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 f1oversteer.comForget Ollie Bearman, Ferrari must look at Fred Vasseur favourite to be Lewis Hamilton’s successorOliver Bearman, who has been seen as a potential successor to Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari, faces increasing competition from Rafael Camara. With Hamilton likely to remain at Ferrari until at least 2028 and Charles Leclerc's new contract, Bearman's chances of joining the team are diminishing. He will continue with Haas in 2027, but the arrival of Camara could complicate his future prospects.
Camara, a Ferrari-backed driver, is currently battling for the Formula 2 title and has shown impressive pace in testing. With Esteban Ocon leaving Haas, Camara is expected to replace him, which could threaten Bearman's position. If Camara performs well, he may fast-track his way to Ferrari, leaving Bearman in a precarious situation regarding his career trajectory.
f1oversteer.comThu 1 Oct · 18:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comRUMOUREsteban Ocon seen entering F1 team motorhome as potential next move for 2027 emergesEsteban Ocon is set to leave Haas at the end of the 2026 season after failing to deliver the expected results, leading to speculation about his future in Formula 1. Reports suggest that he may join Toyota's World Endurance Championship team in 2027, but doubts have arisen as Toyota appears to prefer promoting Esteban Masson instead of signing Ocon.
During the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Ocon was spotted entering the Mercedes motorhome, hinting at a potential return to the team where he previously served as a reserve driver. Ocon remains optimistic about his future in F1, stating that he believes there are still opportunities available, even if it means taking on a reserve role.f1oversteer.comThu 1 Oct · 17:00 UTC
via RaceFansInconsistent Haas performance has affected both drivers, Bearman admits | Formula 1Haas driver Oliver Bearman has acknowledged that the inconsistent performance of their car has negatively impacted both him and his teammate Esteban Ocon throughout the season. Ocon, who will not continue with Haas next year, noted that the car's performance fluctuations have hindered his ability to score points effectively.
Ocon has scored fewer points than Bearman this year, and he expressed that when the car functions well, it allows for better results. However, the inconsistencies have made it challenging for both drivers to showcase their true potential on the track.
RaceFansThu 1 Oct · 09:39 UTC
via CrashOllie Bearman drops major hint about his next Haas F1 team-mateOllie Bearman has indicated that his next team-mate at Haas for the 2027 season will likely be a rookie, following the confirmation that Esteban Ocon will depart the team after the 2026 season. Bearman mentioned that he is looking forward to stepping into a leadership role within the team as the more experienced driver.
Bearman also reflected on his time with Ocon, stating that he has learned a great deal from the experienced driver. He acknowledged Ocon's speed and the valuable insights he gained regarding team dynamics and development, which he believes will aid him in his new role at Haas.
CrashThu 1 Oct · 07:17 UTC
via f1oversteer.comMax Verstappen explains why his ‘pure pace’ was stronger as an 18-year-old F1 driver than nowMax Verstappen has shared insights on his racing evolution, stating that his raw pace as an 18-year-old was stronger than it is now, despite his extensive experience in Formula 1. He attributes this to a shift in his racing mentality, where he no longer feels the need to be fast all the time, focusing instead on optimising his race weekends.
During a podcast appearance, Verstappen discussed how his experiences and personal life have changed since his teenage years. He noted that as he matured, he became calmer and more strategic in his approach to racing, understanding when to push and when to hold back. This evolution reflects not only his growth as a driver but also the changes in his life outside of racing.f1oversteer.comThu 1 Oct · 05:30 UTC
via the-race.comThe slowest race of F1 2026 explainedValtteri Bottas has detailed his significant pace issues during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where he was over 1.7 seconds slower per lap than his Cadillac teammate Sergio Perez. Bottas crashed on the final lap after struggling with car setup and power steering issues throughout the race, leading to a lack of competitiveness. He acknowledged that he was unable to keep up with the pack and faced difficulties in both corners and straights.
