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RSS ↗Wikimedia Commons · Yu Chu Chin · CC BY-SA 4.0Tyre survival could decide wide-open Sepang raceThe upcoming Formula 1 race at Sepang is shaping up to be highly competitive, with Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc, and Kimi Antonelli each showing strong performances in practice sessions. Red Bull's Laurent Mekies has indicated that as many as eight cars could be in contention for the win, with tyre degradation expected to play a critical role in the race outcome.
Drivers have expressed concerns about the high wear on the track surface and extreme temperatures, which could complicate tyre management. George Russell from Mercedes noted that severe overheating might hinder the benefits of their recent aerodynamic upgrades. As teams prepare for the race, effective tyre management will be essential, especially in the challenging conditions expected at Sepang.
via f1oversteer.comIsack Hadjar ‘never’ sees anything in Max Verstappen’s data he can’t do but one difference is clearIsack Hadjar, the Red Bull driver, claims he has never encountered anything in Max Verstappen's data that he cannot replicate. However, he acknowledges that Verstappen consistently pushes the limits of the car, which sets him apart from other drivers. Hadjar has impressed in his second season, having recently signed a contract extension with Red Bull for 2027.
Despite facing challenges as Verstappen's teammate, Hadjar has shown strong performance, scoring 86 points so far this season. He has reached Q3 in all his appearances, although he trails Verstappen in several qualifying and race results. Hadjar's confidence in his abilities suggests he is adapting well to the pressures of competing alongside a four-time champion.
Sat 3 Oct · 06:30 UTC
via racer.comKimi Antonelli leads Mercedes in Bahrain final practiceKimi Antonelli set the fastest time in final practice for the Bahrain Grand Prix, placing Mercedes at the top of the order. The championship leader outpaced Max Verstappen of Red Bull, showcasing a strong performance ahead of the race.
+ 1 moreSat 3 Oct · 05:42 UTC
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.+ 3 moreSat 3 Oct · 05:33 UTC
via gpfans.comF1 Standings at the Bahrain Grand Prix: Crucial for Russell, last chance for Lewis Hamilton?As the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix approaches, Kimi Antonelli holds a commanding lead in the drivers' standings with 302 points, followed by George Russell at 236 points. Russell's recent win in Azerbaijan has reignited his title hopes, but he faces significant pressure to perform in Bahrain to close the gap on his teammate.
Lewis Hamilton, currently in third place with 199 points, is in a precarious position as he is 103 points behind Antonelli. The Constructors' Championship sees Mercedes firmly in front with 538 points, significantly ahead of Ferrari, which has 378 points. The upcoming race is crucial for both Russell and Hamilton as they seek to improve their standings.
Sat 3 Oct · 03:30 UTC
via f1chronicle.com1 videoToto Wolff addresses George Russell's struggles with AntonelliToto Wolff has acknowledged that George Russell found it difficult to cope with Kimi Antonelli's impressive start to the 2026 season, where Antonelli won five consecutive races. Wolff expressed optimism that both Mercedes drivers would maintain respect for the team's interests despite the challenges.
+ 1 moreFri 2 Oct · 22:25 UTC
via f1oversteer.comJuan Pablo Montoya says there would be 'tears' if he raced Max Verstappen thanks to F1’s rulesJuan Pablo Montoya expressed his thoughts on how racing against Max Verstappen would have been disastrous, stating it would likely end in tears due to their aggressive driving styles. He noted that modern drivers are more aware of the financial implications of crashes, which adds to the caution on track.
During a podcast interview, Montoya defended his own driving record, claiming he did not crash as frequently as people believed. He acknowledged that while he had significant crashes, they were not as common as his reputation suggested. Ultimately, he concluded that the combination of their driving styles would have led to significant incidents if they had raced together.Fri 2 Oct · 20:00 UTC
via RacingNews365Red Bull explain unusual Max Verstappen running in F1 rarityRed Bull's technical director Pierre Waché noted the team's strong performance during the opening day of the Bahrain Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit. Max Verstappen achieved the fastest time in the first practice session, while Isack Hadjar showed promise in the second session, despite the extreme heat and challenging track conditions.
Waché explained that Verstappen's decision to skip soft compound tyres in FP2 was strategic, focusing on long-run preparations due to potential rain. The team faced difficulties with brake management, particularly for Hadjar, as the unique layout of the Sepang circuit posed challenges for both car performance and tyre management.
