George RussellMax VerstappenDavid CoulthardBob SaidLewis Hamilton 
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
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 gpfans.comRUMOURF1 champion Fernando Alonso handed career-high payday at the age of 45Fernando Alonso has secured a new contract with Aston Martin that reportedly makes him the highest-paid driver of his career at the age of 45. The deal, which will take effect in 2027, is said to exceed $40 million annually, surpassing his previous earnings at McLaren.
In an official statement, Alonso expressed his happiness about the contract and his commitment to the team. This new salary positions him as the joint-third highest-paid driver in Formula 1, behind Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, while overtaking other notable drivers like Charles Leclerc and George Russell.
gpfans.comThu 1 Oct · 09:57 UTC
via Formula1.comRUMOURHamilton condemns ‘negative narrative’ around VasseurLewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc have publicly supported Fred Vasseur, Ferrari's Team Principal, amidst speculation regarding his future due to the team's recent performance. Hamilton condemned the negative narrative surrounding Vasseur, asserting that the team remains united and focused on their goals despite external pressures. He highlighted the hard work being done within the team and emphasized that Vasseur is the right leader for Ferrari.
Leclerc echoed Hamilton's sentiments, expressing trust in Vasseur's abilities and dismissing the ongoing rumours as disrespectful. Both drivers noted the improvements Ferrari has made this season, including their position in the Constructors' Championship, while acknowledging that challenges remain. They called for a focus on the team's efforts rather than external criticism.Formula1.comThu 1 Oct · 09:47 UTC
via Motorsport WeekCharles Leclerc backs Ferrari boss Fred VasseurCharles Leclerc has expressed his support for Ferrari Team Principal Fred Vasseur as he faces pressure ahead of the Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. Leclerc stated that he has trust in Vasseur's leadership during this challenging period for the team.
Motorsport Week+ 1 moreThu 1 Oct · 09:31 UTC
via Motorsport.com"Whenever I watch TV, I think I would do better" – The real reason Fernando Alonso stays in F1Fernando Alonso has officially extended his Formula 1 career into the 2027 season, marking his 24th year in the sport. The announcement came ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix, with Alonso stating that his conversation with Aston Martin team owner Lawrence Stroll was brief and straightforward, as both parties were eager to continue their partnership.
Alonso expressed that his motivation to race stems from a desire to compete and improve, feeling that he can outperform current drivers when watching from home. He also mentioned the importance of potential regulatory changes for 2027, which he hopes will enhance the racing experience. Despite no immediate changes to next year's regulations, Alonso remains committed to pushing for improvements in the sport.
Motorsport.comThu 1 Oct · 09:23 UTC
via RaceFansVerstappen eager to avoid his first win-less season since F1 debut | Formula 1Max Verstappen is determined to secure at least one victory in the 2026 Formula 1 season, as he approaches the end of what could be his first win-less season since joining Red Bull in 2016. Despite achieving multiple podium finishes, he has not yet clinched a win this year, which has raised concerns as the season nears its conclusion.
Verstappen expressed his frustration, stating he is doing everything possible to win, but acknowledges the challenges ahead with only eight races left in the season. With uncertainty surrounding the final two races, he remains focused on breaking his win-less streak and achieving his goal of winning at least one race this season.
RaceFansThu 1 Oct · 09:07 UTC
via f1oversteer.comRUMOURFred Vasseur addresses distractions at FerrariFrederic Vasseur has acknowledged that distractions surrounding Ferrari are a significant issue for the team. Amid speculation about his position as team principal, Vasseur has called for unity within the organisation.f1oversteer.com+ 4 moreThu 1 Oct · 09:00 UTC
via gpfans.comLewis Hamilton F1 wish could come true as stunning plans for new track revealedLewis Hamilton's long-standing desire for Formula 1 to return to Africa may soon become a reality, as plans for a new circuit in South Africa have been unveiled. Hamilton has been vocal about his wish to race on the continent, emphasizing that he does not want to retire without having that experience. He has been actively engaging with F1's leadership to push for this initiative.
The proposed circuit, designed by Blue Mountain Racing, aims to be a world-class facility in the Swartland region, with hopes of hosting F1 races by 2031. The track will feature a 4.8km layout, a significant spectator capacity, and various amenities to support year-round activities. This initiative represents a collaborative effort among South African business leaders and motorsport enthusiasts, marking a potential new chapter for F1 in Africa.gpfans.comThu 1 Oct · 08:57 UTC
via espn.comFernando Alonso extends Aston Martin contract to 2027Fernando Alonso has confirmed he will continue racing in Formula 1 with Aston Martin until 2027. Despite acknowledging the possibility of facing another challenging season, Alonso expressed that competing is preferable to watching from home.
espn.comThu 1 Oct · 08:50 UTC
via Formula1.comVerstappen determined to win ‘at least one’ race in 2026Max Verstappen has expressed his determination to win at least one race during the 2026 season, following a series of podium finishes. He noted that Red Bull Racing is currently in fourth place in the Teams’ Championship and has made progress in recent races, including a notable 2-3 finish in Azerbaijan.
