Charles LeclercValtteri Bottas 
via Motorsport.comCharles Leclerc expresses concern over Bahrain GP chaosCharles Leclerc has voiced his concerns regarding the chaotic start of the Bahrain Grand Prix, describing the situation as 'scary'. He highlighted that this incident reinforces the fears drivers have about safety in Formula 1.
Motorsport.com+ 1 moreMon 5 Oct · 21:31 UTC
via Formula1.comVasseur on how Hamilton and Leclerc saved the day at SepangFerrari Team Principal Fred Vasseur commended Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc for their impressive recovery during the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. Despite a challenging start due to a poor tyre choice, both drivers managed to secure third and fourth places, aided by the retirement of George Russell and a battery issue for Isack Hadjar.
Vasseur acknowledged that the decision to start on slicks was not the right one, as the track dried slower than anticipated. He noted that Hamilton's strategy and tyre management were key to their performance, while Leclerc's early pit stop for intermediates after contact with another driver changed the course of his race. Vasseur expressed optimism about carrying this performance into future races.
Formula1.comMon 5 Oct · 12:28 UTC
via Motorsport.comValtteri Bottas cycles 350km to Singapore Grand PrixValtteri Bottas, the Cadillac Formula 1 driver, opted for a 350 kilometre bike ride from the Sepang International Circuit to Singapore instead of flying. He described the experience as mentally challenging, stating that 'the mind starts to play games' during the long trek.Motorsport.com+ 1 moreMon 5 Oct · 11:55 UTC
via RaceFansDrivers report power loss during Sepang formation lapMax Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc, and Lando Norris experienced significant power loss during the formation lap at the Sepang circuit. The incident caused confusion among the drivers as they struggled to understand the sudden lack of power.
RaceFansMon 5 Oct · 11:05 UTC
via CrashValtteri Bottas cycles 350km to Singapore Grand PrixValtteri Bottas has chosen to cycle 350 kilometres from Malaysia to Singapore instead of taking a flight ahead of the Grand Prix. This unique journey highlights Bottas's passion for cycling and his commitment to an unconventional travel method.
Crash+ 6 moreMon 5 Oct · 09:23 UTC
via f1technical.netLeclerc praises fourth place after chaotic Sepang raceCharles Leclerc described his fourth-place finish at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia as a strong result following a chaotic start to the race. The Ferrari driver recovered from last place to secure a top finish, expressing relief after a challenging afternoon.
f1technical.net+ 2 moreMon 5 Oct · 02:00 UTC
via f1technical.netThe lessons Cadillac learned from the chaotic first wet race of the seasonCadillac faced significant challenges during the Bahrain Grand Prix, where their decision to start on slick tyres backfired in wet conditions. Valtteri Bottas retired early after spinning out, while Sergio Pérez struggled to maintain position, ultimately finishing 19th after a chaotic race that included seven pit stops and multiple Safety Car periods. Bottas acknowledged the risk of their tyre strategy, while Pérez noted the competitive performance of the intermediate tyres before the race's interruptions.
Team Principal Marcin Budkowski described the race as a valuable learning experience for Cadillac, particularly regarding tyre behaviour and car setup in low-grip conditions. Despite the difficulties, Pérez managed to gather important data for the team, which they hope to use to improve their performance in future wet races. Cadillac is now focused on regrouping quickly as they prepare for the next challenge in Singapore.f1technical.netMon 5 Oct · 00:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comLeclerc criticises Ferrari's direction after Bahrain GPCharles Leclerc expressed frustration with Ferrari's strategy following the Bahrain Grand Prix, describing a post-race radio message as 'horrendous'. Leclerc's comments come amid a disagreement with Lewis Hamilton regarding the team's future direction.
f1oversteer.comSun 4 Oct · 16:00 UTC%2FLeclerc%2520header%2520Sepang.webp&w=1200&q=70)
via Formula1.comRUMOURLeclerc relieved with P4 after everything went ‘wrong’ in SepangCharles Leclerc expressed relief after recovering from last place to finish fourth in the Malaysian Grand Prix, despite a challenging race filled with issues. He noted that everything that could have gone wrong did happen early in the race, including a puncture and a strategy error that left him at the back of the field.
Leclerc acknowledged the need for Ferrari to learn from their mistakes, especially regarding their tyre choices in mixed conditions. He praised the team's efforts and expressed hope that their performance would quell recent speculation about the team's future, reaffirming their unity and commitment to returning to the top of the podium.Formula1.comSun 4 Oct · 14:44 UTC
via Crash1 videoLewis Hamilton jokes about Ferrari's strategy blunderLewis Hamilton made a light-hearted joke regarding Ferrari's strategy blunder during the Bahrain Grand Prix. The comment came after Hamilton staged a strong recovery to secure a podium finish in Malaysia.Crash+ 1 moreSun 4 Oct · 14:22 UTC
via RaceFansIsack Hadjar frustrated by battery issue in Bahrain GPIsack Hadjar expressed his frustration after a late battery issue cost him a podium finish in the Bahrain Grand Prix. The problem left him unable to defend against the Ferraris of Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, resulting in a fifth-place finish.RaceFans+ 4 moreSun 4 Oct · 11:22 UTC
via PlanetF1Max Verstappen wins chaotic Bahrain Grand PrixMax Verstappen secured his first victory of the 2026 season at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, overcoming significant delays and challenging weather conditions. The race, marked by heavy rain and technical issues, saw George Russell retire, impacting his championship aspirations.
