George RussellMax VerstappenFranco ColapintoIsack HadjarLewis Hamilton 
via PlanetF1Oscar Piastri calls Red Bull the class of the fieldOscar Piastri has stated that Red Bull has become 'the class of the field' in Formula 1, alongside Mercedes. This assessment follows a significant upgrade to Red Bull's RB22, which has impacted the competitive landscape as McLaren appears to be losing ground.
PlanetF1+ 1 moreThu 8 Oct · 17:58 UTC
via gpfans.comLewis Hamilton makes heartfelt admission about Sebastian Vettel friendshipLewis Hamilton has shared his deep friendship with Sebastian Vettel in a new documentary, stating that Vettel is the closest friend he has ever had in the racing world. The two drivers, who competed against each other for over a decade, have a combined total of 11 world championships, with Vettel winning four consecutive titles during his career.
The documentary, titled 'Being Sebastian Vettel', will premiere on October 22 and explores Vettel's journey from karting to becoming a four-time world champion. It features various personalities from motorsport, including Hamilton, who reflects on their rivalry and the evolution of their friendship. Vettel, now retired, is also noted for his work as an environmental activist.
gpfans.comThu 8 Oct · 17:45 UTC
via f1oversteer.comToto Wolff calls Kimi Antonelli and George Russell test pilotsMercedes Formula 1 boss Toto Wolff has described Kimi Antonelli and George Russell as 'two test pilots' during the Singapore Grand Prix weekend. The team is experimenting with different car specifications, which has drawn criticism from former F1 strategist Ruth Buscombe.
f1oversteer.com+ 1 moreThu 8 Oct · 17:00 UTC
via espn.comHamilton, Max back Rwanda race as talks intensifyLewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen have expressed their support for the possibility of Formula 1 returning to Africa, with Rwanda emerging as a leading candidate to host a Grand Prix in the 2030s. Discussions are ongoing, and while South Africa is also vying for a return, Rwandan officials have indicated progress in their bid.
Hamilton highlighted the importance of having a Grand Prix in Africa, stating that it is the only continent not currently represented in the F1 calendar. Verstappen, who visited Rwanda in 2024, echoed this sentiment, expressing excitement about the potential race. George Russell also voiced his enthusiasm, noting that Africa is the only continent without an F1 race, emphasizing the need for representation.
espn.comThu 8 Oct · 16:12 UTC
via Motorsport WeekLewis Hamilton reveals regret at missed Max Verstappen F1 battle in Bahrain GPLewis Hamilton expressed his disappointment at missing a chance to battle Max Verstappen during the rain-soaked Bahrain Grand Prix. The FIA intervened before the race, delaying the start and ultimately affecting the track conditions, which Hamilton felt robbed him of an exciting competition with Verstappen.
Despite the setback, Hamilton managed to recover from a poor start caused by slick tyres and finished third. He reflected on the experience as reminiscent of his early karting days, where he often had to fight his way through the field. Hamilton now looks forward to the upcoming race at the Marina Bay Street Circuit.
Motorsport WeekThu 8 Oct · 16:00 UTC
via espn.comRussell, Antonelli run different specs in SingaporeAt the Singapore Grand Prix, George Russell and Kimi Antonelli will drive different specifications of the Mercedes Formula 1 car. Antonelli will use the newly upgraded aerodynamic package, while Russell will revert to the previous version that had previously secured wins in Monza, Madrid, and Baku. This strategy aims to help the team identify the reasons behind the new package's underperformance in Malaysia.
Russell, who is currently Antonelli's closest rival in the drivers' championship, suggested the change after experiencing a power unit failure in Malaysia. He believes the performance issues were track-specific rather than a direct result of the upgrade. Antonelli expressed confidence in the potential of the new package but acknowledged the need for further setup work to unlock its capabilities.espn.comThu 8 Oct · 15:40 UTC
via RacingNews365Naomi Schiff criticises Mercedes' engine penalty for RussellNaomi Schiff has questioned Mercedes' decision to impose a power unit penalty on George Russell for the Singapore Grand Prix. She highlighted that the team's inability to provide him with an upgraded engine has resulted in back-of-the-grid penalties in consecutive races.