Fri 2 Oct · 19:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comLaurent Mekies admits he'd love the Max Verstappen 'problem' Martin Brundle can now see for Red BullLaurent Mekies of Red Bull Racing expressed enthusiasm about the competitive dynamic between Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar, following their recent success. The duo achieved a double podium finish, marking a significant improvement for the team this season, and Mekies highlighted Hadjar's impressive performance in Baku as a turning point for the second seat at Red Bull.
Mekies acknowledged the potential challenges of managing two strong drivers competing for points but views it as a positive situation for the team. He emphasized the importance of teamwork and the possibility of making difficult decisions in the future, indicating that both drivers are committed to maximizing team results. With Hadjar eager to establish his position and Verstappen focusing on the upcoming season, Red Bull appears to be in a strong position moving forward.Fri 2 Oct · 19:00 UTC
via Motorsport.comGeorge Russell left "lost for words" by Malaysian F1 fans’ special giftGeorge Russell, the Mercedes driver, was deeply moved when Malaysian fans presented him with a handmade scrapbook ahead of Formula 1's return to Sepang. The scrapbook, created by a group known as 'Team GR63, Malaysia', features handwritten messages, drawings, and photographs, showcasing the support from local fans.
In a video shared by the team, Russell expressed his gratitude and astonishment at the thoughtful gift, stating that it left him 'lost for words'. The gesture highlighted the significance of Mercedes' return to Malaysia after nearly a decade, providing Russell with a boost of encouragement as he prepared for the race weekend.
Fri 2 Oct · 18:44 UTC
via RacingNews365Lewis Hamilton seeking Ferrari 'compromise' after tricky F1 discoveryLewis Hamilton is looking for the right balance in his Ferrari after a challenging return to the Sepang circuit for the Bahrain Grand Prix. He finished fifth in the second practice session, trailing team-mate Charles Leclerc, who was 0.305 seconds faster, and faced difficulties with the track's abrasive surface affecting grip and tyre management.
Hamilton noted that the day was overall challenging, with limited grip available on track. He mentioned that the team explored various set-up directions and is now focused on analysing data to find the best compromise ahead of qualifying. Despite the struggles, Hamilton believes they are not far off the pace and acknowledges that there is still work to be done.Fri 2 Oct · 17:20 UTC
via Motorsport.comF1 Bahrain GP in Malaysia: Saturday schedule, weather forecast and how to watchThe Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia is set for Saturday with Charles Leclerc leading the pack after the second practice session. He narrowly edged out Isack Hadjar, while Lando Norris, Max Verstappen, and Lewis Hamilton rounded out the top five. Mercedes faced challenges, with both George Russell and Kimi Antonelli struggling to maximise their soft-tyre runs.
Saturday's schedule includes final practice at 12:30pm MYT followed by qualifying at 4:00pm MYT. The weather forecast indicates hot and humid conditions, with temperatures around 32-33C and a possibility of thunderstorms earlier in the day. Teams will need to prepare for changing grip levels as they navigate the challenging Sepang circuit.Fri 2 Oct · 17:13 UTC
via Motorsport.comF1 Bahrain GP in Malaysia: Sunday schedule, weather forecast and how to watchMax Verstappen achieved pole position for the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, dominating the qualifying sessions. His final lap placed him ahead of Lewis Hamilton, who will start second. Isack Hadjar initially qualified third but will face a five-place grid penalty, promoting Andrea Kimi Antonelli to third on the grid.
The race is set for October 4, 2026, at 3:00 PM MYT, with weather conditions expected to be hot and humid, along with the possibility of thunderstorms. Sky Sports will broadcast the event in the UK, while Apple TV will offer free streaming in the United States. The Sepang circuit's challenging surface and weather conditions will require teams to strategise effectively.Fri 2 Oct · 17:13 UTC
via f1oversteer.comJuan Pablo Montoya heard Max Verstappen say something about George Russell that he ‘never’ likes toJuan Pablo Montoya thinks Max Verstappen saw George Russell “in a different light” for the first time in the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix given his ...Fri 2 Oct · 17:00 UTC
via gpfans.comThe bizarre reason F1 star George Russell will race in a 60C ‘oven’ at Bahrain Grand PrixGeorge Russell will compete in the Bahrain Grand Prix without a cooling vest, facing extreme temperatures expected to reach 60C inside his Mercedes cockpit. This decision comes as Mercedes reallocates resources due to the constraints of Formula 1's cost cap regulations, which limit team spending to $215 million in 2026.
