George RussellMax VerstappenDavid CoulthardBob SaidLewis Hamilton 
via RacingNews365Max Verstappen secures pole position in SepangMax Verstappen achieved pole position during the first Formula 1 qualifying session in Malaysia in eight years. The session took place in Sepang, where Verstappen topped the timesheets amid soaring temperatures.
RacingNews365Fri 2 Oct · 05:33 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 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 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 Motorsport.comThe sim rig Max Verstappen swears by ahead of his GT3 race against RossiMax Verstappen is preparing for his upcoming GT World Challenge Europe race against Valentino Rossi, scheduled for October 17 at Portimao. Verstappen will drive the No. 3 Mercedes-AMG GT3, taking over for drivers who are competing in another championship that weekend. He has not driven a GT3 car since the Nurburgring 24 Hours in May, making this a significant return to the track.
To prepare, Verstappen relies on a static sim rig, which he believes allows for faster lap times compared to motion rigs. His setup includes high-end components and is valued at an estimated $25,000 to $35,000. Verstappen's commitment to sim racing is evident, as he logs more hours on his rig than many competitors do in actual GT3 cars, showcasing his dedication to mastering multiple forms of motorsport.Motorsport.comThu 1 Oct · 21:18 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 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.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 RacingNews365Max Verstappen signals greatest Red Bull desire as drought continuesMax Verstappen is seeking his first victory of the 2026 Formula 1 season after finishing second in Baku, extending his winless streak to 15 races. Despite a series of podium finishes, Red Bull has struggled to keep pace with rivals, currently sitting fourth in the constructors' standings behind Mercedes, Ferrari, and McLaren.
Verstappen, who is sixth in the drivers' standings, acknowledged the team's challenges but remains determined to secure a win this season. He noted that recent upgrades to the car showed promise in Baku, although he is cautious about their effectiveness on different circuits. With Mercedes dominating the season, Verstappen's focus is on learning and improving as the year progresses.RacingNews365Thu 1 Oct · 17:00 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 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 Motorsport.comMax Verstappen laughs off Malaysian heat concerns: "Months of preparation to not give an F!"Max Verstappen, the Red Bull Racing driver, has expressed his ambition to secure a victory in the 2026 season, despite finishing on the podium in six of the last eight races. He recalls his last win at the Sepang International Circuit in 2017 and acknowledges the challenges posed by the Malaysian heat and rough track conditions, which can lead to significant tyre degradation.
Verstappen dismissed concerns about the heat, stating he had undergone months of preparation and is accustomed to racing in hot conditions. He also mentioned that Mercedes' upcoming upgrade could complicate Red Bull's chances of winning, but he remains focused on performing well and validating the effectiveness of their recent upgrades at different circuits.Motorsport.comThu 1 Oct · 16:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comMax Verstappen reveals what he's had to ‘accept’ at Red Bull amid Mercedes' dominance this seasonMax Verstappen has expressed his acceptance of Red Bull's current struggles in the 2026 Formula 1 season, acknowledging that he cannot compete for the championship this year. With only eight races left, he risks finishing the season without a win, a situation he hasn't faced since his rookie year in 2015. He has had to settle for second place multiple times, sharing the record for the most second-place finishes with George Russell.
In a recent podcast appearance, Verstappen reflected on the challenges of not being in title contention, likening it to his early years in the sport. He remains focused on improving the team's performance and aims to return to competitive form next season. Verstappen's commitment to Red Bull is evident as he signed a new contract, while the team seeks stability in their driver line-up to regain their competitive edge.f1oversteer.comThu 1 Oct · 15:00 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 f1oversteer.comDavid Coulthard tells Aston Martin to ‘be careful’ because Adrian Newey is starting to work magicAdrian Newey is under huge pressure to turn things around at Aston Martin after what has been a dreadful 2026 campaign. After joining the team ...f1oversteer.comThu 1 Oct · 13:00 UTC
via Sky Sports F1George Russell confident ahead of title challengeGeorge Russell expressed optimism about his chances in the Formula 1 championship, stating he is no longer 'lost' in his Mercedes. He believes the team's recent car upgrade will enhance his performance as he aims to close the gap on Kimi Antonelli.
Sky Sports F1+ 3 moreThu 1 Oct · 12:48 UTC
via f1oversteer.comLewis Hamilton still needs to do one thing that made Michael Schumacher a 'part' of FerrariRalf Schumacher highlighted that Lewis Hamilton must learn Italian to truly integrate into Ferrari, similar to how his brother Michael Schumacher did. Michael's fluency in the language significantly contributed to his success and connection with the team, making him a beloved figure among the Tifosi.
Hamilton started learning Italian at the suggestion of Sebastian Vettel prior to his move to Ferrari. However, given the time it took Schumacher to master the language, it remains uncertain if Hamilton will achieve the same level of rapport with his engineers before potentially leaving the team, as he is contracted until 2027.f1oversteer.comThu 1 Oct · 12:30 UTC
via Motorsport.comDamon Hill comments on Ferrari's support for Fred VasseurDamon Hill has expressed concern over Ferrari's recent public backing of team principal Fred Vasseur, suggesting he needed his 'parents' to defend him. This statement follows a challenging season for Ferrari, prompting the team to reassure its staff and supporters.Motorsport.com+ 1 moreThu 1 Oct · 12:00 UTC
via the-race.comF1 teams share insights from Sepang practice sessionsTeams and drivers provided feedback following the first day of practice for the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit. Insights revealed a mix of performance evaluations and challenges faced during the sessions.
the-race.com+ 1 moreThu 1 Oct · 11:28 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 lightsoutblog.com2026 Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia: Milestones and F1 Records Which Could Be BrokenThe 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix, taking place at Sepang International Circuit, marks a significant return for Formula 1 to Malaysia after a nine-year hiatus. This race will be the 1,165th in World Championship history and the first time a country has hosted another country's F1 race since 2006. Notably, it is also the fourth F1 race ever held on October 4, with twelve drivers on the grid making their debut at this circuit.
Several records are on the line during the event, including Lando Norris aiming for his 50th podium finish, which would place him among the top British drivers. Lewis Hamilton could break the pole position record at Sepang, while Carlos Sainz and Fernando Alonso have a chance to match Felipe Massa's record for sixth place finishes. Additionally, a victory for Max Verstappen would mark his 11th consecutive season with a win, further solidifying his legacy in the sport.lightsoutblog.comThu 1 Oct · 10:56 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