George RussellIsack HadjarLiam LawsonMartin Brundle 
via CrashMercedes questions W17 upgrade after Bahrain GP strugglesMercedes is left searching for answers following a disappointing performance at the Bahrain Grand Prix, where the team struggled to integrate its significant aerodynamic upgrade to the W17. George Russell described the situation as a 'big question mark' for the team after failing to replicate their promising pace from earlier practice sessions.
Crash+ 3 moreFri 2 Oct · 08:20 UTC
via f1oversteer.comMercedes just dealt George Russell a bigger ‘drop off’ blow than Max Verstappen’s pace at SepangDuring Practice 1 of the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, George Russell secured second place but faced significant tyre degradation issues, as confirmed by Mercedes. Max Verstappen dominated the session, finishing 0.383 seconds ahead of Russell, raising concerns for the Mercedes team regarding their performance.
Russell inquired about the tyre situation over the radio, revealing that Mercedes was struggling compared to Red Bull. The team indicated that they were the outliers in terms of tyre performance, which could lead to a challenging race weekend if not addressed. Russell is hoping for rain to potentially alter the tyre dynamics in his favour.
f1oversteer.comFri 2 Oct · 07:00 UTC
via RacingNews365RUMOURGeorge Russell tipped to ignite extraordinary F1 title comeback with ‘fire in his eyes’George Russell's recent performance in Azerbaijan has sparked optimism about his chances in the Formula 1 title race. After achieving his first grand chelem, Russell demonstrated a strong drive that has led pundit Martin Brundle to suggest he could find 'another gear' in the upcoming races. Despite Kimi Antonelli's commanding lead in the championship, Russell's performance has reignited hopes for a comeback.
Brundle noted that the title race remains open, especially with challenging circuits ahead that could lead to unpredictable results. Antonelli's struggles in qualifying and Russell's ability to recover highlight the competitive nature of the season. With Mercedes' anticipated upgrades, Russell's prospects for the remainder of the season look promising.
RacingNews365Fri 2 Oct · 06:10 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 f1oversteer.comMax Verstappen leads first practice in MalaysiaMax Verstappen recorded the fastest time in the first practice session at the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. The Red Bull driver outpaced George Russell, setting a strong tone for the weekend.f1oversteer.com+ 1 moreFri 2 Oct · 05:31 UTC
via Motorsport.comMax Verstappen's Sepang answer has F1 fans falling for him all over againMax Verstappen, the Red Bull Racing driver, provided a humorous response when asked about preparing for the heat at Sepang, stating he had undergone 'intense preparation' but mostly relied on his experience. He compared the conditions to those in Monaco and suggested that spending time in a sauna could help acclimatise to the heat.
Fans reacted positively to Verstappen's candidness, finding him relatable and down-to-earth. Despite his laid-back attitude, he remains passionate about racing and aims to secure at least one win before the season concludes, while acknowledging the competitive edge of Mercedes on various circuits.Motorsport.comFri 2 Oct · 05:23 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 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 RacingNews365George Russell comments on Mercedes' Bahrain upgradesGeorge Russell expressed caution regarding the impact of Mercedes' significant aerodynamic upgrades at the Bahrain Grand Prix, suggesting that tyre issues may be obscuring their effectiveness. The upgrades are the most substantial seen on the W17 cars since the Canadian Grand Prix in May.RacingNews365+ 2 moreFri 2 Oct · 03:07 UTC
via PlanetF1Mercedes unveils major upgrades for Bahrain Grand PrixMercedes has introduced significant updates to its W17 car for the Bahrain Grand Prix, featuring a reworked floor and new sidepods. George Russell has provided his first impressions of the upgrades following their debut at the race.
PlanetF1+ 4 moreFri 2 Oct · 02:40 UTC
via RacingNews365Oscar Piastri raises menacing Mercedes concern: 'That's not a great sign'Oscar Piastri has voiced concerns regarding Mercedes' recent performance, particularly after George Russell's dominant victory in Baku and the introduction of a significant upgrade for the upcoming Malaysian Grand Prix. Piastri highlighted that Russell's pole position and race win indicate a strong showing from Mercedes, which could pose challenges for McLaren.
Piastri believes that the Sepang circuit's layout may favour McLaren more than Baku did, as it features high-speed corners that align with their strengths. However, he remains cautious about Mercedes' upgrades, which are designed to enhance their cornering capabilities without sacrificing straight-line speed, potentially complicating McLaren's efforts to compete effectively.RacingNews365Thu 1 Oct · 21:00 UTC
via PlanetF1Liam Lawson expecting Red Bull future decision in ‘next few weeks’Liam Lawson has stated that he is still waiting for news regarding his future with Red Bull, with a decision expected in the coming weeks. Currently, he is ninth in the Drivers' standings and has expressed confidence in his performance this season, despite the uncertainty surrounding his contract for 2027.
Lawson, along with teammate Arvid Lindblad, is among the drivers whose seats have yet to be confirmed. The situation is complicated by the presence of Nikola Tsolov, a promising Red Bull junior, who is also in contention for a seat. Lawson remains focused on his racing while awaiting the outcome of discussions about the team's driver lineup.PlanetF1Thu 1 Oct · 17:02 UTC
via Motorsport.comGeorge Russell flags tyre overheating concern ahead of Malaysian Grand PrixGeorge Russell has expressed concerns about tyre overheating at the Malaysian Grand Prix, which could complicate overtaking maneuvers. He highlighted that the hot conditions at the Sepang International Circuit may lead to aggressive tyre degradation, making it difficult for drivers to maintain close racing.