Russell highlighted the challenges of racing in such heat, recalling his previous experience of dehydration during the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix. He believes that the development of cooling vests should be exempt from the budget cap, arguing that all drivers should have access to this technology to ensure their safety and performance.Fri 2 Oct · 16:45 UTC
via RacingNews365FIA alters Sepang track after driver safety concernsThe FIA has made significant changes to the Sepang International Circuit following safety concerns raised by Formula 1 drivers during practice sessions. Charles Leclerc and others highlighted issues with the track's degrading surface, prompting the adjustments.+ 1 moreFri 2 Oct · 16:40 UTC
via f1oversteer.comCarlos Sainz admits ‘desire will shift’ away from Williams if he never gets what George Russell hasCarlos Sainz has always maintained that he is happy to see his future at Williams, but now it seems the love affair is conditional for ...Fri 2 Oct · 16:30 UTC
via theguardian.comKimi Antonelli tops FP3 at Bahrain Grand Prix in MalaysiaKimi Antonelli topped the final practice session for the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, recovering from a challenging Friday for Mercedes. His performance alleviated concerns regarding the team's upgraded W17 car, although team-mate George Russell was six tenths slower.
+ 5 moreFri 2 Oct · 15:22 UTC
via F1iVerstappen explains why he skipped softs in Sepang FP2Max Verstappen had a promising start to the Bahrain Grand Prix weekend, topping the first practice session but finishing fourth in the second practice, trailing Charles Leclerc. He opted not to use soft tyres in FP2, choosing instead to gather data for longer runs, anticipating potential rain that could affect the race weekend.
Red Bull's technical director, Pierre Wache, explained that the team prioritised understanding tyre behaviour and degradation over setting a fast lap time. Despite initial uncertainties about their car's performance in Sepang, the team was pleasantly surprised by their competitiveness, although they acknowledged the unpredictable weather could change the dynamics of the race.
Fri 2 Oct · 14:51 UTC
via PlanetF1Red Bull expresses wish for team orders with VerstappenRed Bull Racing has revealed a desire to implement team orders involving Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar. The team decided against imposing such orders during the recent race in Baku.
+ 1 moreFri 2 Oct · 14:37 UTC
via f1technical.netFerrari expect rivals to "up their game" for Saturday after strong Sepang practice dayFerrari enjoyed a productive opening day of running at the Bahrain Grand Prix, with Charles Leclerc topping FP2 while Lewis Hamilton finished fifth as the field began to close up at the front.
Fri 2 Oct · 14:00 UTC
via AutosportWhy Verstappen’s unusual run plan highlights F1 teams’ biggest challenge in MalaysiaMax Verstappen's decision to forgo a qualifying simulation during Friday practice for the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia was influenced by the threat of rain, highlighting the challenge of managing tyre degradation. Red Bull's technical director Pierre Wache emphasised the importance of long runs to understand tyre behaviour, particularly for the medium compound, due to the high degradation levels observed on the track.
The poor track surface led to lap times being significantly slower than expected, complicating the teams' strategies. Pirelli's chief engineer noted that managing both rear and front tyre temperatures is crucial, as the track's conditions create a cycle of increased degradation. This focus on race pace over qualifying performance means teams head into qualifying with more uncertainties than usual.
Fri 2 Oct · 13:43 UTC
via RacingNews365George Russell voices weakened Mercedes upgrade fear after ominous signsGeorge Russell has expressed concerns that Mercedes' latest aerodynamic upgrade is being compromised by extreme tyre overheating at the Sepang International Circuit during the Bahrain Grand Prix. Despite being second fastest in the first practice session, Russell's performance dropped to seventh in the second session, highlighting the difficulties faced by the W17 car under the unique conditions of the track.
The team brought significant upgrades, including a reworked floor and diffuser, but have struggled to achieve the expected performance gains. Trackside engineering director Andrew Shovlin noted that the team is facing challenges with tyre wear and balance, which have hindered their ability to extract the anticipated improvements from the new components. They are optimistic about making progress with setup changes and data analysis ahead of the race weekend.Fri 2 Oct · 13:20 UTC
via f1oversteer.comFerrari add ‘striking’ secret upgrade to Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc’s SF-26 at SepangFerrari had a strong start to the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix weekend in Malaysia, with Charles Leclerc leading the second practice session. Leclerc's lap time of 1:37.528 placed him ahead of his teammate Lewis Hamilton, who finished fifth. The team introduced minor upgrades, including vortex generators on the SF-26, to improve aerodynamics and downforce.
The Bahrain Grand Prix is being held in Malaysia due to the situation in the Middle East, marking a return of the Sepang circuit to the Formula 1 calendar after a hiatus since 2017. Ferrari is expected to roll out more significant upgrades at the upcoming United States Grand Prix, as they prepare for the remainder of the season.Fri 2 Oct · 13:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comIsack Hadjar ‘never’ sees anything in Max Verstappen’s data he can’t do but one difference is clearIsack Hadjar, the Red Bull driver, claims he has never encountered anything in Max Verstappen's data that he cannot replicate. However, he acknowledges that Verstappen consistently pushes the limits of the car, which sets him apart from other drivers. Hadjar has impressed in his second season, having recently signed a contract extension with Red Bull for 2027.
Despite facing challenges as Verstappen's teammate, Hadjar has shown strong performance, scoring 86 points so far this season. He has reached Q3 in all his appearances, although he trails Verstappen in several qualifying and race results. Hadjar's confidence in his abilities suggests he is adapting well to the pressures of competing alongside a four-time champion.Sat 3 Oct · 06:30 UTCvia racer.comKimi Antonelli leads Mercedes in Bahrain final practiceKimi Antonelli set the fastest time in final practice for the Bahrain Grand Prix, placing Mercedes at the top of the order. The championship leader outpaced Max Verstappen of Red Bull, showcasing a strong performance ahead of the race.+ 1 moreSat 3 Oct · 05:42 UTCvia 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.+ 3 moreSat 3 Oct · 05:33 UTCvia gpfans.comF1 Standings at the Bahrain Grand Prix: Crucial for Russell, last chance for Lewis Hamilton?As the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix approaches, Kimi Antonelli holds a commanding lead in the drivers' standings with 302 points, followed by George Russell at 236 points. Russell's recent win in Azerbaijan has reignited his title hopes, but he faces significant pressure to perform in Bahrain to close the gap on his teammate.
Lewis Hamilton, currently in third place with 199 points, is in a precarious position as he is 103 points behind Antonelli. The Constructors' Championship sees Mercedes firmly in front with 538 points, significantly ahead of Ferrari, which has 378 points. The upcoming race is crucial for both Russell and Hamilton as they seek to improve their standings.Sat 3 Oct · 03:30 UTCvia f1chronicle.com1 videoToto Wolff addresses George Russell's struggles with AntonelliToto Wolff has acknowledged that George Russell found it difficult to cope with Kimi Antonelli's impressive start to the 2026 season, where Antonelli won five consecutive races. Wolff expressed optimism that both Mercedes drivers would maintain respect for the team's interests despite the challenges.+ 1 moreFri 2 Oct · 22:25 UTCvia f1oversteer.comJuan Pablo Montoya says there would be 'tears' if he raced Max Verstappen thanks to F1’s rulesJuan Pablo Montoya expressed his thoughts on how racing against Max Verstappen would have been disastrous, stating it would likely end in tears due to their aggressive driving styles. He noted that modern drivers are more aware of the financial implications of crashes, which adds to the caution on track.
During a podcast interview, Montoya defended his own driving record, claiming he did not crash as frequently as people believed. He acknowledged that while he had significant crashes, they were not as common as his reputation suggested. Ultimately, he concluded that the combination of their driving styles would have led to significant incidents if they had raced together.Fri 2 Oct · 20:00 UTCvia RacingNews365Red Bull explain unusual Max Verstappen running in F1 rarityRed Bull's technical director Pierre Waché noted the team's strong performance during the opening day of the Bahrain Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit. Max Verstappen achieved the fastest time in the first practice session, while Isack Hadjar showed promise in the second session, despite the extreme heat and challenging track conditions.
Waché explained that Verstappen's decision to skip soft compound tyres in FP2 was strategic, focusing on long-run preparations due to potential rain. The team faced difficulties with brake management, particularly for Hadjar, as the unique layout of the Sepang circuit posed challenges for both car performance and tyre management.Fri 2 Oct · 19:00 UTCvia f1oversteer.comLaurent Mekies admits he'd love the Max Verstappen 'problem' Martin Brundle can now see for Red BullLaurent Mekies of Red Bull Racing expressed enthusiasm about the competitive dynamic between Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar, following their recent success. The duo achieved a double podium finish, marking a significant improvement for the team this season, and Mekies highlighted Hadjar's impressive performance in Baku as a turning point for the second seat at Red Bull.
