via CrashLando Norris dismisses Bahrain GP qualifying excuses with blunt "just slow" admissionLando Norris provided a candid assessment of McLaren's qualifying performance at the Bahrain Grand Prix, stating that the team was simply "just slow" after qualifying sixth. He acknowledged that they were six tenths off the pole position and highlighted that the unique tarmac at the Sepang International Circuit contributed to their struggles, particularly affecting the Mercedes-powered teams.
Despite the disappointing qualifying results, Norris expressed satisfaction with his own lap time but recognised the need for the team to improve their overall performance. He mentioned ongoing issues with straight-line speed and indicated that while the deficit to competitors like Red Bull and Ferrari is significant, there remains potential for recovery during the race through strategic pit stops.
CrashSat 3 Oct · 10:30 UTC
via PlanetF1FIA investigates multiple drivers after Bahrain GP chaosThe FIA has announced a formal investigation into the events at the Bahrain Grand Prix, which included significant issues during the formation lap. Lando Norris, Lance Stroll, and Lewis Hamilton are among the drivers facing scrutiny following the chaotic scenes in Malaysia.
PlanetF1+ 1 moreSat 3 Oct · 10:00 UTC
via f1chronicle.com1 videoToto Wolff addresses George Russell's struggles with AntonelliToto Wolff has acknowledged that George Russell found it difficult to cope with Kimi Antonelli's impressive start to the 2026 season, where Antonelli won five consecutive races. Wolff expressed optimism that both Mercedes drivers would maintain respect for the team's interests despite the challenges.
f1chronicle.com+ 1 moreFri 2 Oct · 22:25 UTC
via RacingNews365Oscar Piastri hopeful McLaren 'takes its turn' in jumbled Sepang pecking orderOscar Piastri expressed his hope that McLaren could take its turn at the top of the pecking order during the Bahrain Grand Prix in Sepang. After a mixed performance in Free Practice 1 and 2, where McLaren showed improvement, Piastri noted the competitiveness among the top teams, including Red Bull and Ferrari.
Piastri highlighted that McLaren's performance in Free Practice 2 was better than in the first session, where they struggled. He acknowledged the close competition among the top four teams and expressed optimism about continuing their upward trend as they prepare for the race.
RacingNews365Fri 2 Oct · 21:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comLaurent Mekies admits he'd love the Max Verstappen 'problem' Martin Brundle can now see for Red BullLaurent Mekies of Red Bull Racing expressed enthusiasm about the competitive dynamic between Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar, following their recent success. The duo achieved a double podium finish, marking a significant improvement for the team this season, and Mekies highlighted Hadjar's impressive performance in Baku as a turning point for the second seat at Red Bull.
Mekies acknowledged the potential challenges of managing two strong drivers competing for points but views it as a positive situation for the team. He emphasized the importance of teamwork and the possibility of making difficult decisions in the future, indicating that both drivers are committed to maximizing team results. With Hadjar eager to establish his position and Verstappen focusing on the upcoming season, Red Bull appears to be in a strong position moving forward.
f1oversteer.comFri 2 Oct · 19:00 UTC
via gpfans.comHorner downplays Ferrari comments amid Brundle talksChristian Horner has attempted to clarify his recent comments regarding Ferrari, stating they were meant to be respectful rather than controversial. His remarks came during a conversation with Martin Brundle, who has also discussed the possibility of Horner becoming Ferrari's new team principal.
gpfans.com+ 1 moreFri 2 Oct · 18:45 UTC
via RacingNews365Liam Lawson discusses strategies for Bahrain Grand PrixLiam Lawson has expressed his thoughts on the strategies that could lead to success for the Racing Bulls at the Bahrain Grand Prix. He highlighted the importance of making the right choices as the team prepares for the race in Malaysia.RacingNews365Fri 2 Oct · 18:00 UTC
via Motorsport.comF1 Bahrain GP in Malaysia: Saturday schedule, weather forecast and how to watchThe Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia is set for Saturday with Charles Leclerc leading the pack after the second practice session. He narrowly edged out Isack Hadjar, while Lando Norris, Max Verstappen, and Lewis Hamilton rounded out the top five. Mercedes faced challenges, with both George Russell and Kimi Antonelli struggling to maximise their soft-tyre runs.