PlanetF1+ 13 moreSun 4 Oct · 10:22 UTC
via Motorsport.comLewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc arrive at Sepang in matching sports saloonsYour Ferrari drivers don't usually disappoint us with what they drive to race weekends. Whether it be a classic Ferrari supercar or a Ducati superbike, it usually leaves us fans drooling with jealousy. This weekend in Malaysia was no different as Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc arrived in matching sports saloons from Alfa Romeo. The Scuderia pair was spotted driving Alfa Romeo Giulia ... Keep readingMotorsport.comSun 4 Oct · 08:13 UTCvia f1technical.netLeclerc explains why he "started losing some performance from Q2" in Sepang qualifyingCharles Leclerc qualified fourth for the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, while Lewis Hamilton secured second place and Max Verstappen took pole position. Leclerc admitted to struggling with rear-end instability during Q3, which affected his performance after he had already noticed a decline in Q2. Despite this, he acknowledged that Ferrari had improved compared to their final practice session.
Team Principal Fred Vasseur expressed satisfaction with the qualifying results, highlighting Hamilton's strong lap and Leclerc's potential for a better time. Vasseur emphasized that race strategy and tyre management would be more important than grid positions, especially given the extreme temperatures expected during the race. Leclerc is the only driver to have run on hard tyres at Sepang, which could provide Ferrari with a strategic advantage.f1technical.netSat 3 Oct · 20:00 UTC
via f1technical.netSRATEGY GUIDE: Did Leclerc and Verstappen put themselves under pressure with their tyre allocation?Max Verstappen achieved his first pole position of the 2026 season at the Bahrain Grand Prix, finishing ahead of Lewis Hamilton by 0.298 seconds. The Red Bull driver set his fastest lap of 1:35.130 during his final run, while Hamilton qualified second with a time of 1:35.428. Isack Hadjar, who initially placed third, will start further down the grid due to a five-place penalty, allowing Kimi Antonelli to take his spot on the front row.
The race strategy is expected to revolve around tyre allocation, with Pirelli highlighting the importance of the Hard compound. Both Verstappen and Charles Leclerc have only one set of Hard tyres available, which may force them to adapt their strategies. Pirelli anticipates that a two-stop strategy will be the baseline for the race, with the potential for rain adding further complexity to the teams' plans.f1technical.netSat 3 Oct · 16:08 UTC
via RaceFans22 videosqualifying results for 2026 Bahrain Grand PrixQualifying for the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix took place at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia. The session focused on the battle for pole position ahead of the race.RaceFans+ 1 moreSat 3 Oct · 09:03 UTC
via Motorsport.comCharles Leclerc reveals touching fan gesture that always makes him emotionalFerrari driver Charles Leclerc shared that hand-drawn pictures from young fans are the gifts that touch him the most. In a social media video, he expressed how these interactions during race weekends stand out, particularly when children present their artwork to him. Leclerc keeps these drawings at home, as they remind him of his own childhood dreams of becoming a Formula 1 driver.
In addition to his reflections on fan interactions, Leclerc is preparing for a new chapter in his life as he and his wife, Alexandra, are expecting their first child. He expressed pride in becoming a father and acknowledged the challenges ahead, while also looking forward to the positivity it will bring. Currently, he sits fifth in the drivers' standings, trailing championship leader Kimi Antonelli by 123 points.Motorsport.comSat 3 Oct · 08:58 UTC
via gpfans.comRUMOURF1 stars face ‘substantial’ Italian tax bills going back EIGHT yearsValtteri Bottas has expressed concerns regarding substantial tax bills that Formula 1 drivers are facing from Italy, which reportedly go back seven or eight years. He noted that while drivers are accustomed to paying taxes in various countries where they race, the retrospective nature of these demands has caused significant frustration among them.
Bottas explained that drivers were previously advised they did not need to file taxes in Italy, leading to confusion when the tax authorities revisited the issue. He emphasised that his frustration lies not in paying taxes, but in the lack of clarity and communication regarding the requirements, particularly given the international nature of their profession.
gpfans.comFri 2 Oct · 17:45 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.
RacingNews365Fri 2 Oct · 17:20 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.RacingNews365+ 1 moreFri 2 Oct · 16:40 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.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 CrashValtteri Bottas clarifies tax comments on ItalyValtteri Bottas has clarified his earlier remarks regarding tax obligations for Formula 1 drivers racing in Italy, stating that they have 'no problem' paying taxes. His comments come in response to warnings from Italian tax authorities targeting F1 drivers.Crash+ 3 moreFri 2 Oct · 12:55 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