via Sky Sports F1'Not where it needs to be' - Russell warns of threats to Mercedes at brutal SepangGeorge Russell expressed concerns about the competition from Max Verstappen and McLaren at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, despite Mercedes introducing a significant upgrade package. After a challenging practice session, Russell and his teammate Kimi Antonelli found themselves outside the top five, with Russell finishing second in the opening practice but dropping to seventh later on due to tyre degradation issues.
Ferrari's Charles Leclerc topped the practice timesheet, followed closely by Red Bull's Isack Hadjar and McLaren's Lando Norris. Russell acknowledged the need for setup adjustments to improve their performance ahead of qualifying. He highlighted the competitive nature of the top teams, noting that McLaren appeared to be a strong contender as well.
Sky Sports F1Fri 2 Oct · 11:24 UTC
via Motorsport WeekLeclerc leads practice at Bahrain Grand Prix in SepangCharles Leclerc recorded the fastest time in the second practice session for the Bahrain Grand Prix at the Sepang Circuit. Max Verstappen also set competitive times in the earlier session as the event marked Formula 1's return to the venue.
Motorsport Week+ 1 moreFri 2 Oct · 09:55 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 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 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 CrashMercedes questions effectiveness of Bahrain GP upgradesToto Wolff expressed confusion over the performance of Mercedes' new aerodynamic upgrade following the Bahrain Grand Prix, suggesting it may have hindered rather than improved the team's competitiveness. Andrea Kimi Antonelli and George Russell both reported disappointing qualifying results, leaving the team uncertain about the upgrades' impact.
Crash+ 10 moreFri 2 Oct · 08:20 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 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 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 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 Motorsport.comThe sim rig Max Verstappen swears by ahead of his GT3 race against RossiMax Verstappen is preparing for his upcoming GT World Challenge Europe race against Valentino Rossi, scheduled for October 17 at Portimao. Verstappen will drive the No. 3 Mercedes-AMG GT3, taking over for drivers who are competing in another championship that weekend. He has not driven a GT3 car since the Nurburgring 24 Hours in May, making this a significant return to the track.
To prepare, Verstappen relies on a static sim rig, which he believes allows for faster lap times compared to motion rigs. His setup includes high-end components and is valued at an estimated $25,000 to $35,000. Verstappen's commitment to sim racing is evident, as he logs more hours on his rig than many competitors do in actual GT3 cars, showcasing his dedication to mastering multiple forms of motorsport.Motorsport.comThu 1 Oct · 21:18 UTC
via f1oversteer.comLewis Hamilton snubbed as Emerson Fittipaldi picks Oscar Piastri among his five favourite F1 driversEmerson Fittipaldi believes Ferrari have two “strong drivers” in Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, but neither rank among the Brazilian’s favourites on the 2026 grid. ...f1oversteer.comThu 1 Oct · 20:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comDavid Coulthard hails Max Verstappen for showing a Michael Schumacher trait Lewis Hamilton lacksDavid Coulthard thinks Max Verstappen is the “benchmark” driver on the 2026 F1 grid because he shares one trait with Michael Schumacher that Lewis Hamilton ...f1oversteer.comThu 1 Oct · 19:00 UTC
via RacingNews365Max Verstappen signals greatest Red Bull desire as drought continuesMax Verstappen is seeking his first victory of the 2026 Formula 1 season after finishing second in Baku, extending his winless streak to 15 races. Despite a series of podium finishes, Red Bull has struggled to keep pace with rivals, currently sitting fourth in the constructors' standings behind Mercedes, Ferrari, and McLaren.
Verstappen, who is sixth in the drivers' standings, acknowledged the team's challenges but remains determined to secure a win this season. He noted that recent upgrades to the car showed promise in Baku, although he is cautious about their effectiveness on different circuits. With Mercedes dominating the season, Verstappen's focus is on learning and improving as the year progresses.RacingNews365Thu 1 Oct · 17:00 UTC
via Motorsport.comMax Verstappen laughs off Malaysian heat concerns: "Months of preparation to not give an F!"Max Verstappen, the Red Bull Racing driver, has expressed his ambition to secure a victory in the 2026 season, despite finishing on the podium in six of the last eight races. He recalls his last win at the Sepang International Circuit in 2017 and acknowledges the challenges posed by the Malaysian heat and rough track conditions, which can lead to significant tyre degradation.
Verstappen dismissed concerns about the heat, stating he had undergone months of preparation and is accustomed to racing in hot conditions. He also mentioned that Mercedes' upcoming upgrade could complicate Red Bull's chances of winning, but he remains focused on performing well and validating the effectiveness of their recent upgrades at different circuits.Motorsport.comThu 1 Oct · 16:00 UTC
via Motorsport WeekMax Verstappen to race against Valentino Rossi in GT3Max Verstappen will compete alongside Valentino Rossi for the first time in a GT3 race at Portimao. The four-time Formula 1 champion expressed his hope to avoid an on-track battle with the MotoGP legend during the event.Motorsport Week+ 3 moreThu 1 Oct · 16:00 UTC