Saturday's schedule includes final practice at 12:30pm MYT followed by qualifying at 4:00pm MYT. The weather forecast indicates hot and humid conditions, with temperatures around 32-33C and a possibility of thunderstorms earlier in the day. Teams will need to prepare for changing grip levels as they navigate the challenging Sepang circuit.
Motorsport.comFri 2 Oct · 17:13 UTC
via PlanetF1Oscar Piastri spots ‘unpredictable’ Malaysia curveball in McLaren progress updateOscar Piastri, the McLaren driver, is looking forward to the possibility of racing in wet conditions during the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. He highlighted the unpredictability of the new power units in rain, noting that the deployment of power is capped, which could affect performance. Piastri finished sixth in the second practice session, just behind his teammate Lando Norris, who was third.
Piastri has been working on adapting to the latest generation of Formula 1 cars and feels he is gradually finding a better setup. He mentioned that while the process is challenging, he is becoming more comfortable with the car's demands. The anticipation for rain adds an extra layer of excitement, as F1 has yet to experience wet weather this season despite several forecasts.PlanetF1Fri 2 Oct · 17:02 UTC
via f1oversteer.comLando Norris just did something ‘no one else’ could at the Bahrain Grand Prix in MalaysiaDuring the second practice session for the Bahrain Grand Prix, Lando Norris achieved P3, showcasing a significant improvement from his earlier performance. Despite not having the fastest overall pace, Norris demonstrated the best long-run pace, which is crucial for the race strategy given the unique conditions of the Sepang track.
Norris' lap time of 1'44"727 was unmatched by his competitors, who all fell into the 1m 45s range. This performance, combined with McLaren's usual Friday pace and good tyre degradation, positions Norris as a strong contender for a podium finish in the upcoming race.f1oversteer.comFri 2 Oct · 15:00 UTC
via RaceFansFeatured Comment: Social media abuse must not stop drivers speaking their minds | BriefLando Norris has called for respect and humility following a wave of social media abuse directed at him after he commented on fellow driver Franco Colapinto. The backlash included death threats, prompting discussions about the pressures drivers face when expressing their opinions publicly.
A reader, @GongTong, defended Norris, arguing that drivers should be allowed to speak candidly without fear of severe repercussions. The incident underscores the growing concern over social media abuse in the sport, as it can stifle open dialogue among drivers.
RaceFansFri 2 Oct · 14:37 UTC
via gpfans.comFranco Colapinto criticises Lando Norris' actionsFranco Colapinto has stated that Lando Norris went too far in his recent criticism following their public feud at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. This comes after Norris nearly caused a significant incident at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia.gpfans.com+ 1 moreFri 2 Oct · 13:55 UTC
via f1technical.net“We're struggling more than we'd like to," claims Norris after Sepang practice dayMcLaren made significant progress between the two Friday practice sessions at the Malaysian Grand Prix, with Lando Norris finishing third in FP2 and Oscar Piastri sixth as the team continued to unlock its package at Sepang.
f1technical.netFri 2 Oct · 13:33 UTC
via Motorsport.comWhy extremely rough Sepang was over four seconds slower than Pirelli's F1 simulationsDuring the Friday practice for the Formula 1 return to Malaysia, the Sepang circuit's abrasive surface caused significant issues, leading to lap times that were 4.5 seconds slower than Pirelli's qualifying simulations. The track began to break up, prompting the use of sweeper trucks to clear debris, which contributed to the low grip levels experienced by the teams.
