Charles LeclercGeorge RussellMax VerstappenOscar Piastri 
via BBC SportRUMOURRussell says his 'confidence is back and growing'George Russell expressed renewed confidence following his recent victory in Azerbaijan, stating he no longer feels lost and is ready to compete for wins consistently. With seven or eight races remaining, he aims to close the 66-point gap to his teammate Kimi Antonelli in the championship standings. Russell noted that he has adjusted his driving style to better suit the Mercedes car, allowing him to focus more on speed rather than adjustments.
Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton backed Ferrari's team principal Frederic Vasseur amidst speculation about his future, asserting that removing him would be a mistake. Hamilton highlighted Ferrari's improvement this season, noting their second place in the constructors' championship despite a power deficit compared to rivals. He emphasised the importance of building on their progress and maintaining a strong foundation for future success.
BBC SportThu 1 Oct · 11:07 UTC
via f1oversteer.comRUMOURLeclerc criticises rumours about Vasseur's futureCharles Leclerc has described the speculation surrounding Fred Vasseur's position as Ferrari team principal as 'silly' and noted that he observed Ferrari employees engaging in behaviour that is 'not good'. Will Buxton also warned that replacing Vasseur with Christian Horner would be 'absolutely ludicrous'.
f1oversteer.com+ 1 moreThu 1 Oct · 11:00 UTC
via Formula1.comAntonelli believes Russell has ‘got the momentum’Kimi Antonelli has expressed his belief that George Russell has gained significant momentum following his recent victory at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Despite maintaining a 66-point lead in the drivers' standings, Antonelli acknowledges the challenge Russell poses, especially after his strong performance in Baku where he secured pole position and ultimately won the race.
Looking ahead to the Bahrain Grand Prix, Antonelli is optimistic about the upgrades Mercedes will introduce, which he hopes will enhance the car's grip and downforce. He is eager to test his skills on the Sepang circuit, noting the importance of improving in areas such as managing long corners. Antonelli remains focused on achieving the best results and is excited about the opportunities that lie ahead.
Formula1.comThu 1 Oct · 10:19 UTC
via f1oversteer.comMax Verstappen says George Russell needs big turnaroundMax Verstappen has stated that George Russell requires a significant improvement to catch his teammate Kimi Antonelli in the 2026 Formula One title race, with Russell currently 66 points behind. Meanwhile, Mercedes chief Bradley Lord has expressed concerns about Russell's ability to close the gap as the season progresses.f1oversteer.com+ 1 moreThu 1 Oct · 10:00 UTC
via Motorsport WeekRUMOURCharles Leclerc defends Fred Vasseur amid speculationCharles Leclerc has publicly supported Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur, dismissing ongoing rumours linking Christian Horner to the role. To avoid distractions from the speculation, Leclerc has deleted social media applications from his phone.
Motorsport Week+ 3 moreThu 1 Oct · 09:31 UTCvia Motorsport WeekCharles Leclerc backs Ferrari boss Fred VasseurCharles Leclerc has expressed his support for Ferrari Team Principal Fred Vasseur as he faces pressure ahead of the Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. Leclerc stated that he has trust in Vasseur's leadership during this challenging period for the team.Motorsport Week+ 1 moreThu 1 Oct · 09:31 UTC
via RaceFansVerstappen eager to avoid his first win-less season since F1 debut | Formula 1Max Verstappen is determined to secure at least one victory in the 2026 Formula 1 season, as he approaches the end of what could be his first win-less season since joining Red Bull in 2016. Despite achieving multiple podium finishes, he has not yet clinched a win this year, which has raised concerns as the season nears its conclusion.
Verstappen expressed his frustration, stating he is doing everything possible to win, but acknowledges the challenges ahead with only eight races left in the season. With uncertainty surrounding the final two races, he remains focused on breaking his win-less streak and achieving his goal of winning at least one race this season.
RaceFansThu 1 Oct · 09:07 UTC
via AutosportMax Verstappen to race GT3 at Portimão this monthMax Verstappen has confirmed he will compete in a GT3 race at Portimão, adding to his already busy Formula 1 schedule. The Red Bull Racing driver will race a Mercedes-AMG GT3 entered by 2 Seas Motorsport.
