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via f1technical.netCadillac admits pace deficit after difficult Sepang QualifyingCadillac faced a challenging qualifying session at the Sepang International Circuit, with both Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez eliminated in Q1. Bottas managed to secure 21st place, while Perez followed closely in 22nd, as the team struggled to find performance in the hot conditions.
Despite the disappointing qualifying results, Bottas expressed optimism about the team's race pace, which he felt could allow them to compete with Williams. Team Principal Marcin Budkowski acknowledged the difficulties faced at Sepang compared to their previous race in Baku, but noted progress in car balance and setup. The team is hopeful that the race will present opportunities, especially with uncertain weather and tyre management challenges.
via f1technical.netWilliams reflect on their "well-executed qualifying" after Friday strugglesCarlos Sainz delivered a commendable qualifying performance for Williams, securing 13th place at the Bahrain Grand Prix despite the team's ongoing struggles with pace. Sainz's ability to progress through both qualifying sessions showcased his skill, as he managed to extract more performance from the FW48 than expected. Team Principal James Vowles acknowledged the positive aspects of Sainz's performance while also highlighting the limitations of the car.
In contrast, Alex Albon faced a challenging qualifying session, finishing in 20th place but moving up to 18th due to penalties for other drivers. Albon's difficulties were attributed to a different setup direction that did not yield the desired results. Both drivers are preparing for a race that could be influenced by high tyre degradation and potential rain, with the team hoping to capitalise on any opportunities that arise.
via F1iLando Norris highlights McLaren's struggles in MalaysiaLando Norris expressed frustration over McLaren's performance at the Sepang International Circuit, particularly on the long straights. Despite qualifying in the top six alongside Oscar Piastri, Norris noted that the team is leaving significant performance untapped.
via Motorsport WeekFernando Alonso praises Aston Martin's Sepang performanceFernando Alonso credited Aston Martin's strong performance at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia to a 'miracle' as the team achieved its best result of the season. He highlighted the team's ability to capitalise on the chaotic wet conditions, finishing in eighth place.
via Motorsport.comMcLaren shares "heartwarming" Oscar Piastri moment with young fan at SepangDuring the Bahrain Grand Prix weekend, Oscar Piastri had a touching encounter with a young fan named Harry, who has overcome leukaemia twice. The McLaren team arranged for Harry to meet Piastri, where he received a tour of the garage, advice on karting, and had his hat signed by the driver.
The moment resonated with fans on social media, highlighting the positive impact that drivers like Piastri can have as role models. As for the race, Piastri qualified seventh but will start from sixth on the grid due to a penalty for another driver, Isack Hadjar. He expressed cautious optimism about the race, noting the importance of strategy and tire degradation.
via Formula1.comFernando Alonso achieves Aston Martin's best result in 2026Fernando Alonso secured Aston Martin's best finish of the 2026 Formula 1 season with an eighth-place result at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. This performance marked the team's first points since August and was described by Alonso as a 'miracle' given the challenges faced this season.
via Sky Sports F1Mercedes questions effectiveness of Bahrain GP upgradesToto Wolff expressed confusion over Mercedes' latest upgrade package after the Bahrain Grand Prix, noting it seemed to have taken the team backwards. George Russell and Kimi Antonelli's qualifying results, finishing fourth and eighth respectively, have left the team pondering the impact of the changes.
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.
via Formula1.comRalf Schumacher criticises McLaren's performance issuesRalf Schumacher has stated that McLaren faces a 'huge problem' following their recent performance in Malaysia, where they scored only 10 points across the last two races. Both Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris acknowledged the team's struggles, with Norris noting they are 'a long way off the pace' compared to their competitors.
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.
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.
via RacingNews365Lando Norris highlights McLaren's straight-line speed issueLando Norris expressed frustration over a significant straight-line speed problem affecting his McLaren during the Malaysian Grand Prix. After finishing ninth, he described the situation as "painful as hell" following a challenging qualifying performance.
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.
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.
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.
via RacingNews365George 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.
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'.
via RacingNews365Red Bull branded 'biggest threat' to Mercedes as F1 recovery gathers paceAnthony Davidson has stated that Red Bull Racing is becoming the most significant competitor to Mercedes in Formula 1, particularly after their strong performance in the final practice for the Bahrain Grand Prix. Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar secured second and third places, respectively, while George Russell finished fourth, indicating that Red Bull is closing the gap on Mercedes' dominance.
Despite currently sitting fourth in the constructors' standings and yet to win a race this season, Red Bull is focused on achieving victories based on their own performance. Team principal Laurent Mekies highlighted the progress made with the RB22, and Verstappen expressed his desire to secure a win this year, emphasizing the team's competitive resurgence.
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.
via RacingNews365Kimi Antonelli highlights Mercedes W17 weaknessesKimi Antonelli has pointed out a significant shortcoming in the Mercedes W17, raising concerns about the team's recent upgrade following the Bahrain Grand Prix. Mercedes experienced difficulties during the event, struggling to integrate their aerodynamic improvements effectively.Page 2 of 32