Bottas's performance was further impacted by the absence of the upgraded ADUO 2 Ferrari engine, which Perez had during the race. While Bottas's engine upgrade is uncertain for the upcoming race in Sepang, Perez has opted to save his power unit for a more advantageous event. Both drivers anticipate a tough weekend in Malaysia due to the Cadillac's ongoing struggles with tyre management and aerodynamic performance.
the-race.comThu 1 Oct · 04:29 UTC
via Motorsport.comGeorge Russell details F1 drivers' Langkawi boys' trip ahead of Bahrain GP in MalaysiaGeorge Russell, a driver for Mercedes, has shared insights about a recent trip to Langkawi, Malaysia, which he took with six other Formula 1 drivers ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix. The trip featured activities such as go-karting and sightseeing, with Russell expressing his admiration for the island's beauty and the friendliness of its people. He noted that the itinerary was influenced by Mercedes' title partner, Petronas.
In addition to Russell, Kimi Antonelli, his teammate, arrived in Malaysia early but chose to explore Kuala Lumpur and visit a water park. Antonelli currently leads the championship standings by 66 points, following Russell's victory at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The trip served as a unique way for the drivers to bond and prepare for the upcoming race.
Motorsport.comWed 30 Sep · 19:56 UTC
via the-race.comRUMOURAll the reasons the Ocon-Haas relationship fell apartEsteban Ocon's relationship with the Haas Formula 1 team has deteriorated significantly, leading to his exit after the 2026 season. Despite being a highly coveted driver when signed, Ocon's performance issues and public complaints about the car have strained his relationship with the team. Haas decided not to activate his contract option for 2027, with Rafa Camara expected to take his place.
The tensions between Ocon and Haas escalated as the team faced technical difficulties and Ocon's inconsistent performances. Although he showed potential at times, his inability to maintain a strong performance and accountability ultimately led to his departure. Speculation about financial factors influencing Haas's decision has emerged, but team principal Ayao Komatsu's support for Ocon initially suggested a different direction.the-race.comWed 30 Sep · 15:58 UTC
via grandprix.comOcon's options shrink as four 2027 seats remain unconfirmedEsteban Ocon has announced his departure from Haas at the end of the 2026 Formula 1 season, leaving him with limited options for 2027. With only four seats unconfirmed, Haas has indicated it will not retain Ocon, while Racing Bulls is expected to continue with its own drivers, making Ocon's return to the grid challenging.
Ocon, who joined Haas as its first Grand Prix winner, has struggled to match his teammate Oliver Bearman during his tenure. Despite his desire to remain in Formula 1, the current landscape suggests that a reserve role may be more feasible for him, especially given his previous connection with Mercedes.grandprix.comWed 30 Sep · 13:14 UTC
via Formula1.comTREMAYNE: Why I hope Ocon’s F1 story isn’t over yetDavid Tremayne expresses concern that Esteban Ocon might not have a seat in Formula 1 next season, believing he still deserves a chance to compete. Ocon made history by winning his first Grand Prix in Hungary in 2021, becoming the 111th driver to achieve this feat under unique circumstances.
The article reflects on the significance of Ocon's victory, highlighting the competition he faced from notable drivers such as Sebastian Vettel, Lewis Hamilton, and Fernando Alonso. Tremayne's commentary suggests a hope that Ocon's journey in Formula 1 is not finished, despite uncertainties regarding his future in the sport.
Formula1.comWed 30 Sep · 13:10 UTC
via f1oversteer.comToyota denies Esteban Ocon's move to WEC in 2027Toyota has officially ruled out the possibility of Esteban Ocon joining its World Endurance Championship programme in 2027. The announcement comes as Ocon's options in Formula 1 are diminishing following Haas's decision to part ways with the driver.f1oversteer.com+ 3 moreWed 30 Sep · 12:30 UTC
via AutosportThe five contenders to replace Ocon at Haas for F1 2027Esteban Ocon's departure from Haas at the end of the 2026 Formula 1 season has been confirmed after a disappointing tenure with the team. Ocon, who joined Haas in 2025, was expected to lead the team but struggled to perform, scoring only 45 points compared to his teammate Oliver Bearman's 61 points over their 18 months together.
With Ocon leaving, Haas is now looking for his replacement for the 2027 season. Among the potential candidates are Leonardo Fornaroli, Ryo Hirakawa, and Yuki Tsunoda, each bringing different backgrounds and experiences to the table. Fornaroli is a promising young talent from McLaren, Hirakawa has a strong sports car background, and Tsunoda is seeking a fresh start after a challenging period at Red Bull.
