News1172 stories
RSS ↗
via gpfans.comThe bizarre reason F1 star George Russell will race in a 60C ‘oven’ at Bahrain Grand PrixGeorge Russell will compete in the Bahrain Grand Prix without a cooling vest, facing extreme temperatures expected to reach 60C inside his Mercedes cockpit. This decision comes as Mercedes reallocates resources due to the constraints of Formula 1's cost cap regulations, which limit team spending to $215 million in 2026.
Russell highlighted the challenges of racing in such heat, recalling his previous experience of dehydration during the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix. He believes that the development of cooling vests should be exempt from the budget cap, arguing that all drivers should have access to this technology to ensure their safety and performance.
via f1oversteer.comCarlos Sainz admits ‘desire will shift’ away from Williams if he never gets what George Russell hasCarlos Sainz has always maintained that he is happy to see his future at Williams, but now it seems the love affair is conditional for ...
via f1oversteer.comKimi Antonelli leads Mercedes in final practice at SepangKimi Antonelli topped the final practice session for the Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang, marking a significant turnaround for Mercedes after a challenging Friday. The performance highlighted the team's potential following recent upgrades and provided valuable data for their race strategy.
via theguardian.comKimi Antonelli tops FP3 at Bahrain Grand Prix in MalaysiaKimi Antonelli topped the final practice session for the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, recovering from a challenging Friday for Mercedes. His performance alleviated concerns regarding the team's upgraded W17 car, although team-mate George Russell was six tenths slower.
via PlanetF1Red Bull expresses wish for team orders with VerstappenRed Bull Racing has revealed a desire to implement team orders involving Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar. The team decided against imposing such orders during the recent race in Baku.
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.
via RacingNews365George Russell voices weakened Mercedes upgrade fear after ominous signsGeorge Russell has expressed concerns that Mercedes' latest aerodynamic upgrade is being compromised by extreme tyre overheating at the Sepang International Circuit during the Bahrain Grand Prix. Despite being second fastest in the first practice session, Russell's performance dropped to seventh in the second session, highlighting the difficulties faced by the W17 car under the unique conditions of the track.
The team brought significant upgrades, including a reworked floor and diffuser, but have struggled to achieve the expected performance gains. Trackside engineering director Andrew Shovlin noted that the team is facing challenges with tyre wear and balance, which have hindered their ability to extract the anticipated improvements from the new components. They are optimistic about making progress with setup changes and data analysis ahead of the race weekend.
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.
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.
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.
via F1iMax Verstappen and Charles Leclerc lead in SepangMax Verstappen of Red Bull Racing and Charles Leclerc of Ferrari topped the timesheets during the opening days of the Bahrain Grand Prix weekend in Sepang. Their performances have set the stage for an exciting qualifying session ahead.
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.
via CrashMax Verstappen's unique tyre strategy in Bahrain practiceMax Verstappen employed an unusual medium-tyre strategy during Free Practice 2 for the Bahrain Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit. The session saw lap times significantly slower than expected, attributed to the poor track surface.
via Motorsport.comMax Verstappen explains tyre strategy in practiceMax Verstappen revealed that he opted for a medium-tyre strategy during Free Practice 2 at the Sepang International Circuit due to concerns about potential rain. The Red Bull driver did not conduct a qualifying simulation run, prioritising caution over performance.
via Motorsport.comVerstappen and Hadjar urge Red Bull to experiment nowMax Verstappen and Isack Hadjar have encouraged Red Bull Racing to make all necessary mistakes during the remaining races of the 2026 season. Their aim is to prepare effectively for the 2027 season, while also avoiding a winless year in 2026.
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.
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.
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.
via PlanetF1Charles 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.
via f1oversteer.comCharles 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.Page 3 of 59