris, Lance Stroll, and Lewis Hamilton are among the drivers facing scrutiny following the chaotic scenes in Malaysia.PlanetF1+ 1 moreFri 2 Oct · 09:10 UTC
via Motorsport WeekCharles Leclerc leads second practice in BahrainCharles Leclerc of Ferrari topped the second free practice session for the Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix at the Sepang Circuit. This session is part of the 2026 season.Motorsport Week+ 1 moreFri 2 Oct · 09:07 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 PlanetF11 videoCharles Leclerc fastest in Bahrain Grand Prix FP2Charles Leclerc set the fastest time in the second practice session for the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, clocking a lap of 1m37.528s. The session remained dry despite a significant threat of rain, with both Mercedes drivers struggling to find pace.PlanetF1+ 8 moreFri 2 Oct · 09:01 UTC
via f1oversteer.com22 videosCharles Leclerc sets fastest time in Bahrain FP2Charles Leclerc achieved the fastest lap during the second free practice session for the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit. Meanwhile, Mercedes struggled to keep pace with the frontrunners.f1oversteer.com+ 2 moreFri 2 Oct · 09:00 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 Motorsport.comFerrari faces new Sepang challenge as Fred Vasseur reveals weekend focusFerrari's team principal Fred Vasseur has stated that the team will concentrate on race pace during the upcoming Bahrain Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit. This decision comes as a response to the challenges posed by severe tyre degradation, contrasting with the recent low-degradation circuits they have encountered.
Vasseur highlighted that the team had to adjust their aerodynamic set-up in the previous Azerbaijan Grand Prix due to grip issues. He anticipates that the competitive landscape will shift significantly at Sepang, with Max Verstappen leading the first practice session. Ferrari currently sits second in the constructors' standings, trailing Mercedes by 160 points.Motorsport.comFri 2 Oct · 08:48 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