AutosportWed 30 Sep · 12:07 UTC
via the-race.comHow Russell usurped Ocon at MercedesThe article discusses the pivotal moment when George Russell overtook Esteban Ocon as Mercedes' preferred driver, particularly highlighting Ocon's missed opportunities and Russell's impressive performances. Ocon's near chance to race for Mercedes in 2019 and his subsequent struggles to secure a seat are contrasted with Russell's rapid rise through the ranks, culminating in his announcement as Lewis Hamilton's teammate in 2021.
It also examines the decisions made by Toto Wolff regarding the driver line-up, emphasizing the importance of driver compatibility with Hamilton. Ocon's time at Force India and his eventual relegation to a third driver role at Mercedes are noted, along with Wolff's concerns about Ocon's potential pairing with Hamilton, which ultimately influenced the team's decisions regarding their driver contracts.the-race.comWed 30 Sep · 09:00 UTC
via Motorsport.comToyota’s replacement plan if Ryo Hirakawa lands Haas F1 seatToyota is preparing for a possible reshuffle in its driver line-up as Ryo Hirakawa is being considered for a seat at Haas in Formula 1. If Hirakawa departs the World Endurance Championship, Esteban Masson is expected to step up to Toyota's Hypercar squad, with team technical director David Floury indicating that promoting Masson would be a logical decision.
Hirakawa, who has been testing F1 cars for Haas, McLaren, and Alpine, is among the candidates to replace Esteban Ocon at Haas. Although Rafael Camara is seen as a strong contender for the seat, a final decision has yet to be made. Floury expressed confidence in Hirakawa's ability to adapt to F1, citing his extensive experience in Super Formula and private testing.Motorsport.comWed 30 Sep · 08:41 UTC
via gpfans.comF1 star who beat all the odds AXED as official statement confirms 2027 driver changeEsteban Ocon has confirmed he will leave Haas at the end of the 2026 Formula 1 season, announcing the news via social media. Despite his departure, Ocon expressed that this is not the end of his F1 career, as he remains focused on upcoming races and maintaining his performance.
Rafael Camara, a member of the Ferrari Driver Academy, is currently the leading candidate to take Ocon's place at Haas. Ocon's tenure with the team began in 2025, and he has faced challenges during the 2026 season, managing only 7 points so far. Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu acknowledged Ocon's contributions and professionalism during his time with the team.
gpfans.comWed 30 Sep · 08:20 UTC
via RaceFansOcon insists his F1 career is not over as Haas confirm he won’t drive for them in 2027 | Formula 1Esteban Ocon's departure from Haas has been confirmed, with the team announcing he will leave at the end of the current season. Team principal Ayao Komatsu expressed gratitude for Ocon's contributions since joining in 2025, highlighting his professionalism and commitment during a significant regulation change.
Despite leaving Haas, Ocon insists that his Formula 1 career is not over. He played a crucial role in the development of the VF-26 and the team is focused on maximizing their performance for the remainder of the season.RaceFansWed 30 Sep · 08:08 UTC
via Motorsport.com“I fear something bad is going to happen soon” – 2026 F1 cars are “too dangerous”, Sergio Perez warnsSergio Perez has raised alarms about the safety of the 2026 Formula 1 cars, citing significant speed differentials that could lead to accidents. His concerns were amplified after a serious crash involving Oliver Bearman at the Japanese Grand Prix, which underscored the risks associated with the new power units that feature a high percentage of electrical energy.
Following a close call with Liam Lawson during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Perez urged for regulatory changes to address the dangerous disparities in engine performance. The FIA has already made some adjustments, and further changes are expected for the 2027 season to improve safety. Despite these efforts, Perez remains apprehensive about the implications for upcoming races.Motorsport.comTue 29 Sep · 12:39 UTC
via grandprix.comRUMOURCamara reportedly chosen to replace Ocon at HaasRafael Camara is reportedly set to replace Esteban Ocon at Haas for the 2027 season, although the team has yet to confirm this decision. Sources indicate that Camara, a 21-year-old Ferrari junior and reigning Formula 3 champion, has been evaluated in older Haas machinery and is performing well in Formula 2, making him a strong candidate for the seat.