Autosport+ 4 moreThu 1 Oct · 08:45 UTC
via Formula1.comVerstappen determined to win ‘at least one’ race in 2026Max Verstappen has expressed his determination to win at least one race during the 2026 season, following a series of podium finishes. He noted that Red Bull Racing is currently in fourth place in the Teams’ Championship and has made progress in recent races, including a notable 2-3 finish in Azerbaijan.
Despite his success in podiums, Verstappen acknowledged the challenge posed by Mercedes, who have been the fastest team this season. He emphasized the importance of the upcoming races for learning and preparation for the next season, while also reflecting on his positive experiences racing at the Sepang International Circuit.Formula1.comThu 1 Oct · 07:57 UTC
via gpfans.comMax Verstappen and Kimi Antonelli target Australia's iconic Bathurst 12 Hour raceMax Verstappen and Kimi Antonelli are set to compete in the Bathurst 12 Hour race in early 2027, with the event taking place on February 14 at Mount Panorama Circuit in New South Wales. Other Formula 1 stars, including Lance Stroll and Valtteri Bottas, have also expressed interest in participating in this prestigious GT3 event.
Verstappen is expected to race with his own team, Verstappen Racing, supported by Mercedes AMG. He has previously shown strong performance in endurance racing, nearly winning the Nurburgring 24 Hours in 2026. Antonelli, the current F1 championship leader, has familial ties to the GT3 scene, as his father manages a team in the Italian GT championship.
gpfans.comThu 1 Oct · 07:45 UTC
via CrashMax Verstappen hopes to avoid battles with Valentino RossiMax Verstappen expressed his desire to avoid on-track battles with Valentino Rossi during their upcoming GT3 race at Portimao. The four-time Formula 1 champion will compete in the GT World Challenge Europe series, marking his debut in this category.
Crash+ 2 moreThu 1 Oct · 07:07 UTC
via Motorsport.comRUMOURLaurent Mekies credited with ending Red Bull's second seat "curse"Laurent Mekies, the Team Principal of Red Bull Racing, has been credited with transforming the team's culture, which has reportedly helped Isack Hadjar thrive in his role. Will Buxton highlighted that Mekies has replaced the historically ruthless environment with a more supportive atmosphere, allowing drivers to perform better without excessive pressure.
Hadjar, who was promoted to Red Bull in 2026, impressed in his first race back after recovering from a wrist injury, finishing third. The change in management style under Mekies is seen as a significant factor in lifting what was referred to as Red Bull's second seat 'curse', which had previously troubled the team in finding a suitable teammate for Max Verstappen.
Motorsport.comThu 1 Oct · 07:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comLando Norris apologises to Franco Colapinto after BakuLando Norris has publicly and privately apologised to Franco Colapinto following critical comments made after the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Norris expressed regret for his remarks that called for a race ban for Colapinto, acknowledging the backlash and the impact on both drivers.f1oversteer.com+ 3 moreThu 1 Oct · 07:00 UTC
via PlanetF1RUMOURMax Verstappen addresses Alonso GT3 partnership rumoursMax Verstappen has dismissed speculation about teaming up with Fernando Alonso in GT3 racing. The two drivers have been linked following Alonso's hints about racing outside Formula 1, but Verstappen confirmed his next GT3 appearance will be separate.
PlanetF1+ 1 moreThu 1 Oct · 06:48 UTC
via f1oversteer.comJolyon Palmer thinks Oscar Piastri’s explanation for 2026 struggles is ‘amazing’Oscar Piastri has shared his thoughts on the challenges posed by the 2026 Formula 1 cars, which he feels do not align with his driving style. Despite a successful 2025 season where he won seven races, Piastri is currently struggling in 2026, sitting significantly behind his teammate Lando Norris in the standings. Norris has been the standout performer for McLaren this year, securing both of the team's wins and leading Piastri by 66 points.
