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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 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 f1oversteer.comRUMOURLeclerc criticises rumours about Vasseur's futureCharles Leclerc has described the speculation surrounding Fred Vasseur's position as Ferrari team principal as 'silly' and noted that he observed Ferrari employees engaging in behaviour that is 'not good'. Will Buxton also warned that replacing Vasseur with Christian Horner would be 'absolutely ludicrous'.f1oversteer.com+ 1 moreThu 1 Oct · 11:00 UTC
via Motorsport WeekRUMOURCharles Leclerc defends Fred Vasseur amid speculationCharles Leclerc has publicly supported Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur, dismissing ongoing rumours linking Christian Horner to the role. To avoid distractions from the speculation, Leclerc has deleted social media applications from his phone.Motorsport Week+ 3 moreThu 1 Oct · 09:31 UTCvia Motorsport WeekCharles Leclerc backs Ferrari boss Fred VasseurCharles Leclerc has expressed his support for Ferrari Team Principal Fred Vasseur as he faces pressure ahead of the Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. Leclerc stated that he has trust in Vasseur's leadership during this challenging period for the team.Motorsport Week+ 1 moreThu 1 Oct · 09:31 UTC
via gpfans.comBottas highlights driver concerns over Imola finaleValtteri Bottas has expressed that Formula 1 drivers are not particularly enthusiastic about the proposed December season finale at Imola. He cited concerns over the weather conditions and potential tax implications in Italy as significant factors influencing their reluctance.newsonf1.com+ 2 moreThu 1 Oct · 07:14 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 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 PlanetF1RUMOURBottas responds as Cadillac F1 relocation plans branded ‘suboptimal’Valtteri Bottas has defended Cadillac F1's plans to split its operations between the United Kingdom and the United States, following criticism from Otmar Szafnauer, who labelled the strategy as 'suboptimal' for achieving championship success. Bottas expressed confidence in the team's approach, highlighting the advantages of having a manufacturing facility in Indianapolis and a power unit project in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Team principal Marcin Budkowski responded to concerns about staff relocations, asserting that the Silverstone facility remains impressive and that the relocation rumors are unfounded. Bottas emphasized that the focus should be on the team's people and their ability to design and build competitive race cars, rather than solely on the facilities themselves.PlanetF1Wed 30 Sep · 14:10 UTC
via Motorsport.comBottas confirms Cadillac brake fix reduced temperatures by 100CValtteri Bottas has announced that Cadillac's recent modifications to their brake cooling system have successfully lowered front brake temperatures by approximately 100 degrees Celsius. This improvement addresses a significant reliability issue that the team has faced in its early Formula 1 campaign.Motorsport.com+ 1 moreWed 30 Sep · 09:43 UTC