Esteban Ocon has acknowledged his uncertain future, stating he views himself as a free agent and is exploring options with other teams. While reports suggest that Haas is moving on from Ocon, an official announcement regarding the driver lineup is still pending. If confirmed, Camara's promotion would align with Haas's existing technical relationship with Ferrari, potentially leading to an all-Ferrari junior driver lineup alongside Oliver Bearman.grandprix.comTue 29 Sep · 11:04 UTC
via the-race.comWhat you need to know about F1's likely new driverRafael Camara, a promising driver in Formula 2, is being considered for a seat in Formula 1 for the 2027 season, potentially replacing Esteban Ocon at Haas. His impressive performance includes the fastest qualifying average in F2 and five pole positions as a rookie, showcasing his raw speed and talent. Team boss James Robinson has expressed confidence in Camara's abilities, stating he would be surprised if Camara does not race in F1 soon.
Despite his undeniable speed, Camara acknowledges that he still has areas to improve, particularly in his racecraft, having made critical mistakes in earlier races this season. However, he has shown resilience, bouncing back with strong performances, including a win in Baku. Camara has also participated in testing sessions for Ferrari and Haas, further solidifying his readiness for the top tier of motorsport.the-race.comTue 29 Sep · 06:33 UTC
via RacingNews365RUMOURWhy Rafael Camara to Haas could spell disaster for Oliver BearmanRafael Camara's potential move to Haas for the 2027 season poses a significant challenge for Oliver Bearman, who is vying for a future seat at Ferrari. With Esteban Ocon's departure from Haas likely, Camara, the current leader in the Formula 2 standings, is seen as the frontrunner to replace him, complicating Bearman's aspirations.
Bearman, who has already secured a seat at Haas for 2025, faces increased pressure as both drivers are part of the Ferrari Driver Academy. The situation is further complicated by speculation regarding Bearman's future, including potential interest from Aston Martin. Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu has indicated that the decision regarding Ocon's replacement is nearly finalised, but he remains open to having two competitive drivers, regardless of their affiliations.
RacingNews365Mon 28 Sep · 13:30 UTC
via f1technical.net"It’s been a long time coming," Haas reflects on double-points finish in BakuHaas achieved a significant milestone at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, with Esteban Ocon and Oliver Bearman finishing in eighth and ninth place, respectively. This double-points finish is a notable achievement for the American team, as they were the only midfield team to score with both cars, ending a challenging streak and marking their first points since the Monaco Grand Prix.
Both drivers capitalised on the chaotic race conditions, particularly during the Safety Car restart. Ocon acknowledged the initial struggles with the car's balance but credited a successful pit stop for the improved performance. Bearman expressed satisfaction with the team's overall result, highlighting the importance of their finishes in the context of their recent difficulties.
f1technical.netMon 28 Sep · 12:00 UTC
via Motorsport WeekRed Bull issues Isack Hadjar radio praise during ‘outstanding’ F1 returnIsack Hadjar made a remarkable return to Formula 1 at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, finishing in third place after missing three races due to a wrist injury. His performance was highlighted by his strong qualifying position of fourth and his ability to work strategically alongside teammate Max Verstappen, which impressed Red Bull Team Principal Laurent Mekies.
Mekies commended Hadjar for his composure and discipline during the race, particularly in his communication with the team. He noted that Hadjar's calmness and emotional control contributed significantly to the team's overall strategy, allowing for effective teamwork. Red Bull's decision to extend Hadjar's contract until 2027 reflects their confidence in his potential, which he demonstrated by repaying their faith with a strong performance in Baku.
Motorsport WeekMon 28 Sep · 10:00 UTC
via F1iLeclerc urges Ferrari to react to Red Bull and McLaren surgeCharles Leclerc expressed concern over Ferrari's performance after finishing fourth in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, highlighting that the team's SF-26 lacked the necessary pace to compete with Red Bull and McLaren. He noted that rivals had made significant upgrades, while Ferrari had not, which put them at a disadvantage.
Leclerc acknowledged that the development gap was becoming increasingly urgent, as every upgrade must count due to budget caps and testing restrictions. He confirmed that Ferrari has developments planned but was cautious about their potential impact, stressing the need for the team to respond quickly to regain lost ground.
F1iMon 28 Sep · 07:12 UTC