Carlos PaceCharles LeclercLewis HamiltonMartin Brundle 
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'.RacingNews365+ 3 moreSat 3 Oct · 09:50 UTC
via RacingNews365Lewis Hamilton praises Ferrari's qualifying adjustmentsLewis Hamilton has commended Ferrari for making a late set-up change that he believes helped them 'hit the sweet spot' during qualifying at the Sepang International Circuit. As a result, Hamilton secured second place on the grid for the Bahrain Grand Prix.RacingNews365+ 2 moreSat 3 Oct · 09:18 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 RacingNews3651 videoVerstappen takes pole ahead of Hamilton in MalaysiaMax Verstappen secured pole position for the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, marking Red Bull's first pole of the season. Lewis Hamilton will start alongside him on the front row, reigniting their historic rivalry.RacingNews365+ 2 moreSat 3 Oct · 09:09 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 RacingNews365Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton on Malaysia front rowMax Verstappen of Red Bull Racing and Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes will start on the front row for the Formula 1 race in Malaysia, marking the first event in the country in nine years. Aston Martin also made headlines during qualifying, achieving a significant result this season.RacingNews365+ 1 moreSat 3 Oct · 08:31 UTC
via Motorsport.comLewis Hamilton's $2.2million watch leads incredible F1 grid collection in MalaysiaAt the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, Lewis Hamilton showcased his Richard Mille RM 43-01 Tourbillon Split-Seconds Chronograph, valued at $2.2 million, making it the most expensive watch on the Formula 1 grid. The watch features design elements inspired by Ferrari, including hexagonal screws from Ferrari engine covers and buttons shaped like the SF90 supercar's taillights.
Other notable watches include Fernando Alonso's Breitling Navitimer B01 Chronograph priced at $11,500 and Nico Hulkenberg's Audemars Piguet Royal Oak valued at $250,000. Max Verstappen also sported a customised TAG Heuer Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph. While many of these luxury timepieces are sponsored and not owned by the drivers, they highlight the extravagant lifestyle associated with Formula 1.Motorsport.comSat 3 Oct · 08:12 UTC
via Motorsport.comLewis Hamilton reflects on treasured Roscoe and Coco memoryLewis Hamilton shared a heartfelt reflection on a memorable trip he took with his late dogs, Roscoe and Coco, during the COVID-19 pandemic. He stated that this particular day in the mountains is the one he would most like to relive, highlighting the joy he experienced during their time together.
The sentiment is amplified by the fact that both dogs have since passed away, with Coco dying in June 2020 and Roscoe in September 2025. Hamilton recently paid tribute to Roscoe on the anniversary of his death, expressing his ongoing love and gratitude for the companionship they provided during some of the happiest moments of his life.Motorsport.comSat 3 Oct · 08:04 UTC
via PlanetF1Lewis Hamilton praises Fernando Alonso's pure talentLewis Hamilton has stated that many current Formula 1 drivers cannot match Fernando Alonso's talent. Hamilton expressed his admiration for Alonso's abilities, highlighting a perceived gap in skill among top competitors.PlanetF1+ 1 moreSat 3 Oct · 07:29 UTC
via f1oversteer.comChristian Horner comments on Ferrari's future prospectsChristian Horner stated that Ferrari's issues cannot be resolved unless John Elkann implements significant changes within the team. He highlighted that the current trajectory suggests Ferrari will not achieve a championship title by 2026.
f1oversteer.com+ 1 moreSat 3 Oct · 07:00 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 f1chronicle.comHamilton supports Vasseur but calls for Ferrari changesLewis Hamilton has defended Ferrari team principal Frédéric Vasseur while urging the Scuderia to implement significant changes. Vasseur acknowledged that the ongoing scrutiny around his position has become a major issue for the team.f1chronicle.com+ 3 moreFri 2 Oct · 22:23 UTC
via Motorsport.comLewis Hamilton's custom Monza outfit revealed after iconic Ferrari F40 photoshootLewis Hamilton's outfit from his arrival at the Italian Grand Prix has been revealed, showcasing a custom Khaite ensemble. He made a striking entrance in a restored Ferrari F40, wearing a black suit with a tan overcoat, complemented by a black beret and boots.
Hamilton expressed his excitement about acquiring the F40, a car he has dreamed of owning since childhood. He shared that he had previously sold his car collection and was thrilled to restore the F40, which had been sitting in a garage for over thirty years, with the help of Ferrari's engineers.Motorsport.comFri 2 Oct · 21:45 UTC
via RacingNews365Lewis Hamilton warned over Ferrari mirror woe as mistake sparks track change - RacingNews365 ReviewLewis Hamilton received a warning from the Bahrain Grand Prix stewards after he impeded Gabriel Bortoleto during the second practice session at the Sepang International Circuit. This incident has raised concerns about Hamilton's performance as the team prepares for the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia.
Additionally, the FIA had to make a last-minute adjustment to the starting grid due to a mistake where the pole position was incorrectly marked on the track. Meanwhile, Max Verstappen opted for an unconventional strategy during practice to prepare for potential rain, indicating a proactive approach by Red Bull in the face of changing conditions.RacingNews365Fri 2 Oct · 20:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comLaurent Mekies admits he'd love the Max Verstappen 'problem' Martin Brundle can now see for Red BullLaurent Mekies of Red Bull Racing expressed enthusiasm about the competitive dynamic between Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar, following their recent success. The duo achieved a double podium finish, marking a significant improvement for the team this season, and Mekies highlighted Hadjar's impressive performance in Baku as a turning point for the second seat at Red Bull.
Mekies acknowledged the potential challenges of managing two strong drivers competing for points but views it as a positive situation for the team. He emphasized the importance of teamwork and the possibility of making difficult decisions in the future, indicating that both drivers are committed to maximizing team results. With Hadjar eager to establish his position and Verstappen focusing on the upcoming season, Red Bull appears to be in a strong position moving forward.f1oversteer.comFri 2 Oct · 19:00 UTC
via RacingNews365Lewis Hamilton seeking Ferrari 'compromise' after tricky F1 discoveryLewis Hamilton is looking for the right balance in his Ferrari after a challenging return to the Sepang circuit for the Bahrain Grand Prix. He finished fifth in the second practice session, trailing team-mate Charles Leclerc, who was 0.305 seconds faster, and faced difficulties with the track's abrasive surface affecting grip and tyre management.
Hamilton noted that the day was overall challenging, with limited grip available on track. He mentioned that the team explored various set-up directions and is now focused on analysing data to find the best compromise ahead of qualifying. Despite the struggles, Hamilton believes they are not far off the pace and acknowledges that there is still work to be done.RacingNews365Fri 2 Oct · 17:20 UTC