Charles LeclercMax VerstappenBob SaidCarlos PaceLewis Hamilton 
via RacingNews365Audi announces new campus for Formula 1 operationsAudi has unveiled plans to construct a new campus near its existing factory in Hinwil, Switzerland, as part of its long-term strategy in Formula 1. This development aims to enhance the team's operational capabilities and signifies a commitment to its future in the sport.
RacingNews365+ 8 moreThu 1 Oct · 07:28 UTC
via Formula1.comEsteban Ocon says Haas exit not due to performanceEsteban Ocon has stated that his departure from the Haas Formula 1 team at the end of the 2026 season is not related to his performance. Haas Team Principal Ayao Komatsu has also defended Ocon amid the decision to drop him.
Formula1.com+ 5 moreThu 1 Oct · 07:25 UTC
via gpfans.comMax Verstappen to race in GT3 event in PortugalMax Verstappen has confirmed he will participate in a GT3 race in Portugal later this month. The announcement comes as he balances this commitment with his ongoing Formula 1 schedule.newsonf1.com+ 1 moreThu 1 Oct · 07:15 UTC
via f1oversteer.comKimi Antonelli expects major gains from Mercedes upgradesAndrea Kimi Antonelli has stated that Mercedes' engineers anticipate a significant improvement in lap times from their upcoming updates at the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix. Bernie Collins has noted that rivals are closely monitoring the W17 following these developments.newsonf1.com+ 1 moreThu 1 Oct · 07:14 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 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 RacingNews365Max 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.RacingNews365+ 4 moreThu 1 Oct · 06:30 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 gpfans.comRUMOURChristian Horner in Ferrari U-turn as Lewis Hamilton reveals fight with bosses - F1 News TodayChristian Horner has reportedly changed his mind about a potential move to Ferrari, stating he would consider working for the team without an ownership stake. This revelation comes after he was sacked by Red Bull in July 2025 and is promoting his memoir, 'Drive'. His comments have raised eyebrows within Ferrari, where some insiders are questioning team principal Fred Vasseur's position amid ongoing struggles.
In other news, Lewis Hamilton has shared that he had to fight with Formula 1 bosses to maintain his signature style at races. The seven-time world champion is known for his eclectic fashion sense and partnerships with brands like Tommy Hilfiger and Lululemon. Additionally, the FIA has declared a heat hazard ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix, which will be held in Malaysia for the first time since 2017.
gpfans.comThu 1 Oct · 04:55 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.
the-race.comThu 1 Oct · 04:29 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 f1chronicle.comFernando Alonso Calls F1’s Return to Sepang a Golden Ticket as Drivers Relish Malaysia HomecomingFernando Alonso expressed excitement about Formula 1's return to the Sepang International Circuit, calling it a 'golden ticket' as he never expected to race in Malaysia again. Alonso, the most successful driver at the circuit among current racers, highlighted the demanding nature of the track and its challenging conditions, which include heat and humidity.
The Sepang circuit, which last hosted a Grand Prix in 2017, has ten drivers on the current grid with prior experience there. Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen also shared their thoughts, with Hamilton recalling his strong connection to the region and Verstappen expressing mixed feelings about returning. Newcomers like Lando Norris and championship leader Kimi Antonelli view the race as an opportunity to tackle a fresh challenge.
f1chronicle.comWed 30 Sep · 21:25 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
via f1oversteer.comToyota denies Esteban Ocon's move to WEC in 2027Toyota has officially ruled out the possibility of Esteban Ocon joining its World Endurance Championship programme in 2027. The announcement comes as Ocon's options in Formula 1 are diminishing following Haas's decision to part ways with the driver.f1oversteer.com+ 3 moreWed 30 Sep · 12:30 UTC
via gpfans.comLewis Hamilton says fight with F1 bosses left him 'feeling like an outcast'Lewis Hamilton has expressed his struggles with Formula 1 team bosses regarding his clothing choices, stating that he prefers to arrive at race weekends in his own attire rather than team-branded clothing. He finds the requirement to wear team kit for a significant portion of the year to be stifling and detrimental to his confidence.
In his comments, Hamilton highlighted the contrast between the fashion industry, which he finds diverse and accepting, and the more restrictive environment of Formula 1. He reminisced about feeling like an outcast in the paddock compared to the sense of belonging he experiences at fashion events, underscoring his desire for personal expression in both his professional and personal life.gpfans.comWed 30 Sep · 10:50 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.
F1i+ 7 moreWed 30 Sep · 10:43 UTC
via BBC SportEsteban Ocon to leave Haas at end of 2026 seasonHaas Formula 1 team has confirmed that Esteban Ocon will depart at the end of the 2026 season. Ocon remains determined to continue his career in Formula 1 despite the uncertainty surrounding his future.
BBC Sport+ 4 moreWed 30 Sep · 10:24 UTC
via RaceFansFernando Alonso extends Aston Martin contract to 2027Fernando Alonso has confirmed that he will remain with Aston Martin for the 2027 Formula 1 season. The decision reflects his confidence in the team's potential to improve and turn their fortunes around.
RaceFans+ 3 moreWed 30 Sep · 10:18 UTC
via PlanetF1Verstappen warns Mercedes upgrade may shift competitionMax Verstappen expressed caution regarding the impact of Mercedes' significant upgrades ahead of the Sepang practice session. Despite dominating the first practice, Verstappen acknowledged that the changes could alter the competitive landscape in Formula 1.PlanetF1+ 1 moreWed 30 Sep · 10:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comLewis Hamilton praises Fernando Alonso's talentLewis Hamilton has expressed admiration for Fernando Alonso following his contract extension with Aston Martin. Hamilton described Alonso's continued presence in Formula 1 as a testament to his 'pure talent'.f1oversteer.com+ 2 moreWed 30 Sep · 10:00 UTC