Lewis HamiltonMax VerstappenSergio Pérez 
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 the-race.comThe slowest race of F1 2026 explainedValtteri Bottas has detailed his significant pace issues during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where he was over 1.7 seconds slower per lap than his Cadillac teammate Sergio Perez. Bottas crashed on the final lap after struggling with car setup and power steering issues throughout the race, leading to a lack of competitiveness. He acknowledged that he was unable to keep up with the pack and faced difficulties in both corners and straights.
Bottas's performance was further impacted by the absence of the upgraded ADUO 2 Ferrari engine, which Perez had during the race. While Bottas's engine upgrade is uncertain for the upcoming race in Sepang, Perez has opted to save his power unit for a more advantageous event. Both drivers anticipate a tough weekend in Malaysia due to the Cadillac's ongoing struggles with tyre management and aerodynamic performance.
the-race.comThu 1 Oct · 04:29 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 f1chronicle.comFernando Alonso Calls F1’s Return to Sepang a Golden Ticket as Drivers Relish Malaysia HomecomingFernando Alonso expressed excitement about Formula 1's return to the Sepang International Circuit, calling it a 'golden ticket' as he never expected to race in Malaysia again. Alonso, the most successful driver at the circuit among current racers, highlighted the demanding nature of the track and its challenging conditions, which include heat and humidity.
The Sepang circuit, which last hosted a Grand Prix in 2017, has ten drivers on the current grid with prior experience there. Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen also shared their thoughts, with Hamilton recalling his strong connection to the region and Verstappen expressing mixed feelings about returning. Newcomers like Lando Norris and championship leader Kimi Antonelli view the race as an opportunity to tackle a fresh challenge.
f1chronicle.comWed 30 Sep · 21:25 UTC
via gpfans.comRUMOURFred Vasseur addresses distractions at FerrariFerrari team principal Fred Vasseur has acknowledged that the ongoing speculation surrounding his position has become a significant issue for the team. Vasseur called for unity within Ferrari, emphasising that pointing fingers would be a mistake.gpfans.com+ 11 moreWed 30 Sep · 18:45 UTC
via Motorsport WeekFred Vasseur addresses Hamilton's comments on LeclercFred Vasseur stated that Lewis Hamilton's radio messages regarding Charles Leclerc need to stop, emphasising the need for control over the situation. Jolyon Palmer suggested that Vasseur should take a firmer stance on the ongoing disputes between the two drivers.
Motorsport Week+ 1 moreWed 30 Sep · 17:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comLaurent Mekies relieved that furious Max Verstappen radio wasn’t broadcast at Azerbaijan GPLaurent Mekies, Red Bull's team principal, revealed that Max Verstappen was not pleased during qualifying for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where he qualified eighth, his lowest position since Japan. Mekies shared data showing Verstappen lost significant time on the straights due to an engine issue, which contributed to his frustration expressed over team radio, although this communication was not broadcasted during the event.
In the race, Verstappen managed to finish second, just a tenth of a second behind George Russell, who had a strong performance. Despite the challenges faced in qualifying, Verstappen's driving earned him the driver of the day award, highlighting his capability to perform under pressure. With eight races remaining in the season, he aims to extend his streak of winning at least one race each year with Red Bull.
f1oversteer.comWed 30 Sep · 15:30 UTC
via gpfans.comLewis Hamilton says fight with F1 bosses left him 'feeling like an outcast'Lewis Hamilton has expressed his struggles with Formula 1 team bosses regarding his clothing choices, stating that he prefers to arrive at race weekends in his own attire rather than team-branded clothing. He finds the requirement to wear team kit for a significant portion of the year to be stifling and detrimental to his confidence.
In his comments, Hamilton highlighted the contrast between the fashion industry, which he finds diverse and accepting, and the more restrictive environment of Formula 1. He reminisced about feeling like an outcast in the paddock compared to the sense of belonging he experiences at fashion events, underscoring his desire for personal expression in both his professional and personal life.gpfans.comWed 30 Sep · 10:50 UTC
via F1iToto Wolff perplexed by Mercedes' Sepang upgrade strugglesMercedes team principal Toto Wolff expressed confusion over the team's performance following their latest upgrades at the Malaysian Grand Prix. Despite expectations of a three-tenths improvement, Wolff noted that the W17 car instead lost five-tenths due to increased drag and poor handling in low-speed corners.
F1i+ 7 moreWed 30 Sep · 10:43 UTC
via PlanetF1Verstappen warns Mercedes upgrade may shift competitionMax Verstappen expressed caution regarding the impact of Mercedes' significant upgrades ahead of the Sepang practice session. Despite dominating the first practice, Verstappen acknowledged that the changes could alter the competitive landscape in Formula 1.
