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 RaceFansLindblad, Colapinto and Hadjar face grid penalties in MalaysiaArvid Lindblad will receive a 30-place grid penalty for power unit changes ahead of the Formula 1 race in Malaysia. Both Franco Colapinto and Isack Hadjar will also incur penalties, affecting their starting positions.
RaceFans+ 1 moreFri 2 Oct · 07:43 UTC
via Motorsport WeekF1 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia – Free Practice 1 ResultsMax Verstappen from Red Bull Racing secured the fastest time in Free Practice 1 for the Bahrain Grand Prix held at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia. He clocked a lap of 1m 37.520s, finishing nearly four tenths ahead of Mercedes driver George Russell, who came in second. Red Bull's Isack Hadjar took third place, while Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli rounded out the top five.
The practice session marked Formula 1's return to the Sepang circuit after a hiatus since 2017, with teams focusing on gathering data and testing various setups. McLaren's drivers, Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, finished in 11th and 12th positions respectively. Additionally, Racing Bulls driver Arvid Lindblad is set to receive a grid penalty due to a power unit change.
Motorsport WeekFri 2 Oct · 06:51 UTC
via Motorsport.comFernando Alonso reveals touching first karting experience with son Leonard at just two months oldFernando Alonso has shared a touching moment from his early fatherhood, revealing that he took his son Leonard for a lap in a go-kart when he was just two months old. During an interview, Alonso expressed his excitement about introducing Leonard to motorsport and shared that his son has already felt the thrill of racing.
Alonso, who is currently driving for Aston Martin, has extended his contract with the team until the end of 2027. He welcomed Leonard with his partner Melissa Jimenez in March 2026. Despite a challenging season for Aston Martin, Alonso remains optimistic about his family life and looks forward to creating more memories with his son as he balances his racing career.
Motorsport.comFri 2 Oct · 05:43 UTC
via RacingNews365three drivers receive grid penalties for Bahrain GPThe FIA has confirmed that Isack Hadjar from Red Bull will start the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia from five places back due to a new power unit element. Additionally, Franco Colapinto from Alpine faces a 15-place penalty for a collision, while Arvid Lindblad has been handed a significant 30-place penalty.
RacingNews365+ 4 moreFri 2 Oct · 05:10 UTC
via f1oversteer.comFernando Alonso claims ‘half’ of today’s grid wouldn’t survive Sepang with yesterday's F1 carsFernando Alonso has expressed that he believes half of the current Formula 1 grid would struggle to complete a race at the Sepang International Circuit if they were driving older generation cars. This statement comes as the circuit makes its return to the F1 calendar for the first time since 2017, with many drivers set to experience it for the first time.
Alonso, a three-time race winner at Sepang, reflected on the challenging conditions of the track, particularly the extreme heat. He noted that while modern cars are easier to handle, the older models posed significant difficulties, recalling his own experiences of exhaustion during races in the past. Despite being the oldest driver on the grid at 45, Alonso remains in peak physical condition as he prepares for the upcoming Bahrain Grand Prix.
f1oversteer.comThu 1 Oct · 19:30 UTC
via RacingNews365Fernando Alonso names 'hardest thing' in deciding to remain in F1Fernando Alonso has shared that one of the hardest decisions he faced regarding his future in Formula 1 was whether to continue racing or retire. He announced that he will stay with Aston Martin for the 2027 season, marking his 24th year in the sport. By the end of his career, he could achieve 472 grand prix starts, which would represent nearly 40% of all world championship races.
Despite his decision to continue, Alonso expressed frustration with the current generation of Formula 1 cars, stating they lack the challenge he desires. He highlighted issues with the driving experience, particularly how the design of the cars has changed the nature of racing. Alonso hopes that discussions about future regulations will lead to improvements that enhance the enjoyment of driving in the coming seasons.RacingNews365Thu 1 Oct · 16:20 UTC
via Formula1.comRUMOURAlonso staying at Aston Martin 'a strong signal' – KrackFernando Alonso has officially confirmed his commitment to Aston Martin for the 2027 season, putting an end to speculation regarding his future in Formula 1. Aston Martin's Chief Trackside Officer, Mike Krack, expressed that Alonso's decision is a strong signal of trust in the team's potential, especially as they aim to improve after a challenging season.
Krack highlighted the importance of both Alonso and Lance Stroll continuing with the team, noting their positive influence during tough times. Alonso's decision was influenced by his passion for racing and his views on the future direction of Formula 1 regulations, particularly regarding a potential shift in power unit composition.
Formula1.comThu 1 Oct · 15:29 UTC
via grandprix.comReport puts Alonso's 2027 deal above his previous contractsFernando Alonso has secured a one-year contract extension with Aston Martin for the 2027 season, although the team has not revealed the financial details. According to a report from Mundo Deportivo, the terms of this new deal surpass any of Alonso's previous agreements in his long Formula 1 career.
While the exact figures remain unverified and should be treated with caution, the extension ensures that Alonso, now 45, will continue racing alongside Lance Stroll. Aston Martin aims to enhance its performance with its Honda power unit and recent investments in technical resources, as they prepare for the upcoming season.grandprix.comThu 1 Oct · 15:09 UTC
via RacingNews365Isack Hadjar outlines repeat Red Bull plan after 'huge step'Isack Hadjar is set to approach the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia similarly to his recent performance in Baku, where he achieved a podium finish after recovering from a wrist injury. He missed three races but returned to the RB22 cockpit, benefiting from Red Bull's significant aerodynamic upgrades.
