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 Motorsport.comF1 Bahrain GP in Malaysia: Saturday schedule, weather forecast and how to watchThe Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia is set for Saturday with Charles Leclerc leading the pack after the second practice session. He narrowly edged out Isack Hadjar, while Lando Norris, Max Verstappen, and Lewis Hamilton rounded out the top five. Mercedes faced challenges, with both George Russell and Kimi Antonelli struggling to maximise their soft-tyre runs.
Saturday's schedule includes final practice at 12:30pm MYT followed by qualifying at 4:00pm MYT. The weather forecast indicates hot and humid conditions, with temperatures around 32-33C and a possibility of thunderstorms earlier in the day. Teams will need to prepare for changing grip levels as they navigate the challenging Sepang circuit.
Motorsport.comFri 2 Oct · 17:13 UTC
via Motorsport.comF1 Bahrain GP in Malaysia: Sunday schedule, weather forecast and how to watchMax Verstappen achieved pole position for the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, dominating the qualifying sessions. His final lap placed him ahead of Lewis Hamilton, who will start second. Isack Hadjar initially qualified third but will face a five-place grid penalty, promoting Andrea Kimi Antonelli to third on the grid.
The race is set for October 4, 2026, at 3:00 PM MYT, with weather conditions expected to be hot and humid, along with the possibility of thunderstorms. Sky Sports will broadcast the event in the UK, while Apple TV will offer free streaming in the United States. The Sepang circuit's challenging surface and weather conditions will require teams to strategise effectively.Motorsport.comFri 2 Oct · 17:13 UTC
via gpfans.comFIA imposes double penalty on Lewis Hamilton and FerrariThe FIA has announced a 30-place grid penalty for Lewis Hamilton following an investigation into his actions during the Bahrain Grand Prix. The ruling also includes a penalty for Ferrari, raising questions about the legality of the grid order reset after the formation lap.
gpfans.com+ 1 moreFri 2 Oct · 15:45 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 F1iHamilton escapes penalty as Ferrari hit with €10,000 impeding fineLewis Hamilton escaped with little more than a slap on the wrist after impeding Audi’s Gabriel Bortoleto during...
F1iFri 2 Oct · 13:38 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 f1technical.netFerrari fined after Hamilton's incident with Bortoleto in second Sepang practiceLewis Hamilton was given a warning by the FIA stewards after unnecessarily impeding Gabriel Bortoleto during the second practice session of this weekend's Bahrain Grand Prix.f1technical.netFri 2 Oct · 12:46 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 CrashLewis Hamilton under investigation over incident during F1 practice againLewis Hamilton is facing an investigation for blocking Gabriel Bortoleto during the second practice session at the Bahrain Grand Prix. The incident occurred when Hamilton was on the racing line and failed to see Bortoleto approaching, leading to the Audi driver expressing his frustration over the radio.
This marks the third consecutive weekend where Hamilton has been involved in similar blocking incidents, having previously received a reprimand for impeding Liam Lawson in Azerbaijan. Hamilton attributed the incidents to challenges posed by the new engine regulations and mentioned difficulties with visibility in his car.
CrashFri 2 Oct · 08:45 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 gpfans.comLewis Hamilton on brink of penalty heading into Bahrain Grand PrixLewis Hamilton is facing a potential grid penalty as he has exhausted all seven power unit components available for the 2026 Formula 1 season. The FIA's report indicates that Hamilton, along with Max Verstappen, is on the edge of needing a replacement part, with Hamilton's situation being particularly critical as he has no components left to spare.
As the Bahrain Grand Prix approaches, three drivers, Isack Hadjar, Franco Colapinto, and Arvid Lindblad, will incur grid penalties for exceeding their engine allocations. Hadjar and Colapinto will only change their Internal Combustion Engines, while Lindblad will also replace his Turbo Charger and Exhaust, resulting in a significant drop to the back of the grid.gpfans.comFri 2 Oct · 07:43 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 gpfans.comRUMOURFerrari drama as F1 boss intervenes and uncomfortable Hamilton question asked - F1 News TodayStefano Domenicali has entered the discussion regarding Ferrari's leadership, particularly concerning Fred Vasseur's uncertain future as team principal. The team's recent performance has declined, leading to speculation about potential changes in management, especially after Christian Horner's interest in the role.