PlanetF1+ 1 moreWed 30 Sep · 10:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comLewis Hamilton praises Fernando Alonso's talentLewis Hamilton has expressed admiration for Fernando Alonso following his contract extension with Aston Martin. Hamilton described Alonso's continued presence in Formula 1 as a testament to his 'pure talent'.f1oversteer.com+ 2 moreWed 30 Sep · 10:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comRUMOURLewis Hamilton radio message paints 'very poor' picture of relationship with Ferrari engineerLewis Hamilton has made a change to his engineering team at Ferrari, replacing Riccardo Adami with Carlo Santi. However, their relationship appears to be deteriorating, particularly highlighted during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix where communication issues were evident. Hamilton's performance has also declined, finishing sixth in Baku, raising concerns about the effectiveness of his new engineer.
Former Red Bull driver Robert Doornbos commented on the situation, noting that Hamilton's communication with Santi has been poor, reminiscent of his previous struggles with Adami. During the race, Hamilton's requests for information were reportedly ignored, leading to uncomfortable moments on the radio. This situation has sparked discussions about the dynamics within the Ferrari team and Hamilton's recent form.f1oversteer.comWed 30 Sep · 09:00 UTC
via CrashLewis Hamilton posts emotional tribute to beloved dog RoscoeLewis Hamilton has shared an emotional tribute to his late dog, Roscoe, on the first anniversary of his passing. Roscoe, an English Bulldog, died after being admitted to the hospital with pneumonia, and Hamilton described the decision to put him to sleep as the hardest of his life.
In his tribute, Hamilton reflected on the joy Roscoe brought him and expressed gratitude for the time they shared. He acknowledged the overwhelming support he received from fans during this difficult time, noting how much Roscoe meant to many people and how painful it is to lose a pet.
CrashWed 30 Sep · 08:38 UTC
Wikimedia Commons · Christijan_Albers_2006.JPG: Mathieu Felten derivative work: Flyz1 · CC BY 2.5Albers says Piastri lacks Verstappen’s ‘bite’Sep.30 (GMM) Oscar Piastri’s difficult run has drawn fresh criticism after his mistake in Baku, with former F1 driver Christijan Albers questioning whether the McLaren driver has the aggression of a driver like Max Verstappen. The Australian had been on course for the 2025 title before his late-season collapse, and his struggles have continued into…newsonf1.comWed 30 Sep · 07:44 UTC
Wikimedia Commons · Yu Chu Chin · CC BY-SA 4.0Perez warns F1 rules are becoming dangerousSep.30 (GMM) Sergio Perez has re-joined the ongoing criticism of Formula 1’s new-generation regulations, warning that extreme speed differences caused by energy management are now becoming a real safety concern. The Cadillac driver told Sport1 that he narrowly avoided a major accident while defending from Liam Lawson in Baku. “Above all, we need to closely…newsonf1.comWed 30 Sep · 07:44 UTC
via f1oversteer.comOtmar Szafnauer admits Sergio Perez nearly got a five-year FIA ban before he joined Red BullOtmar Szafnauer disclosed that Sergio Perez was close to receiving a five-year ban from the FIA due to a doping rules violation during the 2017 Malaysian Grand Prix. After the race, Perez underwent IV treatment for dehydration, which is prohibited under FIA regulations. The situation escalated when Perez shared details of the treatment on social media, prompting Szafnauer to engage a top sports lawyer to navigate the potential consequences.
Ultimately, the issue was resolved without a ban, allowing Perez to continue his career, which included a move to Red Bull in 2021. Now 36, Perez is on the verge of reaching 300 race starts, while Cadillac is evaluating potential driver changes for the 2027 season, which could impact his teammate Valtteri Bottas.f1oversteer.comWed 30 Sep · 07:30 UTC
via RacingNews365Kimi Antonelli praises Max Verstappen's unique skillsKimi Antonelli has described Max Verstappen's abilities as 'incredible' following their recent wheel-to-wheel battles in Formula 1. Antonelli's comments highlight the unique advantages Verstappen possesses, which he observed during their encounters on track.
RacingNews365+ 1 moreWed 30 Sep · 07:00 UTC
via f1technical.netRussell and Verstappen reveal why Baku’s final laps were so much funGeorge Russell and Max Verstappen expressed their enjoyment of the final laps during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, highlighting the intensity and excitement of the race. Russell, who secured victory, noted that the closing stages felt like a qualifying session, with both drivers pushing their limits on the Baku circuit.