Hadjar plans to take a gradual approach in Malaysia, focusing on acclimatising to the unfamiliar Sepang circuit. He expressed optimism about the upgrades that worked well in Baku but acknowledged the need to adapt to the different track layout in Malaysia.RacingNews365Thu 1 Oct · 13:40 UTC
via racer.comAlonso hints at ‘surprises’ to come: ‘I want to find the limits of what is possible’Fernando Alonso has extended his contract with Aston Martin until 2027, continuing his Formula 1 career into his mid-40s. The two-time world champion is eager to explore new challenges and hinted at surprises in his future commitments outside of Formula 1, showcasing his adaptability across various motorsport disciplines.
Despite uncertainties about the enjoyment of the upcoming regulations, Alonso remains committed to racing, stating that he feels fast and motivated. He believes in giving the current rules another chance, expressing a desire to push the limits of performance and explore possibilities that others may deem impossible.
racer.comThu 1 Oct · 11:28 UTC
via CrashFernando Alonso explains motivation for Aston Martin stayFernando Alonso has revealed that his decision to continue his Formula 1 career with Aston Martin is driven by a desire to compete at a high level. He expressed that the team's potential and his personal passion for racing are key factors in his commitment to stay until at least 2027.
Crash+ 1 moreThu 1 Oct · 10:45 UTC
via gpfans.comRUMOURF1 champion Fernando Alonso handed career-high payday at the age of 45Fernando Alonso has secured a new contract with Aston Martin that reportedly makes him the highest-paid driver of his career at the age of 45. The deal, which will take effect in 2027, is said to exceed $40 million annually, surpassing his previous earnings at McLaren.
In an official statement, Alonso expressed his happiness about the contract and his commitment to the team. This new salary positions him as the joint-third highest-paid driver in Formula 1, behind Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, while overtaking other notable drivers like Charles Leclerc and George Russell.
gpfans.comThu 1 Oct · 09:57 UTC
via Motorsport.com"Whenever I watch TV, I think I would do better" – The real reason Fernando Alonso stays in F1Fernando Alonso has officially extended his Formula 1 career into the 2027 season, marking his 24th year in the sport. The announcement came ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix, with Alonso stating that his conversation with Aston Martin team owner Lawrence Stroll was brief and straightforward, as both parties were eager to continue their partnership.
Alonso expressed that his motivation to race stems from a desire to compete and improve, feeling that he can outperform current drivers when watching from home. He also mentioned the importance of potential regulatory changes for 2027, which he hopes will enhance the racing experience. Despite no immediate changes to next year's regulations, Alonso remains committed to pushing for improvements in the sport.Motorsport.comThu 1 Oct · 09:23 UTC
via CrashLance Stroll highlights two-second deficit with HondaLance Stroll has expressed concern over Aston Martin's performance, stating the team is currently missing two seconds in engine performance compared to competitors. This follows Honda's recent engine upgrade, which Stroll described as insufficient to close the gap.Crash+ 1 moreThu 1 Oct · 08:50 UTC
via espn.comFernando Alonso extends Aston Martin contract to 2027Fernando Alonso has confirmed he will continue racing in Formula 1 with Aston Martin until 2027. Despite acknowledging the possibility of facing another challenging season, Alonso expressed that competing is preferable to watching from home.
espn.comThu 1 Oct · 08:50 UTC
via RacingNews365Fernando Alonso confirms Aston Martin contract extensionFernando Alonso has confirmed that he will remain in Formula 1 beyond 2026 after signing a new contract with Aston Martin. The two-time world champion also hinted at potential surprises in his motorsport career.RacingNews365Thu 1 Oct · 07:20 UTC
via Formula1.comRalf Schumacher on his brother and ‘idol’ MichaelRalf Schumacher recently reflected on his brother Michael Schumacher's final Formula 1 victory, which occurred 20 years ago at the Shanghai International Circuit. On that day, Michael crossed the finish line ahead of Fernando Alonso, marking a significant moment in his illustrious career, as it was his last of 91 wins.
The article highlights Michael's remarkable achievements in Formula 1, including 68 pole positions and 155 podium finishes, accumulating over 1,500 points throughout his career. This victory not only showcased his talent but also solidified his status as one of the sport's greatest drivers.Formula1.comThu 1 Oct · 07:09 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 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 RaceFansOn This Day: Schumacher scores final win and draws level with Alonso on points | BriefOn October 1, 2006, Michael Schumacher achieved his final Formula 1 victory at the Chinese Grand Prix, marking his 91st win in the sport. This victory allowed him to equal Fernando Alonso in the championship standings, with only two races left in the season.
Schumacher's record of 91 wins stood until Lewis Hamilton matched it in 2020. The significance of this win was heightened by the fact that it was Schumacher's last before his retirement from Formula 1, solidifying his legacy as one of the sport's greatest drivers.RaceFansWed 30 Sep · 23:01 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 PlanetF1RUMOURLance Stroll F1 salary revealed; Alonso engine findings; Ferrari ‘bickering’ – roundupLance Stroll's salary for the 2025 Formula 1 season has been disclosed in Aston Martin's financial accounts, revealing he earned $12.2 million. Meanwhile, Fernando Alonso has raised concerns about issues with his Honda engine, although Honda's chief engineer claims the data shows no problems.
Flavio Briatore has commented on the current situation at Ferrari, suggesting that there is internal conflict between the drivers. This comes amidst speculation regarding team principal Fred Vasseur's future and the overall performance of the Ferrari team.PlanetF1Wed 30 Sep · 19:02 UTC