With the FIA declaring a heat hazard for the weekend, both Russell and McLaren's Oscar Piastri are preparing for a challenging race. The resurfaced track, which hasn't hosted a race since 2017, may present grip issues, and Friday's practice sessions will be vital for teams to assess tyre performance and adapt to the conditions.Motorsport.comThu 1 Oct · 13:51 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 BBC SportRUMOURRussell says his 'confidence is back and growing'George Russell expressed renewed confidence following his recent victory in Azerbaijan, stating he no longer feels lost and is ready to compete for wins consistently. With seven or eight races remaining, he aims to close the 66-point gap to his teammate Kimi Antonelli in the championship standings. Russell noted that he has adjusted his driving style to better suit the Mercedes car, allowing him to focus more on speed rather than adjustments.
Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton backed Ferrari's team principal Frederic Vasseur amidst speculation about his future, asserting that removing him would be a mistake. Hamilton highlighted Ferrari's improvement this season, noting their second place in the constructors' championship despite a power deficit compared to rivals. He emphasised the importance of building on their progress and maintaining a strong foundation for future success.
BBC SportThu 1 Oct · 11:07 UTC
via Formula1.comAntonelli believes Russell has ‘got the momentum’Kimi Antonelli has expressed his belief that George Russell has gained significant momentum following his recent victory at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Despite maintaining a 66-point lead in the drivers' standings, Antonelli acknowledges the challenge Russell poses, especially after his strong performance in Baku where he secured pole position and ultimately won the race.
Looking ahead to the Bahrain Grand Prix, Antonelli is optimistic about the upgrades Mercedes will introduce, which he hopes will enhance the car's grip and downforce. He is eager to test his skills on the Sepang circuit, noting the importance of improving in areas such as managing long corners. Antonelli remains focused on achieving the best results and is excited about the opportunities that lie ahead.
Formula1.comThu 1 Oct · 10:19 UTC
via f1oversteer.comMax Verstappen says George Russell needs big turnaroundMax Verstappen has stated that George Russell requires a significant improvement to catch his teammate Kimi Antonelli in the 2026 Formula One title race, with Russell currently 66 points behind. Meanwhile, Mercedes chief Bradley Lord has expressed concerns about Russell's ability to close the gap as the season progresses.f1oversteer.com+ 1 moreThu 1 Oct · 10:00 UTC
via the-race.comLindblad, Hadjar and Colapinto face grid penalties in MalaysiaArvid Lindblad, Isack Hadjar, and Franco Colapinto will all receive grid penalties for the Formula 1 race in Malaysia due to power unit changes. Lindblad will start from the back of the grid after incurring a 30-place penalty, while Hadjar and Colapinto also face sanctions.
the-race.com+ 4 moreThu 1 Oct · 06:42 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 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 Motorsport.comKimi Antonelli has "spooked himself" amid F1 title pressure, says Naomi SchiffNaomi Schiff has expressed concerns about Kimi Antonelli's mental state as he leads the Formula 1 championship. She noted that Antonelli seems to be feeling the pressure, which was evident during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix where he finished fifth after starting from 16th, while his teammate George Russell won the race.
Schiff highlighted that Antonelli needs to overcome this psychological hurdle to avoid jeopardising his championship lead. Despite a challenging race, he still maintains a 66-point advantage over Russell, but Schiff warns that if Antonelli continues to feel 'spooked,' it could affect his performance in the remaining races.Motorsport.comWed 30 Sep · 20:20 UTC
via f1oversteer.comRUMOURChristian Horner downplays Ferrari speculationChristian Horner has attempted to clarify his recent comments regarding Ferrari, stating they were meant to be respectful rather than provocative. Martin Brundle has also addressed the speculation surrounding Horner's potential role at Ferrari, suggesting it has been exaggerated.f1oversteer.com+ 4 moreWed 30 Sep · 20:00 UTC
via Motorsport.comGeorge Russell details F1 drivers' Langkawi boys' trip ahead of Bahrain GP in MalaysiaGeorge Russell, a driver for Mercedes, has shared insights about a recent trip to Langkawi, Malaysia, which he took with six other Formula 1 drivers ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix. The trip featured activities such as go-karting and sightseeing, with Russell expressing his admiration for the island's beauty and the friendliness of its people. He noted that the itinerary was influenced by Mercedes' title partner, Petronas.
In addition to Russell, Kimi Antonelli, his teammate, arrived in Malaysia early but chose to explore Kuala Lumpur and visit a water park. Antonelli currently leads the championship standings by 66 points, following Russell's victory at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The trip served as a unique way for the drivers to bond and prepare for the upcoming race.Motorsport.comWed 30 Sep · 19:56 UTC
via RacingNews365Liam Lawson points out Red Bull truth after surprise super-sub appearancesLiam Lawson served as a super-sub for Red Bull during the Dutch, Italian, and Spanish Grands Prix, filling in for the injured Isack Hadjar. In his three races, Lawson managed to score points on two occasions, achieving a best finish of seventh at the Zandvoort circuit, where Red Bull was the fourth-best team.
Despite his strong performances, Lawson clarified that these did not alter his standing within the Red Bull driver ecosystem. He confirmed that he was not slated to drive the RB22 in 2026 and emphasized that his recent races did not change his outlook or opportunities for the upcoming season.RacingNews365Wed 30 Sep · 18:00 UTC