The race featured two Safety Car periods that brought Verstappen closer to Russell, creating a thrilling battle. Both drivers appreciated the lack of tyre management required in the final stint, allowing them to race at full pace. Verstappen acknowledged the challenges of the Baku circuit, where proximity to the barriers added to the excitement.f1technical.netWed 30 Sep · 06:00 UTC
via f1chronicle.comSergio Perez Calls Pointless Baku Weekend ‘One of My Best’ as Cadillac’s Struggles ContinueSergio Perez has declared his Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend as one of his best despite finishing outside the points. After starting from P20 due to a grid penalty, he managed to recover to 14th place, matching his best result of the season with Cadillac, who are still seeking their first points in Formula 1.
Despite the lack of points, Perez expressed satisfaction with his performance, noting that he felt competitive throughout the race. He acknowledged the need for improvements in Cadillac's car to enhance their competitiveness, particularly in straight-line speed, as they aim for a points finish before the end of the season.f1chronicle.comTue 29 Sep · 20:49 UTC
via gpfans.comKelly Piquet offers rare insight into F1 star Max Verstappen's private lifeIn a recent interview, Kelly Piquet provided a glimpse into her relationship with Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen, revealing that he is a devoted family man who enjoys the comforts of home. Piquet highlighted how Verstappen prioritises family time, returning home promptly after his racing commitments, and how they share a life together in Monaco with their daughter, Lily.
Piquet described Verstappen as down-to-earth and grounded, contrasting his public persona as a fierce competitor. She expressed her appreciation for their equal partnership, noting that Verstappen does not seek the spotlight and prefers a quieter lifestyle, which aligns well with her own values.gpfans.comTue 29 Sep · 20:30 UTC
via f1oversteer.comMax Verstappen clarifies his comments about F1 becoming ‘easier’ after Liam Lawson disagreedMax Verstappen expressed his views on the 2026 Formula 1 cars, stating they are 'numb' to driver inputs, which he believes makes it easier for drivers to find their limits. This comment came after Liam Lawson, who recently replaced Isack Hadjar, performed impressively in qualifying, being only 0.115 seconds slower than Verstappen. Verstappen's remarks have sparked debate, particularly as Lawson disagreed, arguing that adapting to the new car was not straightforward due to the complexities introduced by new energy management protocols.
Verstappen further elaborated that the current cars favour a cautious driving style, allowing many drivers to achieve similar lap times. He noted that the small gaps in qualifying times this year, with seven out of eleven driver pairings within two-tenths of a second, support his theory that the cars do not reward the fastest drivers as much as before. This marks a significant change from the previous year, where the average gap between teammates was larger.f1oversteer.comTue 29 Sep · 19:30 UTC
via Formula1.comWhere does Russell’s Baku win rank in the closest F1 finishes?George Russell secured a narrow victory at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, finishing just 0.196 seconds ahead of Max Verstappen. This margin is significant as it places Russell's win among the closest finishes in Formula 1 history, although it falls short of making the top 10 by a mere 0.014 seconds.
The article details the closest finishes in F1, highlighting races from various years, including the 2002 Austrian Grand Prix and the 1971 Italian Grand Prix. These races showcase the intense competition and narrow margins that can occur in Formula 1, with Russell's recent win adding to the legacy of thrilling finishes in the sport.
Formula1.comTue 29 Sep · 15:42 UTC
via Motorsport.com“I fear something bad is going to happen soon” – 2026 F1 cars are “too dangerous”, Sergio Perez warnsSergio Perez has raised alarms about the safety of the 2026 Formula 1 cars, citing significant speed differentials that could lead to accidents. His concerns were amplified after a serious crash involving Oliver Bearman at the Japanese Grand Prix, which underscored the risks associated with the new power units that feature a high percentage of electrical energy.
Following a close call with Liam Lawson during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Perez urged for regulatory changes to address the dangerous disparities in engine performance. The FIA has already made some adjustments, and further changes are expected for the 2027 season to improve safety. Despite these efforts, Perez remains apprehensive about the implications for upcoming races.
Motorsport.comTue 29 Sep · 12:39 UTC
via f1oversteer.comMax Verstappen picks overtake on Oscar Piastri as his favourite from his whole F1 careerMax Verstappen has declared his overtake on Oscar Piastri during the 2025 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix as his favourite move of his Formula 1 career. The Dutch driver executed the pass around the outside at the first chicane, a challenging overtaking spot, and went on to win the race by six seconds. He noted that the move was unexpected, particularly as Piastri braked earlier than anticipated.
In a discussion on the 'P1 with Matt and Tommy' YouTube channel, Verstappen reflected on the significance of the overtake, stating it was a pivotal moment in the race. Piastri acknowledged Verstappen's skill in the move, admitting he misjudged the situation. The overtake has since been recognised as the Overtake of the Year, highlighting Verstappen's prowess in wheel-to-wheel racing.f1oversteer.comTue 29 Sep · 11:30 UTC