Martin BrundleSergio Pérez
via Motorsport.comFernando Alonso builds his dream F1 circuit but Sergio Perez spots one major problemFernando Alonso recently created his ultimate Formula 1 circuit by selecting iconic sectors from existing tracks, including Suzuka, Spa, and Barcelona. However, Sergio Perez quickly highlighted a significant issue with this design, noting that the 2026 engine regulations would make it difficult to drive due to the new power unit requirements.
The 2026 regulations mandate a balance between internal combustion engine and battery power, which complicates the design of high-speed circuits. Perez pointed out that the combination of Suzuka and Spa's relentless speed would likely lead to battery depletion, a phenomenon known as 'clipping'. Despite the challenges, Alonso remained optimistic about his team's engine capabilities.
Motorsport.comTue 6 Oct · 15:55 UTC
via RacingNews365Sergio Perez airs stern criticism after 'rental go-kart' chaos: 'Unacceptable'Sergio Perez expressed strong criticism regarding the chaotic formation lap at the Bahrain Grand Prix, labelling the situation as 'totally unacceptable'. The issues arose from a software bug that caused multiple cars to lose power, leading to a delayed race start that was already postponed due to bad weather.
Despite the challenges, Perez made a strategic tyre change during the race, initially gaining positions before losing them again when the safety car bunched the field. His comments reflect a broader frustration among drivers about the new power units, which have been a recurring topic of concern this season.
RacingNews365Mon 5 Oct · 17:10 UTC
via f1technical.netThe lessons Cadillac learned from the chaotic first wet race of the seasonCadillac faced significant challenges during the Bahrain Grand Prix, where their decision to start on slick tyres backfired in wet conditions. Valtteri Bottas retired early after spinning out, while Sergio Pérez struggled to maintain position, ultimately finishing 19th after a chaotic race that included seven pit stops and multiple Safety Car periods. Bottas acknowledged the risk of their tyre strategy, while Pérez noted the competitive performance of the intermediate tyres before the race's interruptions.
Team Principal Marcin Budkowski described the race as a valuable learning experience for Cadillac, particularly regarding tyre behaviour and car setup in low-grip conditions. Despite the difficulties, Pérez managed to gather important data for the team, which they hope to use to improve their performance in future wet races. Cadillac is now focused on regrouping quickly as they prepare for the next challenge in Singapore.
f1technical.netMon 5 Oct · 00:00 UTC
via gpfans.comMartin Brundle criticises F1 formation lap chaosMartin Brundle has described the formation lap chaos at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia as 'total mayhem' following a software bug that affected multiple cars. While he acknowledged the FIA's eventual solution as 'smart and fair', he highlighted the confusion experienced by drivers, including Max Verstappen.
gpfans.com+ 1 moreSun 4 Oct · 16:54 UTC
via f1oversteer.comMartin Brundle in awe of Lewis Hamilton’s ‘quite extraordinary’ performance in MalaysiaLewis Hamilton achieved a remarkable third-place finish at the Bahrain Grand Prix after starting from the front row and dropping to 17th due to a risky tyre choice by Ferrari. Despite facing early challenges, