Charles LeclercJohn Miles 
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.
f1technical.netFri 2 Oct · 14:00 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.
f1oversteer.comFri 2 Oct · 13:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comDavid Coulthard clarifies ‘slamming’ Charles Leclerc’s family ‘picnic’ by admitting his real concernDavid Coulthard recently faced backlash for his comments regarding Charles Leclerc's focus during race weekends, suggesting that having his family present was akin to treating the event like a picnic. Coulthard expressed concern that such distractions could hinder Leclerc's performance as a driver, given the serious nature of Formula One racing.
In response to the criticism, Coulthard clarified his statements on the Up To Speed podcast, explaining that he did not intend to slam Leclerc but rather to highlight the importance of full concentration in the sport. He compared the situation to a surgeon needing complete focus during a procedure, indicating that distractions could impact performance.f1oversteer.comFri 2 Oct · 12:00 UTC%2FGettyImages-2298175162.webp&w=1200&q=70)
via Formula1.comLeclerc highlights 'main talking point' as he judges performanceCharles Leclerc had a strong performance during the practice sessions for the Bahrain Grand Prix, finishing first in the second practice and fourth in the first. Despite this, he expressed concerns about Ferrari's competitiveness compared to rivals Red Bull and Mercedes, highlighting their standout performances. Leclerc noted that the track conditions were challenging, with significant tyre degradation expected to be a crucial factor in the upcoming race.
Ferrari's Team Principal Fred Vasseur echoed Leclerc's sentiments, acknowledging the difficulties posed by the track's grip and the need for improvement. Both Leclerc and Vasseur emphasised the importance of focusing on their own performance while preparing for the race, as they anticipate that managing tyre degradation will be key to achieving a strong result.
Formula1.comFri 2 Oct · 11:54 UTC
via PlanetF1FIA declares Bahrain Grand Prix a heat hazardThe FIA has classified the Bahrain Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit as a heat hazard, triggering driver-cooling regulations for the race. Several drivers, including Charles Leclerc, have expressed concerns regarding the challenging conditions.
PlanetF1+ 1 moreFri 2 Oct · 11:27 UTC
via F1iBahrain Grand Prix chaos marked by rain and glitchesThe 2026 Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia experienced significant disruptions due to torrential rain and software glitches. Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc were notable performers throughout the weekend, showcasing their competitive edge during the qualifying sessions.
F1i+ 1 moreFri 2 Oct · 11:07 UTC
via RacingNews365George Russell warns of Mercedes struggles in BahrainGeorge Russell has expressed concerns about Mercedes' performance at the Bahrain Grand Prix, stating that the car is 'off the pace' compared to rivals Red Bull and McLaren. Despite a significant upgrade, Russell believes adjustments are necessary to improve competitiveness.
RacingNews365+ 2 moreFri 2 Oct · 10:50 UTC
via F1iCharles Leclerc fastest in Bahrain Grand Prix FP2Charles Leclerc of Ferrari recorded the fastest time in the second practice session for the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. The session highlighted struggles for the Mercedes team, which failed to match the pace set by Leclerc.F1i+ 1 moreFri 2 Oct · 09:23 UTC
via Motorsport WeekCharles Leclerc leads second practice in BahrainCharles Leclerc of Ferrari topped the second free practice session for the Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix at the Sepang Circuit. This session is part of the 2026 season.
Motorsport Week+ 1 moreFri 2 Oct · 09:07 UTC
via RaceFansLeclerc quickest as Verstappen avoids softs and Hamilton faces investigation | Formula 1In the second practice session at the Sepang International Circuit, Charles Leclerc topped the timesheets, showcasing strong performance ahead of the race. Max Verstappen, who had been the fastest in the first practice, opted not to use soft tyres, while his teammate Isack Hadjar managed to clock a time very close to Leclerc's.
Lando Norris also demonstrated competitive pace but experienced a close call with Sergio Perez as he approached the pit lane. Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton is facing an investigation related to an incident during the session, adding an extra layer of scrutiny to his performance.
RaceFansFri 2 Oct · 09:06 UTC
via PlanetF11 videoCharles Leclerc fastest in Bahrain Grand Prix FP2Charles Leclerc set the fastest time in the second practice session for the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, clocking a lap of 1m37.528s. The session remained dry despite a significant threat of rain, with both Mercedes drivers struggling to find pace.PlanetF1+ 8 moreFri 2 Oct · 09:01 UTC
via f1oversteer.com22 videosCharles 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.f1oversteer.com+ 2 moreFri 2 Oct · 09:00 UTC
via RacingNews365Charles Leclerc beats the heat but Max Verstappen has overall edgeCharles Leclerc managed to secure the top spot in the second practice session ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix, overcoming extreme heat conditions. However, it was Max Verstappen who recorded the fastest lap of the day during the first practice session, showcasing Red Bull's competitive edge.
In FP1, Verstappen clocked a time of 1:37.520s, narrowly beating Leclerc's FP2 time of 1:37.528s. The high track temperatures forced teams to adapt their strategies, with many drivers switching to soft tyres earlier than planned. Lewis Hamilton faced scrutiny for an incident involving another driver, while Lando Norris and Isack Hadjar also performed well, finishing third and fourth respectively in FP2.RacingNews365Fri 2 Oct · 09:00 UTC
via Motorsport.comLewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc test rare Ferrari 12Cilindri Manuale at FioranoLewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc recently conducted a track test of the limited-edition Ferrari 12Cilindri Manuale at Fiorano. This super GT is powered by a 6.5-litre naturally aspirated V12 engine that delivers 830 horsepower, and it features a unique Manuale-By-Wire system that enhances the driving experience with a manual gearbox feel.
During the test, Leclerc was the first to drive, with Hamilton as his passenger. Both drivers expressed their enjoyment of the car, with Leclerc praising Hamilton's calm demeanor and Hamilton describing the experience as 'fantastico'. The test video has garnered significant attention online, highlighting the excitement surrounding this new Ferrari model.
Motorsport.comFri 2 Oct · 08:05 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.Motorsport.com+ 8 moreFri 2 Oct · 05:38 UTC
via RacingNews3652026 Bahrain Grand Prix Free Practice 1 resultsThe Free Practice 1 session for the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix took place at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia. Full results from the session have been released, detailing the performance of all participating teams and drivers.RacingNews365+ 3 moreFri 2 Oct · 03:25 UTC
via f1oversteer.comLewis Hamilton snubbed as Emerson Fittipaldi picks Oscar Piastri among his five favourite F1 driversEmerson Fittipaldi believes Ferrari have two “strong drivers” in Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, but neither rank among the Brazilian’s favourites on the 2026 grid. ...f1oversteer.comThu 1 Oct · 20:00 UTC
via Motorsport.comRUMOURVasseur defends Ferrari amid speculation over his futureFred Vasseur has addressed ongoing speculation regarding his role as Ferrari's team principal, stating that the team remains unified. He emphasised the need to stop the noise and rumours surrounding his position, while also receiving support from figures like Lewis Hamilton.Motorsport.com+ 7 moreThu 1 Oct · 14:52 UTC
via RacingNews365RUMOURCharles Leclerc lashes out at 'disrespectful' Fred Vasseur rumours in Christian Horner stormCharles Leclerc has publicly supported Fred Vasseur, Ferrari's team principal, amidst ongoing speculation linking Christian Horner to Vasseur's position. Leclerc described the rumours as 'disrespectful' and reiterated his trust in Vasseur's capabilities, stating that the team has full confidence in their leader.
The controversy arose after Horner referred to Ferrari as the 'dream job' in an interview, prompting Vasseur to express concern over the disruption these comments caused within the team. Leclerc agreed with Vasseur's sentiment about the negative impact of such speculation and stressed the need for the team to concentrate on their performance rather than external distractions.RacingNews365Thu 1 Oct · 14:20 UTC
via PlanetF1FIA confirms Charles Leclerc findings after ‘extensive’ Ferrari inspectionThe FIA conducted an extensive inspection of Charles Leclerc's Ferrari following the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, confirming that the car complied with the 2026 Formula One regulations. This inspection was part of the FIA's routine checks for top-10 finishers, and Leclerc's car was randomly selected for further examination.
Leclerc finished fourth in the race, while George Russell from Mercedes took the victory. After the race, Leclerc revealed that he had used the ADUO2 engine, which had raised questions after his crash at Monza. The FIA's checks focused on the internal combustion air intake cooling system and other components, all of which were found to meet the required standards.PlanetF1Thu 1 Oct · 13:05 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.comLewis Hamilton disagrees with Charles Leclerc about Ferrari SF-26 after ‘unsatisfactory’ Baku blowLewis Hamilton expressed his disagreement with Charles Leclerc regarding the setup of the Ferrari SF-26 during the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Despite Leclerc qualifying in P2, he struggled with race pace, ultimately finishing in P4, while Hamilton qualified P6 after switching to a different bargeboard configuration that he felt provided better stability.
The race saw Hamilton's frustrations with the car's handling lead him to abandon the low-drag bargeboards in favour of a more stable three-part version. However, this change did not yield the desired results, as Hamilton was unable to outperform Leclerc, who maintained a faster pace throughout the race, finishing significantly ahead.f1oversteer.comTue 29 Sep · 11:00 UTC
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.RacingNews365+ 2 moreTue 29 Sep · 09:30 UTC
via f1oversteer.comRUMOURCharles Leclerc ‘angered’ Fred Vasseur with one revelation in Baku as tensions rise at FerrariFerrari team principal Fred Vasseur expressed frustration with Charles Leclerc after the driver revealed he used the ADUO2 engine during the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Leclerc's admission came after he finished in P4, trailing significantly behind race winner George Russell and the Red Bull drivers. Vasseur was particularly displeased as the team had not intended to disclose the engine specification, especially given their performance issues.
The situation has contributed to rising tensions within Ferrari, with both Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton reportedly growing frustrated with Vasseur's management style. There are suggestions that Vasseur's position may be in jeopardy, with potential replacements including Christian Horner, Antonello Coletta, and Jerome d’Ambrosio being considered as Ferrari looks to improve its standing in the championship.f1oversteer.comTue 29 Sep · 07:00 UTC