Pirelli's chief engineer, Simone Berra, indicated that while the rough conditions would not pose safety risks, they would likely worsen during the race. Drivers like Charles Leclerc expressed challenges with the slippery track, suggesting that the evolving conditions could impact race strategy and performance, particularly in balancing car setup for qualifying and race stints.Motorsport.comFri 2 Oct · 12:57 UTC
via RacingNews365RUMOURChristian Horner denies Ferrari team principal rumoursChristian Horner has dismissed speculation linking him to a team principal role at Ferrari. The former Red Bull Racing boss clarified the situation during a phone call with Martin Brundle.RacingNews365+ 1 moreFri 2 Oct · 11:40 UTC%2FGettyImages-2298210625.webp&w=1200&q=70)
via Formula1.comMcLaren admits error in Bahrain Grand Prix strategyAndrea Stella, McLaren's team principal, acknowledged that the team made an incorrect judgement regarding their tyre strategy during the Bahrain Grand Prix. Lando Norris, who qualified sixth, found himself at the back of the pack shortly after the race began due to this miscalculation.
Formula1.com+ 1 moreFri 2 Oct · 10:53 UTC
via PlanetF1‘Brave and brilliant’ – Martin Brundle leads tributes after heartbreaking newsMartin Brundle has expressed his condolences following the death of Esther Rantzen, a prominent British television personality, who passed away at the age of 86 after battling lung cancer. Rantzen was well-known for her long-running show That's Life! and for founding the charity Childline, which provides support for children in need.
In his tribute, Brundle praised Rantzen as a brave and brilliant communicator. He highlighted her advocacy for assisted dying after her cancer diagnosis in 2023. Brundle, a former Formula 1 driver and current commentator, has returned to his role at the Bahrain Grand Prix, which is being held in Malaysia this year due to a rescheduling.PlanetF1Fri 2 Oct · 10:31 UTC
via Motorsport.comFlavio Briatore moves on from Franco Colapinto crash: 'I was upset but the past is the past'Flavio Briatore, the Alpine Formula 1 chief, has expressed his desire to move on from the incident involving Franco Colapinto, who caused a crash during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The collision, which also involved Pierre Gasly and Lando Norris, resulted in all three drivers retiring from the race, costing Alpine valuable points in their battle against Racing Bulls.
Briatore acknowledged his disappointment over the incident but emphasised the importance of focusing on the future as Alpine aims to catch Racing Bulls in the championship standings. Colapinto is facing a five-place grid penalty for the upcoming Bahrain Grand Prix, which has been compounded by an additional 10-place penalty due to a fresh engine installation.Motorsport.comFri 2 Oct · 09:37 UTC
via Motorsport.comOscar Piastri’s hilarious comment on 2026 F1 regulations has fans asking questionsOscar Piastri, driving for McLaren, made humorous remarks regarding the 2026 Formula 1 regulations during a press conference at Sepang. He discussed the challenges of simulator work, stating that while it helps identify braking points and gears, there is a limit to its effectiveness, leading to diminishing returns in practice.
Piastri's comments sparked discussions among fans, referencing past humorous exchanges between drivers about how quickly they can learn a track. He noted that the new cars have self-learning capabilities, which has raised concerns among fans about the reliance on technology in racing. His remarks highlight the ongoing debate about the balance between driver skill and technological advancement in Formula 1.Motorsport.comFri 2 Oct · 09:29 UTC
via Motorsport.comFranco Colapinto: "No one" talks about how I receive social media abuse following Baku clashFranco Colapinto, the Alpine driver, has spoken out about the social media abuse he has faced following a collision during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. He highlighted that while he has received significant backlash, the issue of online hate extends beyond just his situation and involves fans from various backgrounds, not solely from Argentina.
Colapinto urged for greater awareness among drivers regarding the impact of their words and the need for collective action to address the problem of online abuse. He also mentioned that he is facing grid penalties for his actions in Baku, while Lando Norris, who initially reacted strongly to the incident, later issued an apology.Motorsport.comFri 2 Oct · 06:27 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'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 Motorsport.comFranco Colapinto receives grid penalty for Bahrain GPAlpine driver Franco Colapinto will face an additional grid penalty at the Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix after taking a new Mercedes V6 engine. This penalty adds to his existing five-place grid drop for the race in Sepang.Motorsport.com+ 1 moreFri 2 Oct · 05:16 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