RacingNews365+ 1 moreThu 8 Oct · 15:30 UTC
via espn.comHamilton: 'Wet-weather races aren't the same'Lewis Hamilton has expressed concern over the increasing caution displayed by Formula 1 officials and younger drivers during wet-weather racing. He believes this has diminished the thrill and challenge of driving in the rain, which he personally enjoys. Hamilton's comments come after a chaotic Bahrain Grand Prix where technical issues delayed the race start, leading to a drier track than initially expected.
Hamilton, currently third in the championship standings, reminisced about the excitement of past wet races, contrasting them with the current approach that prioritises safety over competitive spirit. He noted that while older drivers like himself are eager to race in challenging conditions, younger drivers tend to favour a more conservative strategy, resulting in a cautious atmosphere within the sport.espn.comThu 8 Oct · 15:11 UTC
via RaceFansGeorge Russell acknowledges poor performance this seasonGeorge Russell of the Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team has admitted that his performance in the 2026 Formula 1 season has not met expectations, regardless of luck. Following a recent retirement, Russell stated that he has not done a good enough job this year.
RaceFans+ 1 moreThu 8 Oct · 15:10 UTC
via Sky Sports F1Kimi Antonelli criticises unpredictable Mercedes upgradesKimi Antonelli has expressed concerns about the unpredictability of the upgraded Mercedes Formula 1 car following a disappointing seventh place in Sprint Qualifying for the Singapore Grand Prix. The championship leader described the new specification as 'very difficult' to drive, highlighting the challenges faced by the team.
Sky Sports F1+ 7 moreThu 8 Oct · 15:04 UTC
via Formula1.comFerrari drivers 'here to attack' in Singapore GPLewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc are looking forward to the Singapore Grand Prix, expressing confidence in Ferrari's ability to compete at the front. Hamilton, fresh off a podium finish in Malaysia, stated that they are 'here to attack' and highlighted the importance of a strong qualifying session. He believes the car's performance on street circuits could play to their advantage, especially given the high downforce requirements of the Singapore track.
However, Leclerc remains cautious, noting that Ferrari's recent performance has seen them slip behind competitors like McLaren and Red Bull. He acknowledged the team's historical strength at the Singapore circuit but stressed the need to focus on current performance rather than past successes. Both drivers are determined to maximise their chances this weekend despite the challenges posed by the Sprint format.
Formula1.comThu 8 Oct · 14:58 UTC
via RacingNews365Max Verstappen criticises driver cooling vest ruleMax Verstappen has expressed his disapproval of the mandated driver cooling vest in Formula 1, stating it has never lasted an entire race. His Red Bull teammate Isack Hadjar has called for the device to be banned altogether.RacingNews365+ 1 moreThu 8 Oct · 14:50 UTC
via Motorsport.comMax Verstappen aims for first Singapore GP winMax Verstappen has expressed his desire to secure his first victory at the Singapore Grand Prix this weekend, a race where he has previously struggled. Red Bull Racing is optimistic that they have addressed their past weaknesses at the Marina Bay Street Circuit.
Motorsport.com+ 1 moreThu 8 Oct · 14:46 UTC
via Sky Sports F1Leclerc and Hamilton criticise Ferrari's Bahrain strategyCharles Leclerc has called on Ferrari to 'look in the mirror' following a significant strategic error during the Bahrain Grand Prix. Lewis Hamilton also highlighted that Ferrari engaged in a 'huge discussion' about the blunder, stating it 'wasn't good enough'.Sky Sports F1+ 1 moreThu 8 Oct · 14:15 UTC
via Motorsport.comHamilton criticises FIA and young drivers for cautionLewis Hamilton has expressed concern that both the FIA and younger Formula 1 drivers are becoming overly cautious when racing in wet conditions. The seven-time world champion believes this trend is affecting the excitement and competitiveness of wet-weather Grands Prix.Motorsport.com+ 4 moreThu 8 Oct · 14:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comCharles Leclerc’s mental coach highlights how he refuses to back down vs Lewis Hamilton at FerrariCharles Leclerc's mental coach, Riccardo Ceccarelli, emphasised that both Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton are fiercely competing for the top spot at Ferrari, with no intention of stepping back. This rivalry is notable as Ferrari is the only leading team without a clear driver hierarchy, unlike Red Bull and Mercedes, where roles are more defined.