Jolyon Palmer expressed admiration for Piastri's candidness, noting the trend of drivers like Piastri and George Russell banding together to discuss their difficulties with the new car dynamics. Palmer reflected on his own experiences of being overlooked during similar struggles in the past. As the season progresses, Piastri is looking to improve his performance, particularly at the upcoming Malaysian Grand Prix, where he hopes the unique circuit conditions will provide a more level playing field.f1oversteer.comThu 1 Oct · 06:30 UTC
via the-race.comMax Verstappen to race GT3 in Portugal this monthMax Verstappen has confirmed he will compete in a GT3 race in Portugal later this month, marking his return to GT racing. This will be his first appearance in GT3 machinery since the Nurburgring 24 Hours.
the-race.com+ 3 moreThu 1 Oct · 06:20 UTC
via f1oversteer.comIsack Hadjar has realised Liam Lawson was right about Max Verstappen after joining Red BullIsack Hadjar has expressed his admiration for Max Verstappen after joining Red Bull Racing, echoing Liam Lawson's sentiments about the four-time world champion. Hadjar feels fortunate to be racing alongside Verstappen, describing him as a kind and supportive teammate who provides invaluable guidance early in his career.
Despite the challenges of competing against Verstappen, Hadjar is grateful for the opportunity and acknowledges the difficulty of the current Formula 1 landscape. Red Bull has confirmed that Hadjar will remain with the team for the 2027 season, making him only the second driver since 2018 to spend two or more seasons alongside Verstappen.f1oversteer.comThu 1 Oct · 06:00 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 f1technical.netRed Bull drivers report performance boost from upgradesMax Verstappen and Isack Hadjar from Red Bull Racing noted a significant improvement in performance following the team's recent upgrades at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The upgrades, which included a five-part package focused on enhancing aerodynamic efficiency, contributed to their competitive edge during the race.
f1technical.netWed 30 Sep · 22:00 UTC
via Motorsport.comKimi Antonelli has "spooked himself" amid F1 title pressure, says Naomi SchiffNaomi Schiff has expressed concerns about Kimi Antonelli's mental state as he leads the Formula 1 championship. She noted that Antonelli seems to be feeling the pressure, which was evident during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix where he finished fifth after starting from 16th, while his teammate George Russell won the race.
Schiff highlighted that Antonelli needs to overcome this psychological hurdle to avoid jeopardising his championship lead. Despite a challenging race, he still maintains a 66-point advantage over Russell, but Schiff warns that if Antonelli continues to feel 'spooked,' it could affect his performance in the remaining races.Motorsport.comWed 30 Sep · 20:20 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 gpfans.comRUMOURFred Vasseur addresses distractions at FerrariFerrari team principal Fred Vasseur has acknowledged that the ongoing speculation surrounding his position has become a significant issue for the team. Vasseur called for unity within Ferrari, emphasising that pointing fingers would be a mistake.gpfans.com+ 11 moreWed 30 Sep · 18:45 UTC
via Motorsport WeekFred Vasseur addresses Hamilton's comments on LeclercFred Vasseur stated that Lewis Hamilton's radio messages regarding Charles Leclerc need to stop, emphasising the need for control over the situation. Jolyon Palmer suggested that Vasseur should take a firmer stance on the ongoing disputes between the two drivers.Motorsport Week+ 1 moreWed 30 Sep · 17:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comLaurent Mekies relieved that furious Max Verstappen radio wasn’t broadcast at Azerbaijan GPLaurent Mekies, Red Bull's team principal, revealed that Max Verstappen was not pleased during qualifying for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where he qualified eighth, his lowest position since Japan. Mekies shared data showing Verstappen lost significant time on the straights due to an engine issue, which contributed to his frustration expressed over team radio, although this communication was not broadcasted during the event.
In the race, Verstappen managed to finish second, just a tenth of a second behind George Russell, who had a strong performance. Despite the challenges faced in qualifying, Verstappen's driving earned him the driver of the day award, highlighting his capability to perform under pressure. With eight races remaining in the season, he aims to extend his streak of winning at least one race each year with Red Bull.f1oversteer.comWed 30 Sep · 15:30 UTC