via Motorsport.comLewis Hamilton shocked as Ollie Bearman says spider forced Malaysia hotel changeOllie Bearman, a driver for Haas F1 Team, shared a startling experience during a fan event at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. He recounted waking up at 2am to find a spider beside his head, prompting him to immediately request a hotel change from his travel team.
Lewis Hamilton, who has been visiting Malaysia for nearly two decades, expressed his shock at the existence of such large spiders in the country. Bearman described the spider as palm-sized, and Hamilton humorously remarked that he would have preferred sleeping in his car had he known about them.
Motorsport.comSun 4 Oct · 08:54 UTC
via RacingNews365Lewis Hamilton big loser after slick tyre disaster at start of Bahrain GPLewis Hamilton faced a challenging start at the Bahrain Grand Prix, where his decision to start on slick tyres backfired significantly. The race was delayed due to a thunderstorm, and when it finally began, most drivers chose intermediates for the drying track, leaving Hamilton and a few others on slicks at a disadvantage.
As the race progressed, Hamilton's position deteriorated, dropping him to 18th place after just a few laps. Despite a safety car caused by Valtteri Bottas' spin, Hamilton chose not to pit and ultimately finished the race in 15th position, well behind the leaders.
RacingNews365Sun 4 Oct · 08:52 UTC
via Motorsport WeekFIA apologises for Bahrain GP formation lap chaosThe FIA has issued an apology following a chaotic formation lap at the Bahrain Grand Prix, where multiple cars, including those driven by Max Verstappen, experienced power issues and came to a halt. The FIA's single-seater director, Nikolas Tombazis, acknowledged the software glitch that led to the disruption.
Motorsport Week+ 4 moreSun 4 Oct · 08:31 UTC
via thejudge13.comFIA explains software glitch delaying Bahrain GP startThe FIA has detailed a software bug that caused multiple Formula 1 cars to lose power during the formation lap of the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. As a result, the race start was abandoned after several cars, including those of Lewis Hamilton, came to a halt on the damp track.
thejudge13.com+ 1 moreSun 4 Oct · 08:16 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 UTC
via gpfans.comVerstappen wins chaotic Bahrain Grand PrixMax Verstappen secured Red Bull's first victory of the season at the Bahrain Grand Prix, which was marked by a delayed start and significant confusion on the grid. Lewis Hamilton faced issues with his Ferrari during the wet formation lap, contributing to the race's unprecedented chaos.
gpfans.com+ 1 moreSun 4 Oct · 08:04 UTC
via RaceFansBahrain Grand Prix start delayed by rain and technical issuesThe start of the Bahrain Grand Prix was postponed due to heavy rain and technical problems affecting several cars. The FIA provided an explanation for the power losses experienced during the formation lap, which contributed to the chaotic situation.
RaceFans+ 2 moreSun 4 Oct · 08:02 UTC
via RacingNews365Alonso comments on Hamilton's Bahrain GP formation lap chaosFernando Alonso has questioned the decision to abort the start of the Bahrain Grand Prix, citing Lewis Hamilton's presence in the gravel as a source of stress. The incident occurred during the formation lap, leading to a suspension of the race start.RacingNews365+ 1 moreSun 4 Oct · 07:55 UTC
via gpfans.comFIA confirm late Lewis Hamilton Ferrari change at Bahrain Grand PrixThe FIA has confirmed that Ferrari made a late change to Lewis Hamilton's car during the Bahrain Grand Prix weekend, specifically replacing the low pressure fuel pump in his SF-26. Hamilton will start the race from second position at the Sepang International Circuit, with this modification being one of several adjustments made to various cars during parc ferme after qualifying.
In total, nine cars underwent changes, with notable adjustments including new driver's cockpit windshields for McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. Aston Martin also made several modifications to Lance Stroll's AMR26. All changes were conducted with the approval of the FIA technical delegate, adhering to the 2026 Formula One Sporting Regulations.gpfans.comSun 4 Oct · 07:27 UTC
via RacingNews365Lewis Hamilton shares plan to fight Max Verstappen in 'different ball game'Lewis Hamilton is set to compete against Max Verstappen at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, where both drivers secured the front row for the race. Hamilton qualified second, three-tenths of a second behind Verstappen, and is focused on maintaining pace with the Dutch driver during the 56-lap race.
Hamilton highlighted the challenges posed by the Sepang International Circuit, particularly the abrasive track surface and oppressive temperatures. He emphasised the need for effective tyre management, stating that the race conditions will be significantly different from qualifying. Despite the challenges, Hamilton expressed optimism about his car's performance and his ability to keep up with Verstappen.RacingNews365Sun 4 Oct · 04:30 UTC
via 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 UTCvia RacingNews365How Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton turned the tables on exposed MercedesMax Verstappen achieved his first pole position of the season at the Bahrain Grand Prix, showcasing Red Bull's strong performance at the Sepang International Circuit. Lewis Hamilton qualified second, demonstrating the competitiveness of Ferrari, while Mercedes faced challenges, with Kimi Antonelli and George Russell starting fourth and eighth respectively.
