Charles LeclercGeorge RussellMax VerstappenOscar Piastri 
via f1oversteer.comToto Wolff calls Kimi Antonelli and George Russell test pilotsMercedes Formula 1 boss Toto Wolff has described Kimi Antonelli and George Russell as 'two test pilots' during the Singapore Grand Prix weekend. The team is experimenting with different car specifications, which has drawn criticism from former F1 strategist Ruth Buscombe.
f1oversteer.com+ 1 moreThu 8 Oct · 17:00 UTC
via espn.comHamilton, Max back Rwanda race as talks intensifyLewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen have expressed their support for the possibility of Formula 1 returning to Africa, with Rwanda emerging as a leading candidate to host a Grand Prix in the 2030s. Discussions are ongoing, and while South Africa is also vying for a return, Rwandan officials have indicated progress in their bid.
Hamilton highlighted the importance of having a Grand Prix in Africa, stating that it is the only continent not currently represented in the F1 calendar. Verstappen, who visited Rwanda in 2024, echoed this sentiment, expressing excitement about the potential race. George Russell also voiced his enthusiasm, noting that Africa is the only continent without an F1 race, emphasizing the need for representation.
espn.comThu 8 Oct · 16:12 UTC
via Motorsport WeekLewis Hamilton reveals regret at missed Max Verstappen F1 battle in Bahrain GPLewis Hamilton expressed his disappointment at missing a chance to battle Max Verstappen during the rain-soaked Bahrain Grand Prix. The FIA intervened before the race, delaying the start and ultimately affecting the track conditions, which Hamilton felt robbed him of an exciting competition with Verstappen.
Despite the setback, Hamilton managed to recover from a poor start caused by slick tyres and finished third. He reflected on the experience as reminiscent of his early karting days, where he often had to fight his way through the field. Hamilton now looks forward to the upcoming race at the Marina Bay Street Circuit.
Motorsport WeekThu 8 Oct · 16:00 UTC
via espn.comRussell, Antonelli run different specs in SingaporeAt the Singapore Grand Prix, George Russell and Kimi Antonelli will drive different specifications of the Mercedes Formula 1 car. Antonelli will use the newly upgraded aerodynamic package, while Russell will revert to the previous version that had previously secured wins in Monza, Madrid, and Baku. This strategy aims to help the team identify the reasons behind the new package's underperformance in Malaysia.
Russell, who is currently Antonelli's closest rival in the drivers' championship, suggested the change after experiencing a power unit failure in Malaysia. He believes the performance issues were track-specific rather than a direct result of the upgrade. Antonelli expressed confidence in the potential of the new package but acknowledged the need for further setup work to unlock its capabilities.espn.comThu 8 Oct · 15:40 UTC
via f1oversteer.comCharles Leclerc thinks he knows why Ferrari always go backwards ‘as soon as qualifying starts’Charles Leclerc believes Ferrari’s rival Formula 1 teams keep showing something “we currently don’t have” in qualifying, despite the pace they keep displaying in practice. ...f1oversteer.comThu 8 Oct · 15:40 UTC
via RacingNews365Naomi Schiff criticises Mercedes' engine penalty for RussellNaomi Schiff has questioned Mercedes' decision to impose a power unit penalty on George Russell for the Singapore Grand Prix. She highlighted that the team's inability to provide him with an upgraded engine has resulted in back-of-the-grid penalties in consecutive races.
RacingNews365+ 1 moreThu 8 Oct · 15:30 UTC
via RaceFansGeorge Russell acknowledges poor performance this seasonGeorge Russell of the Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team has admitted that his performance in the 2026 Formula 1 season has not met expectations, regardless of luck. Following a recent retirement, Russell stated that he has not done a good enough job this year.
RaceFans+ 1 moreThu 8 Oct · 15:10 UTC
via Sky Sports F1Kimi Antonelli criticises unpredictable Mercedes upgradesKimi Antonelli has expressed concerns about the unpredictability of the upgraded Mercedes Formula 1 car following a disappointing seventh place in Sprint Qualifying for the Singapore Grand Prix. The championship leader described the new specification as 'very difficult' to drive, highlighting the challenges faced by the team.
Sky Sports F1+ 7 moreThu 8 Oct · 15:04 UTC
via Formula1.comFerrari drivers 'here to attack' in Singapore GPLewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc are looking forward to the Singapore Grand Prix, expressing confidence in Ferrari's ability to compete at the front. Hamilton, fresh off a podium finish in Malaysia, stated that they are 'here to attack' and highlighted the importance of a strong qualifying session. He believes the car's performance on street circuits could play to their advantage, especially given the high downforce requirements of the Singapore track.
