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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.
Fri 2 Oct · 08:48 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.
Fri 2 Oct · 07:00 UTC
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.+ 8 more
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.Thu 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.
Thu 1 Oct · 04:29 UTC
via f1oversteer.comMercedes 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 highlighted the situation as a 'big question mark' for the team after they failed to replicate their earlier pace from practice.+ 4 moreWed 30 Sep · 17:30 UTC
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.
+ 9 more
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.
+ 2 moreTue 29 Sep · 09:30 UTC
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.+ 2 moreMon 28 Sep · 16:57 UTC
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.
+ 1 moreMon 28 Sep · 07:45 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.Mon 28 Sep · 07:12 UTC
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.Sun 27 Sep · 19:00 UTC
via Formula1.comLeclerc calls for Ferrari upgrades after Azerbaijan GPCharles Leclerc has expressed concern over Ferrari's performance, stating they were 'quite far off' the pace of Mercedes and Red Bull during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Ferrari Team Principal Fred Vasseur has promised that upgrades for the SF-26 will be introduced soon to address the team's competitive deficit.
+ 4 moreSun 27 Sep · 09:09 UTC
via gpfans.comLewis Hamilton calls for Ferrari review after BakuLewis Hamilton has urged Ferrari to investigate their performance following a disappointing sixth-place finish at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The seven-time champion expressed frustration over the team's tyre preparation and energy management during the race weekend.+ 3 moreSat 26 Sep · 17:57 UTC
via Motorsport WeekLewis Hamilton questions Ferrari's performance in BakuLewis Hamilton expressed confusion over Ferrari's struggles during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where he qualified and finished sixth. The Mercedes driver noted that Ferrari was over 1.3 seconds off the pace, highlighting a significant drop from their previous competitiveness.
+ 2 moreSat 26 Sep · 16:00 UTC
via Motorsport WeekCharles Leclerc pins hopes on crucial Ferrari trait to challenge in BakuCharles Leclerc is optimistic about Ferrari's race pace as he prepares for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, having secured a surprising second place on the grid despite the team's struggles in free practice. He noted that while the car felt better during qualifying, the significant gap to George Russell remains a concern, particularly regarding straight-line speed and tyre management.
Leclerc highlighted the unpredictability of the car this weekend, which has hindered his ability to take risks on the tight Baku circuit. He remains hopeful that the SF-26 will show its strengths during the race, as it often performs better than in qualifying. Leclerc is determined to give his best effort to challenge for victory against Russell.Sat 26 Sep · 05:00 UTC
via f1chronicle.comLando Norris Says Watching McLaren’s 1.5 Second Baku Deficit Felt Like a Knife in the HeartLando Norris expressed disappointment after McLaren finished 1.5 seconds behind the fastest time set by George Russell during the opening practice for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The team encountered issues with the floorboard of their upgraded MCL40, which required a temporary fix using cable ties, leading to lost track time for both Norris and his teammate Oscar Piastri.
Despite the challenges, McLaren's Chief Technical Officer Rob Marshall indicated that the new components installed on the car showed potential, although they still need to be optimised. Norris highlighted the need for improved pace, stating that comfort in the car means little without competitive lap times, as the team prepares for the next practice session.
Fri 25 Sep · 21:04 UTC
via gpfans.comLewis Hamilton and Ferrari in turmoil after Mercedes humiliation at Azerbaijan Grand PrixLewis Hamilton and Ferrari faced a disappointing qualifying session at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, with Hamilton finishing sixth and over 1.3 seconds behind pole position. Despite upgrades to the car, Ferrari's performance fell short, leaving Hamilton feeling dejected and questioning the team's strategy.
The struggles of Ferrari continue as they have not won a drivers' championship since 2007, highlighting ongoing issues within the team. Hamilton's hopes of competing for the title have diminished significantly, and the team appears to be in turmoil as they grapple with their performance and strategy.Fri 25 Sep · 18:58 UTC
via racer.comPiastri's third in Baku signals McLaren's progressOscar Piastri secured third place in qualifying for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, indicating positive development for McLaren's performance. Team principal Andrea Stella noted that Piastri is adapting well to the MCL40, despite Lando Norris facing challenges during the session.
+ 2 moreFri 25 Sep · 18:46 UTC
via F1iPiastri ‘surprised’ by Baku P3 qualifying paceOscar Piastri qualified third for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, surprising himself with the pace after a subdued practice session for McLaren. Piastri briefly held second place during qualifying, while Lando Norris finished fifth after a costly lock-up on his final attempt. George Russell took pole position, with Charles Leclerc just ahead of Piastri by a narrow margin.
Piastri remarked on McLaren's tendency to find extra performance during qualifying, contrasting with their practice struggles. Norris, while pleased with his driving, pointed out underlying car issues that limited his performance. Both drivers are now looking to convert their qualifying positions into a strong race performance, despite uncertainties about their race pace.Fri 25 Sep · 17:02 UTCPage 2 of 7