In addition, Sky Sports commentator David Croft raised challenging questions about Lewis Hamilton's involvement in the ongoing tensions at Ferrari. The team has faced criticism for not meeting expectations this season, despite earlier successes in Barcelona and Silverstone.gpfans.comFri 2 Oct · 04:15 UTC
via RaceFansOn This Day: Hamilton suffers title blow as Ricciardo wins Malaysian GP | BriefOn October 2, 2016, Daniel Ricciardo claimed victory at the Malaysian Grand Prix, a race that significantly impacted the championship standings. Nico Rosberg, the championship leader at the time, was involved in an incident on the first lap with Sebastian Vettel, which altered the dynamics of the race.
Lewis Hamilton, who was in a strong position to reduce Rosberg's points lead, faced a major setback when his Mercedes power unit failed. This mechanical issue left Hamilton with a challenging road ahead in the remaining races of the season, prompting him to voice his concerns about the situation.RaceFansThu 1 Oct · 23:01 UTC
via f1chronicle.comLewis Hamilton defends Fred Vasseur amid criticismLewis Hamilton has defended Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur, rejecting the negative narrative surrounding his leadership. Hamilton stated that critics should direct their frustrations elsewhere, emphasising the need for unity within the team.
f1chronicle.com+ 1 moreThu 1 Oct · 21:37 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 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 f1oversteer.comDavid Coulthard hails Max Verstappen for showing a Michael Schumacher trait Lewis Hamilton lacksDavid Coulthard thinks Max Verstappen is the “benchmark” driver on the 2026 F1 grid because he shares one trait with Michael Schumacher that Lewis Hamilton ...f1oversteer.comThu 1 Oct · 19:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comForget Ollie Bearman, Ferrari must look at Fred Vasseur favourite to be Lewis Hamilton’s successorOliver Bearman, who has been seen as a potential successor to Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari, faces increasing competition from Rafael Camara. With Hamilton likely to remain at Ferrari until at least 2028 and Charles Leclerc's new contract, Bearman's chances of joining the team are diminishing. He will continue with Haas in 2027, but the arrival of Camara could complicate his future prospects.
Camara, a Ferrari-backed driver, is currently battling for the Formula 2 title and has shown impressive pace in testing. With Esteban Ocon leaving Haas, Camara is expected to replace him, which could threaten Bearman's position. If Camara performs well, he may fast-track his way to Ferrari, leaving Bearman in a precarious situation regarding his career trajectory.f1oversteer.comThu 1 Oct · 18:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comFerrari told Lewis Hamilton is the only driver in F1 who has to make one complaint on the radioFerrari has been informed that Lewis Hamilton is the only Formula 1 driver who consistently makes complaints over the radio, particularly regarding battery deployment strategies. Jamie Chadwick observed that during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Hamilton was vocal in requesting different energy deployment, highlighting a potential issue with Ferrari's hybrid system optimisation compared to rivals like Mercedes.
Chadwick pointed out that while Ferrari may have the best chassis on the grid, they struggle with engine performance, which Hamilton has estimated to be around four-tenths slower per lap. Both Hamilton and Ferrari's team principal, Fred Vasseur, have acknowledged that the team's execution during race weekends has not met title-winning standards, contributing to Hamilton's frustrations.f1oversteer.comThu 1 Oct · 16:30 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 PlanetF1RUMOURHamilton grilled on Vasseur future, double Bahrain GP penalty imminent – roundupLewis Hamilton has expressed his belief that Fred Vasseur has the full backing of Ferrari amid speculation about Vasseur's future with the team. Ferrari has publicly stated their confidence in Vasseur, who may face changes at the end of the 2026 season.
In other news, the FIA is set to confirm penalties for the Bahrain Grand Prix, with Isack Hadjar and Arvid Lindblad both facing grid penalties. Meanwhile, Lance Stroll has highlighted a significant performance gap due to Honda's power issues, while Charles Leclerc's car was found compliant after a thorough inspection following the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
PlanetF1Thu 1 Oct · 16:03 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