However, Leclerc remains cautious, noting that Ferrari's recent performance has seen them slip behind competitors like McLaren and Red Bull. He acknowledged the team's historical strength at the Singapore circuit but stressed the need to focus on current performance rather than past successes. Both drivers are determined to maximise their chances this weekend despite the challenges posed by the Sprint format.
Formula1.comThu 8 Oct · 14:58 UTC
via RacingNews365Max Verstappen criticises driver cooling vest ruleMax Verstappen has expressed his disapproval of the mandated driver cooling vest in Formula 1, stating it has never lasted an entire race. His Red Bull teammate Isack Hadjar has called for the device to be banned altogether.RacingNews365+ 1 moreThu 8 Oct · 14:50 UTC
via Motorsport.comMax Verstappen aims for first Singapore GP winMax Verstappen has expressed his desire to secure his first victory at the Singapore Grand Prix this weekend, a race where he has previously struggled. Red Bull Racing is optimistic that they have addressed their past weaknesses at the Marina Bay Street Circuit.
Motorsport.com+ 1 moreThu 8 Oct · 14:46 UTC
via Sky Sports F1Leclerc and Hamilton criticise Ferrari's Bahrain strategyCharles Leclerc has called on Ferrari to 'look in the mirror' following a significant strategic error during the Bahrain Grand Prix. Lewis Hamilton also highlighted that Ferrari engaged in a 'huge discussion' about the blunder, stating it 'wasn't good enough'.Sky Sports F1+ 1 moreThu 8 Oct · 14:15 UTC
via f1oversteer.comCharles Leclerc’s mental coach highlights how he refuses to back down vs Lewis Hamilton at FerrariCharles Leclerc's mental coach, Riccardo Ceccarelli, emphasised that both Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton are fiercely competing for the top spot at Ferrari, with no intention of stepping back. This rivalry is notable as Ferrari is the only leading team without a clear driver hierarchy, unlike Red Bull and Mercedes, where roles are more defined.
Ceccarelli highlighted Leclerc's lifelong desire to win, which he believes is crucial for his success in Formula 1. However, he also cautioned that this intense focus on competition, particularly against Hamilton, could lead to a narrow-minded approach in decision-making. The recent strategy at the Sepang race, where both drivers started on slick tyres, has raised questions about Ferrari's tactics.f1oversteer.comThu 8 Oct · 14:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comMax Verstappen misses former teammate Daniel RicciardoMax Verstappen has expressed that he misses the time spent with his former Red Bull teammate Daniel Ricciardo during their Formula 1 careers. Verstappen reflected on their partnership, highlighting the positive experiences they shared.f1oversteer.com+ 1 moreThu 8 Oct · 14:00 UTC
via BBC SportGeorge Russell to use old-spec Mercedes in SingaporeGeorge Russell will race with the old specification of Mercedes components at the Singapore Grand Prix due to a double power unit penalty. Despite starting from the back of the grid, Russell has vowed to adopt an 'all-out attack' strategy during the race.
BBC Sport+ 2 moreThu 8 Oct · 13:48 UTC
via CrashMercedes conducts split-specification test in SingaporeMercedes has announced a split-specification test for the Singapore Grand Prix, comparing its established aerodynamic package with a recent upgrade. Team principal Toto Wolff confirmed that George Russell will use the older package while Kimi Antonelli will test the new specifications.
Crash+ 1 moreThu 8 Oct · 13:35 UTC
via Formula1.com1 videoVerstappen answers your questions in our exclusive Q&AMax Verstappen recently participated in a Q&A session where he addressed various topics related to his career and personal life ahead of his 250th Grand Prix in Singapore. He discussed his journey in Formula 1, his hobbies such as playing padel, and the joys of being a new father. Verstappen also shared insights on his relationships with fellow drivers, particularly reminiscing about his time with Daniel Ricciardo.