Despite his success in podiums, Verstappen acknowledged the challenge posed by Mercedes, who have been the fastest team this season. He emphasized the importance of the upcoming races for learning and preparation for the next season, while also reflecting on his positive experiences racing at the Sepang International Circuit.Formula1.comThu 1 Oct · 07:57 UTC
via gpfans.comMax Verstappen and Kimi Antonelli target Australia's iconic Bathurst 12 Hour raceMax Verstappen and Kimi Antonelli are set to compete in the Bathurst 12 Hour race in early 2027, with the event taking place on February 14 at Mount Panorama Circuit in New South Wales. Other Formula 1 stars, including Lance Stroll and Valtteri Bottas, have also expressed interest in participating in this prestigious GT3 event.
Verstappen is expected to race with his own team, Verstappen Racing, supported by Mercedes AMG. He has previously shown strong performance in endurance racing, nearly winning the Nurburgring 24 Hours in 2026. Antonelli, the current F1 championship leader, has familial ties to the GT3 scene, as his father manages a team in the Italian GT championship.gpfans.comThu 1 Oct · 07:45 UTC
via RacingNews365Audi announces new campus for Formula 1 operationsAudi has unveiled plans to construct a new campus near its existing factory in Hinwil, Switzerland, as part of its long-term strategy in Formula 1. This development aims to enhance the team's operational capabilities and signifies a commitment to its future in the sport.
RacingNews365+ 8 moreThu 1 Oct · 07:28 UTC
via Formula1.comEsteban Ocon says Haas exit not due to performanceEsteban Ocon has stated that his departure from the Haas Formula 1 team at the end of the 2026 season is not related to his performance. Haas Team Principal Ayao Komatsu has also defended Ocon amid the decision to drop him.Formula1.com+ 5 moreThu 1 Oct · 07:25 UTC
via gpfans.comMax Verstappen to race in GT3 event in PortugalMax Verstappen has confirmed he will participate in a GT3 race in Portugal later this month. The announcement comes as he balances this commitment with his ongoing Formula 1 schedule.newsonf1.com+ 1 moreThu 1 Oct · 07:15 UTC
via CrashMax Verstappen hopes to avoid battles with Valentino RossiMax Verstappen expressed his desire to avoid on-track battles with Valentino Rossi during their upcoming GT3 race at Portimao. The four-time Formula 1 champion will compete in the GT World Challenge Europe series, marking his debut in this category.
Crash+ 2 moreThu 1 Oct · 07:07 UTC
via Motorsport.comRUMOURLaurent Mekies credited with ending Red Bull's second seat "curse"Laurent Mekies, the Team Principal of Red Bull Racing, has been credited with transforming the team's culture, which has reportedly helped Isack Hadjar thrive in his role. Will Buxton highlighted that Mekies has replaced the historically ruthless environment with a more supportive atmosphere, allowing drivers to perform better without excessive pressure.
Hadjar, who was promoted to Red Bull in 2026, impressed in his first race back after recovering from a wrist injury, finishing third. The change in management style under Mekies is seen as a significant factor in lifting what was referred to as Red Bull's second seat 'curse', which had previously troubled the team in finding a suitable teammate for Max Verstappen.Motorsport.comThu 1 Oct · 07:00 UTC
via PlanetF1RUMOURMax Verstappen addresses Alonso GT3 partnership rumoursMax Verstappen has dismissed speculation about teaming up with Fernando Alonso in GT3 racing. The two drivers have been linked following Alonso's hints about racing outside Formula 1, but Verstappen confirmed his next GT3 appearance will be separate.
PlanetF1+ 1 moreThu 1 Oct · 06:48 UTC
via RacingNews365Max Verstappen to race GT3 at Portimão this monthMax Verstappen has confirmed he will compete in a GT3 race at Portimão, adding to his already busy Formula 1 schedule. The Red Bull Racing driver will race a Mercedes-AMG GT3 entered by 2 Seas Motorsport.RacingNews365+ 4 moreThu 1 Oct · 06:30 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 f1oversteer.comMax Verstappen explains why his ‘pure pace’ was stronger as an 18-year-old F1 driver than nowMax Verstappen has shared insights on his racing evolution, stating that his raw pace as an 18-year-old was stronger than it is now, despite his extensive experience in Formula 1. He attributes this to a shift in his racing mentality, where he no longer feels the need to be fast all the time, focusing instead on optimising his race weekends.
During a podcast appearance, Verstappen discussed how his experiences and personal life have changed since his teenage years. He noted that as he matured, he became calmer and more strategic in his approach to racing, understanding when to push and when to hold back. This evolution reflects not only his growth as a driver but also the changes in his life outside of racing.f1oversteer.comThu 1 Oct · 05:30 UTC
via gpfans.comRUMOURChristian Horner in Ferrari U-turn as Lewis Hamilton reveals fight with bosses - F1 News TodayChristian Horner has reportedly changed his mind about a potential move to Ferrari, stating he would consider working for the team without an ownership stake. This revelation comes after he was sacked by Red Bull in July 2025 and is promoting his memoir, 'Drive'. His comments have raised eyebrows within Ferrari, where some insiders are questioning team principal Fred Vasseur's position amid ongoing struggles.
In other news, Lewis Hamilton has shared that he had to fight with Formula 1 bosses to maintain his signature style at races. The seven-time world champion is known for his eclectic fashion sense and partnerships with brands like Tommy Hilfiger and Lululemon. Additionally, the FIA has declared a heat hazard ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix, which will be held in Malaysia for the first time since 2017.gpfans.comThu 1 Oct · 04:55 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