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via f1oversteer.comCharles 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.
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.
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.
via Motorsport.comFranco Colapinto: "No one" talks about how I receive social media abuse following Baku clashFranco Colapinto, the Alpine driver, has spoken out about the social media abuse he has faced following a collision during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. He highlighted that while he has received significant backlash, the issue of online hate extends beyond just his situation and involves fans from various backgrounds, not solely from Argentina.
Colapinto urged for greater awareness among drivers regarding the impact of their words and the need for collective action to address the problem of online abuse. He also mentioned that he is facing grid penalties for his actions in Baku, while Lando Norris, who initially reacted strongly to the incident, later issued an apology.
via Motorsport.comMax Verstappen leads opening practice at Bahrain GPMax Verstappen of Red Bull set the fastest time in the first practice session for the Bahrain Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit. He was followed closely by George Russell, marking a competitive start to the event.
via AutosportFranco Colapinto faces 15-place grid penalty in BahrainFranco Colapinto of Alpine has been handed a total of 15 grid places in penalties for the upcoming Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix. This includes a five-place drop for taking a new Mercedes V6 engine, alongside additional penalties confirmed by the FIA.
via CrashArvid Lindblad to start from the back at Bahrain Grand PrixThe FIA has confirmed that Arvid Lindblad will start from the back of the grid at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia due to a series of power unit penalties. The Racing Bulls driver is one of three competitors facing grid penalties for the race.
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.
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.
via f1oversteer.comGeorge Russell calls Saturday toughest for MercedesGeorge Russell stated that Mercedes faced its most challenging Saturday of the 2026 Formula 1 season during qualifying for the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. The team struggled with pace despite introducing a significant upgrade aimed at addressing its performance issues.
via F1iToto Wolff perplexed by Mercedes' Sepang upgrade strugglesMercedes team principal Toto Wolff expressed confusion over the team's performance following their latest upgrades at the Malaysian Grand Prix. Despite expectations of a three-tenths improvement, Wolff noted that the W17 car instead lost five-tenths due to increased drag and poor handling in low-speed corners.
via RacingNews365Pirelli faces challenges at Bahrain Grand Prix in MalaysiaPirelli is preparing for unique challenges at the Bahrain Grand Prix, which will take place in Malaysia for the first time in nine years. Charles Leclerc recorded the fastest time during the second free practice session at Sepang International Circuit.
via Motorsport.comColton Herta aims for Formula 1 by 2028Colton Herta remains determined to achieve his goal of competing in Formula 1 by 2028, despite facing challenges in his current Formula 2 season. He acknowledges the difficulties of adapting to the pace of younger drivers but believes he still has a chance to succeed.
via thejudge13.comPierre Gasly speaks out after social media threats target his family and girlfriendFormula 1 driver Pierre Gasly has condemned threats directed at him, his girlfriend and members of his family following the Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid, saying social media abuse has crossed a line that should not be ignored. Gasly addressed the issue ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku, after facing a wave of ... Read more
via f1oversteer.comAlpine supports Franco Colapinto after Baku crashFlavio Briatore, the Alpine Formula 1 chief, has confirmed that the team will not impose any internal punishment on Franco Colapinto following his collision with team-mate Pierre Gasly during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Colapinto stated he has the full support of Briatore despite the initial anger over the incident.
via gpfans.comIsack Hadjar's wrist injury update from Red BullRed Bull team principal Laurent Mekies provided an update on Isack Hadjar's wrist injury following his return to racing at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Mekies confirmed that Hadjar's condition is improving after the 51-lap event.
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.
via f1oversteer.comLando Norris surprised by Oscar Piastri's paceLando Norris stated that McLaren were 'surprised' by Oscar Piastri's performance during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Team principal Andrea Stella acknowledged that McLaren must learn from their mistakes after a disappointing race.
via gpfans.comFranco Colapinto faces backlash over Alpine seat threatFranco Colapinto has expressed concern over the potential loss of his Alpine seat due to backlash from fans. The situation has drawn criticism from Pierre Gasly, Lando Norris, and Flavio Briatore.
via AutosportAlpine backs Colapinto after Azerbaijan GP crashFranco Colapinto has received full support from Alpine Formula 1 and Flavio Briatore following his late-race collision at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The incident, which involved Pierre Gasly and Lando Norris, has sparked debate among drivers regarding potential penalties.Page 2 of 12