Mekies acknowledged the potential challenges of managing two strong drivers competing for points but views it as a positive situation for the team. He emphasized the importance of teamwork and the possibility of making difficult decisions in the future, indicating that both drivers are committed to maximizing team results. With Hadjar eager to establish his position and Verstappen focusing on the upcoming season, Red Bull appears to be in a strong position moving forward.Fri 2 Oct · 19:00 UTCvia Motorsport.comGeorge Russell left "lost for words" by Malaysian F1 fans’ special giftGeorge Russell, the Mercedes driver, was deeply moved when Malaysian fans presented him with a handmade scrapbook ahead of Formula 1's return to Sepang. The scrapbook, created by a group known as 'Team GR63, Malaysia', features handwritten messages, drawings, and photographs, showcasing the support from local fans.
In a video shared by the team, Russell expressed his gratitude and astonishment at the thoughtful gift, stating that it left him 'lost for words'. The gesture highlighted the significance of Mercedes' return to Malaysia after nearly a decade, providing Russell with a boost of encouragement as he prepared for the race weekend.Fri 2 Oct · 18:44 UTCvia RacingNews365Lewis Hamilton seeking Ferrari 'compromise' after tricky F1 discoveryLewis Hamilton is looking for the right balance in his Ferrari after a challenging return to the Sepang circuit for the Bahrain Grand Prix. He finished fifth in the second practice session, trailing team-mate Charles Leclerc, who was 0.305 seconds faster, and faced difficulties with the track's abrasive surface affecting grip and tyre management.
Hamilton noted that the day was overall challenging, with limited grip available on track. He mentioned that the team explored various set-up directions and is now focused on analysing data to find the best compromise ahead of qualifying. Despite the struggles, Hamilton believes they are not far off the pace and acknowledges that there is still work to be done.Fri 2 Oct · 17:20 UTCvia Motorsport.comF1 Bahrain GP in Malaysia: Saturday schedule, weather forecast and how to watchThe Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia is set for Saturday with Charles Leclerc leading the pack after the second practice session. He narrowly edged out Isack Hadjar, while Lando Norris, Max Verstappen, and Lewis Hamilton rounded out the top five. Mercedes faced challenges, with both George Russell and Kimi Antonelli struggling to maximise their soft-tyre runs.
Saturday's schedule includes final practice at 12:30pm MYT followed by qualifying at 4:00pm MYT. The weather forecast indicates hot and humid conditions, with temperatures around 32-33C and a possibility of thunderstorms earlier in the day. Teams will need to prepare for changing grip levels as they navigate the challenging Sepang circuit.Fri 2 Oct · 17:13 UTCvia Motorsport.comF1 Bahrain GP in Malaysia: Sunday schedule, weather forecast and how to watchMax Verstappen achieved pole position for the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, dominating the qualifying sessions. His final lap placed him ahead of Lewis Hamilton, who will start second. Isack Hadjar initially qualified third but will face a five-place grid penalty, promoting Andrea Kimi Antonelli to third on the grid.
The race is set for October 4, 2026, at 3:00 PM MYT, with weather conditions expected to be hot and humid, along with the possibility of thunderstorms. Sky Sports will broadcast the event in the UK, while Apple TV will offer free streaming in the United States. The Sepang circuit's challenging surface and weather conditions will require teams to strategise effectively.Fri 2 Oct · 17:13 UTCvia f1oversteer.comJuan Pablo Montoya heard Max Verstappen say something about George Russell that he ‘never’ likes toJuan Pablo Montoya thinks Max Verstappen saw George Russell “in a different light” for the first time in the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix given his ...Fri 2 Oct · 17:00 UTCvia gpfans.comThe bizarre reason F1 star George Russell will race in a 60C ‘oven’ at Bahrain Grand PrixGeorge Russell will compete in the Bahrain Grand Prix without a cooling vest, facing extreme temperatures expected to reach 60C inside his Mercedes cockpit. This decision comes as Mercedes reallocates resources due to the constraints of Formula 1's cost cap regulations, which limit team spending to $215 million in 2026.