Ceccarelli highlighted Leclerc's lifelong desire to win, which he believes is crucial for his success in Formula 1. However, he also cautioned that this intense focus on competition, particularly against Hamilton, could lead to a narrow-minded approach in decision-making. The recent strategy at the Sepang race, where both drivers started on slick tyres, has raised questions about Ferrari's tactics.f1oversteer.comThu 8 Oct · 14:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comMax Verstappen misses former teammate Daniel RicciardoMax Verstappen has expressed that he misses the time spent with his former Red Bull teammate Daniel Ricciardo during their Formula 1 careers. Verstappen reflected on their partnership, highlighting the positive experiences they shared.f1oversteer.com+ 1 moreThu 8 Oct · 14:00 UTC
via PlanetF1Hamilton’s bold proposal for F1 circuits to offer day and night optionsLewis Hamilton has suggested that Formula 1 circuits should be equipped with floodlights to allow for both day and night racing options. He expressed his enthusiasm for night races, citing their cooler conditions and spectacular visuals, and highlighted the success of night races in locations like Singapore and Bahrain.
Hamilton recalled his experiences racing in extreme heat and how night races could enhance the fan experience. He acknowledged the challenges of adapting to different time zones but remains excited about the potential for circuits to offer flexible racing times, especially in hot climates.PlanetF1Thu 8 Oct · 13:52 UTC
via BBC SportGeorge Russell to use old-spec Mercedes in SingaporeGeorge Russell will race with the old specification of Mercedes components at the Singapore Grand Prix due to a double power unit penalty. Despite starting from the back of the grid, Russell has vowed to adopt an 'all-out attack' strategy during the race.
BBC Sport+ 2 moreThu 8 Oct · 13:48 UTC
via CrashMercedes conducts split-specification test in SingaporeMercedes has announced a split-specification test for the Singapore Grand Prix, comparing its established aerodynamic package with a recent upgrade. Team principal Toto Wolff confirmed that George Russell will use the older package while Kimi Antonelli will test the new specifications.
Crash+ 1 moreThu 8 Oct · 13:35 UTC
via Formula1.com1 videoVerstappen answers your questions in our exclusive Q&AMax Verstappen recently participated in a Q&A session where he addressed various topics related to his career and personal life ahead of his 250th Grand Prix in Singapore. He discussed his journey in Formula 1, his hobbies such as playing padel, and the joys of being a new father. Verstappen also shared insights on his relationships with fellow drivers, particularly reminiscing about his time with Daniel Ricciardo.
In his responses, Verstappen emphasized the importance of honesty and simplicity in life, expressing a desire to be remembered for being himself. He reflected on the lessons learned from each race and highlighted the value of spending quality time with family and friends. Overall, the Q&A provided a glimpse into Verstappen's personality and his approach to both racing and life.Formula1.comThu 8 Oct · 13:54 UTC
via Crash1 videoGuenther Steiner criticises Ferrari's strategy mistakesGuenther Steiner, the former Haas Formula 1 team principal, has expressed concerns that Ferrari's failure to acknowledge its strategic errors is harming its performance on the track. Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton defended Ferrari, questioning why the team receives more criticism than others, despite similar mistakes made by McLaren.Crash+ 3 moreThu 8 Oct · 12:57 UTC
via RacingNews365Ferrari issues light-hearted apology after social media chaosFerrari has released a light-hearted 'unofficial statement' following a social media takeover by drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix. The team acknowledged the playful hijacking of their Instagram account by the two drivers.RacingNews365+ 3 moreThu 8 Oct · 12:50 UTC
via f1oversteer.comF1’s rules stopped Mercedes giving George Russell upgraded engine despite Singapore GP grid penaltyGeorge Russell is set to start the Singapore Grand Prix from the back of the grid after Mercedes was unable to provide him with their upgraded ADUO1 engine. This situation arises following his retirement at the Bahrain Grand Prix due to an engine failure, necessitating a new power unit beyond his quota. The FIA had granted Mercedes one engine upgrade this season, but logistical issues prevented the timely availability of the new engine for Russell.
Mercedes faced constraints in building enough ADUO1 engines to supply their customer teams, including McLaren, Alpine, and Williams, simultaneously. As a result, Russell will have to race with the original engine configuration in Singapore, where overtaking is particularly difficult. The team is considering whether Russell should take another grid penalty at the upcoming United States Grand Prix to incorporate the new engine into his pool.f1oversteer.comThu 8 Oct · 12:30 UTC