In his responses, Verstappen emphasized the importance of honesty and simplicity in life, expressing a desire to be remembered for being himself. He reflected on the lessons learned from each race and highlighted the value of spending quality time with family and friends. Overall, the Q&A provided a glimpse into Verstappen's personality and his approach to both racing and life.Formula1.comThu 8 Oct · 13:54 UTC
via RacingNews365Ferrari issues light-hearted apology after social media chaosFerrari has released a light-hearted 'unofficial statement' following a social media takeover by drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix. The team acknowledged the playful hijacking of their Instagram account by the two drivers.RacingNews365+ 3 moreThu 8 Oct · 12:50 UTC
via f1oversteer.comF1’s rules stopped Mercedes giving George Russell upgraded engine despite Singapore GP grid penaltyGeorge Russell is set to start the Singapore Grand Prix from the back of the grid after Mercedes was unable to provide him with their upgraded ADUO1 engine. This situation arises following his retirement at the Bahrain Grand Prix due to an engine failure, necessitating a new power unit beyond his quota. The FIA had granted Mercedes one engine upgrade this season, but logistical issues prevented the timely availability of the new engine for Russell.
Mercedes faced constraints in building enough ADUO1 engines to supply their customer teams, including McLaren, Alpine, and Williams, simultaneously. As a result, Russell will have to race with the original engine configuration in Singapore, where overtaking is particularly difficult. The team is considering whether Russell should take another grid penalty at the upcoming United States Grand Prix to incorporate the new engine into his pool.f1oversteer.comThu 8 Oct · 12:30 UTC
via f1oversteer.comHow Hannah Schmitz feels about joining Ferrari after Charles Leclerc praised Red Bull strategistsCharles Leclerc has acknowledged that Ferrari could learn from Red Bull's strategy team following their performance at the Bahrain Grand Prix. Leclerc noted that Red Bull consistently makes better strategic decisions, which was evident when they opted for intermediate tyres while Ferrari chose slicks, leading to a significant time loss for the Scuderia.
Hannah Schmitz, who has been with Red Bull since 2009 and is currently their head of race strategy, has been mentioned as a potential target for Ferrari. However, she has expressed a strong preference to remain in England due to family commitments. Despite her high regard in the paddock, Schmitz's reluctance to relocate complicates any potential move to Ferrari, especially as the team has not shifted its operations to the UK.f1oversteer.comThu 8 Oct · 11:30 UTC
via thejudge13.comGeorge Russell reverts to old Mercedes specificationGeorge Russell has decided to revert to a previous specification of the Mercedes W17 for the Singapore Grand Prix, calling it a 'no-brainer' decision. Meanwhile, Kimi Antonelli will continue to use the upgraded package that was introduced in Malaysia.
thejudge13.com+ 5 moreThu 8 Oct · 10:44 UTC
via Motorsport.comOscar Piastri leaves F1 Fans in stitches with unexpected Singapore GP answerDuring an event in Singapore, Oscar Piastri, the McLaren driver, provided a humorous take on the challenges of the Singapore Grand Prix. When asked about the difficulties of the race, he experienced a voice crack and jokingly remarked that the hardest thing about Singapore was 'puberty,' which elicited laughter from the crowd.
Piastri's light-hearted comments highlight the demanding nature of the Marina Bay Circuit, known for its humid conditions and tight corners. The race is particularly challenging for drivers, who face heavy braking and limited overtaking opportunities, making it one of the toughest events on the Formula 1 calendar.Motorsport.comThu 8 Oct · 10:32 UTC
via gpfans.comF1 star Charles Leclerc excited to become a father for 'second time'Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc has announced that he is excited to become a father for the second time, with the couple expecting their new arrival later this year. Leclerc, who married Alexandra in Monaco earlier this year, expressed his joy during an interview, highlighting that they already consider their dog Leo as their first child.
Despite the demands of his Formula 1 career, Leclerc emphasised the importance of family time and managing his responsibilities. Alexandra is currently staying home in Monaco while Leclerc competes in the Singapore Grand Prix, but he reassured fans that her pregnancy is progressing well.
gpfans.comThu 8 Oct · 10:27 UTC
via f1oversteer.comMcLaren CEO Zak Brown shares why he knew he had to steal Oscar Piastri from AlpineZak Brown, CEO of McLaren, discussed his decision to sign Oscar Piastri from Alpine, highlighting Piastri's impressive track record in junior racing, where he won both the Formula 3 and Formula 2 titles on his first attempts. Brown noted that Piastri's ability to quickly adapt to new cars and series made him an ideal fit for McLaren, especially after Alpine's mishandling of his contract situation.
Since joining McLaren, Piastri has achieved significant success, including winning his first Formula 1 race in 2023. However, he has faced challenges in 2026, struggling with new regulations and only securing two podiums. Despite these difficulties, Piastri remains with McLaren for 2027, hoping to improve his performance and overcome the setbacks from the previous season.f1oversteer.comThu 8 Oct · 10:00 UTC