The qualifying session highlighted ongoing issues for Mercedes, who struggled to integrate a significant upgrade package. This marked the first time this season that no Mercedes car made it into the top three, raising concerns about the timing of their development changes and their impact on performance.RacingNews365Sat 3 Oct · 17:25 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 f1technical.netFernando Alonso praises Aston Martin's qualifying progressFernando Alonso highlighted Aston Martin's best qualifying performance of the 2026 season, achieving a strong 12th place at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. Alonso urged caution despite this milestone, as both he and Lance Stroll advanced to Q2 during the session.f1technical.net+ 2 moreSat 3 Oct · 16:03 UTC
via Motorsport WeekAston Martin benefits from Honda engine upgradeAston Martin achieved a significant improvement in qualifying for the Bahrain Grand Prix, attributed to a recent upgrade from Honda. The ADUO2 upgrade, which was incorporated at the Spanish Grand Prix, has been linked to the team's enhanced performance.Motorsport Week+ 1 moreSat 3 Oct · 16:00 UTC
via gpfans.comLewis Hamilton's Malaysia fury over 'unacceptable' engine failureLewis Hamilton expressed his anger over an engine failure during the Malaysian Grand Prix at Sepang, which he deemed 'unacceptable'. This incident occurred on October 2, marking the ten-year anniversary of a significant retirement in his career. The failure, attributed to a big-end bearing issue, happened on Lap 41, leaving Hamilton frustrated as he was in a strong position to challenge for the championship against his teammate Nico Rosberg.
After the race, Hamilton demanded answers from Mercedes, questioning why he was the only driver experiencing engine failures despite having multiple engines available. He suggested that someone did not want him to win, although he clarified that he was not accusing anyone at Mercedes. The team's technical chief, Paddy Lowe, refuted claims of sabotage, stating that if they could arrange such failures, they would not have any at all.gpfans.comSat 3 Oct · 15:57 UTC
via gpfans.comMartin Brundle calls Bahrain GP grid reset fair decisionMartin Brundle praised the FIA's decision to reset the grid for the Bahrain Grand Prix, describing it as 'smart and fair'. His comments followed the chaotic scenes that unfolded during the formation lap of the race.gpfans.com+ 4 moreSat 3 Oct · 14:55 UTC
via Motorsport WeekFernando Alonso praises Aston Martin's Sepang performanceFernando Alonso credited Aston Martin's strong performance at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia to a 'miracle' as the team achieved its best result of the season. He highlighted the team's ability to capitalise on the chaotic wet conditions, finishing in eighth place.Motorsport Week+ 5 moreSat 3 Oct · 14:04 UTC
via RacingNews365Honda send clear message as Aston Martin smash through stumbling blockHonda's trackside general manager Shintaro Orihara acknowledged Aston Martin's achievement of getting both Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll into Q2 during the Bahrain Grand Prix qualifying. This marked a significant milestone as it was the first time both drivers progressed beyond Q1 together this season, with Alonso starting from P12 and Stroll from P14.
The result is particularly noteworthy given the challenges faced by Honda and Aston Martin in their first season as a works team. Orihara highlighted the importance of data analysis and preparation in achieving this result, which he described as a positive step forward amidst ongoing integration issues and performance shortfalls.RacingNews365Sat 3 Oct · 13:55 UTC
via RacingNews365Verstappen-Hamilton ‘flashback’ as Mercedes sufferMax Verstappen clinched his first pole position of the 2026 Formula 1 season during qualifying for the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. Lewis Hamilton joined him on the front row, benefiting from significant improvements made to the Ferrari SF-26, which finally performed well in qualifying.
Meanwhile, Mercedes struggled with their new upgrade package, leading to disappointing results. Aston Martin made a notable impact by achieving a double Q2 appearance, showcasing their progress in the competitive field. The Bahrain GP is set to take place on October 4, 2026.RacingNews365Sat 3 Oct · 13:20 UTC
via f1oversteer.comRUMOURHamilton's Bahrain qualifying lap impresses punditsLewis Hamilton's second-place finish in Bahrain Grand Prix qualifying has been described as a 'massive mic drop' moment, particularly in light of ongoing Ferrari rumours. David Coulthard noted that Hamilton's performance was remarkable, placing him alongside Max Verstappen on the front row for the race.
f1oversteer.com+ 1 moreSat 3 Oct · 13:00 UTC
via gpfans.comLewis Hamilton lays out Ferrari F1 battle plan to win Bahrain Grand PrixLewis Hamilton has shared his strategy for the upcoming Bahrain Grand Prix, where he will start from second on the grid, just behind pole-sitter Max Verstappen. He highlighted the importance of not getting drawn into a race that does not suit his Ferrari car, particularly due to its straight line speed disadvantage compared to Red Bull.
Hamilton noted that while Ferrari may have an edge in low-speed corners, the key to success will be managing tyre degradation. He expressed the need to balance pushing through corners to compensate for losses on straights while ensuring the tyres do not overheat. Despite acknowledging Verstappen's pace advantage, Hamilton remains determined to compete effectively during the race.gpfans.comSat 3 Oct · 12:54 UTC%2FGettyImages-2298168619.webp&w=1200&q=70)
via Formula1.comFernando Alonso achieves Aston Martin's best result in 2026Fernando Alonso secured Aston Martin's best finish of the 2026 Formula 1 season with an eighth-place result at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. This performance marked the team's first points since August and was described by Alonso as a 'miracle' given the challenges faced this season.
Formula1.com+ 2 moreSat 3 Oct · 12:32 UTC
via BBC Sport'Incredible' Red Bull upgrade enlivens F1 in 'roasting hot' MalaysiaMax Verstappen achieved his first pole position of the 2026 season at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, showcasing a dominant performance throughout the weekend. Lewis Hamilton, starting from second, expressed concerns about Verstappen's pace, recalling their intense rivalry from previous seasons. Red Bull's recent upgrades have significantly improved their car's performance, allowing Verstappen to take the lead in qualifying.
Isack Hadjar, who missed the first three races after an injury, noted a marked improvement in the car's handling since his return. Meanwhile, Mercedes faced challenges with their new aerodynamic upgrade, struggling to find the right balance on the demanding Sepang track. Kimi Antonelli, starting from third, highlighted the importance of strategy and track position for the upcoming race, particularly in the hot conditions expected.
BBC SportSat 3 Oct · 12:25 UTC