Russell highlighted the challenges of racing in such heat, recalling his previous experience of dehydration during the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix. He believes that the development of cooling vests should be exempt from the budget cap, arguing that all drivers should have access to this technology to ensure their safety and performance.Fri 2 Oct · 16:45 UTCvia RacingNews365FIA alters Sepang track after driver safety concernsThe FIA has made significant changes to the Sepang International Circuit following safety concerns raised by Formula 1 drivers during practice sessions. Charles Leclerc and others highlighted issues with the track's degrading surface, prompting the adjustments.+ 1 moreFri 2 Oct · 16:40 UTCvia f1oversteer.comCarlos Sainz admits ‘desire will shift’ away from Williams if he never gets what George Russell hasCarlos Sainz has always maintained that he is happy to see his future at Williams, but now it seems the love affair is conditional for ...Fri 2 Oct · 16:30 UTCvia theguardian.comKimi Antonelli tops FP3 at Bahrain Grand Prix in MalaysiaKimi Antonelli topped the final practice session for the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, recovering from a challenging Friday for Mercedes. His performance alleviated concerns regarding the team's upgraded W17 car, although team-mate George Russell was six tenths slower.+ 5 moreFri 2 Oct · 15:22 UTCvia F1iVerstappen explains why he skipped softs in Sepang FP2Max Verstappen had a promising start to the Bahrain Grand Prix weekend, topping the first practice session but finishing fourth in the second practice, trailing Charles Leclerc. He opted not to use soft tyres in FP2, choosing instead to gather data for longer runs, anticipating potential rain that could affect the race weekend.
Red Bull's technical director, Pierre Wache, explained that the team prioritised understanding tyre behaviour and degradation over setting a fast lap time. Despite initial uncertainties about their car's performance in Sepang, the team was pleasantly surprised by their competitiveness, although they acknowledged the unpredictable weather could change the dynamics of the race.Fri 2 Oct · 14:51 UTCvia PlanetF1Red Bull expresses wish for team orders with VerstappenRed Bull Racing has revealed a desire to implement team orders involving Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar. The team decided against imposing such orders during the recent race in Baku.+ 1 moreFri 2 Oct · 14:37 UTCvia f1technical.netFerrari expect rivals to "up their game" for Saturday after strong Sepang practice dayFerrari enjoyed a productive opening day of running at the Bahrain Grand Prix, with Charles Leclerc topping FP2 while Lewis Hamilton finished fifth as the field began to close up at the front.Fri 2 Oct · 14:00 UTCvia AutosportWhy Verstappen’s unusual run plan highlights F1 teams’ biggest challenge in MalaysiaMax Verstappen's decision to forgo a qualifying simulation during Friday practice for the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia was influenced by the threat of rain, highlighting the challenge of managing tyre degradation. Red Bull's technical director Pierre Wache emphasised the importance of long runs to understand tyre behaviour, particularly for the medium compound, due to the high degradation levels observed on the track.
The poor track surface led to lap times being significantly slower than expected, complicating the teams' strategies. Pirelli's chief engineer noted that managing both rear and front tyre temperatures is crucial, as the track's conditions create a cycle of increased degradation. This focus on race pace over qualifying performance means teams head into qualifying with more uncertainties than usual.Fri 2 Oct · 13:43 UTCvia RacingNews365George Russell voices weakened Mercedes upgrade fear after ominous signsGeorge Russell has expressed concerns that Mercedes' latest aerodynamic upgrade is being compromised by extreme tyre overheating at the Sepang International Circuit during the Bahrain Grand Prix. Despite being second fastest in the first practice session, Russell's performance dropped to seventh in the second session, highlighting the difficulties faced by the W17 car under the unique conditions of the track.
The team brought significant upgrades, including a reworked floor and diffuser, but have struggled to achieve the expected performance gains. Trackside engineering director Andrew Shovlin noted that the team is facing challenges with tyre wear and balance, which have hindered their ability to extract the anticipated improvements from the new components. They are optimistic about making progress with setup changes and data analysis ahead of the race weekend.Fri 2 Oct · 13:20 UTCvia f1oversteer.comFerrari add ‘striking’ secret upgrade to Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc’s SF-26 at SepangFerrari had a strong start to the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix weekend in Malaysia, with Charles Leclerc leading the second practice session. Leclerc's lap time of 1:37.528 placed him ahead of his teammate Lewis Hamilton, who finished fifth. The team introduced minor upgrades, including vortex generators on the SF-26, to improve aerodynamics and downforce.
The Bahrain Grand Prix is being held in Malaysia due to the situation in the Middle East, marking a return of the Sepang circuit to the Formula 1 calendar after a hiatus since 2017. Ferrari is expected to roll out more significant upgrades at the upcoming United States Grand Prix, as they prepare for the remainder of the season.Fri 2 Oct · 13:00 UTC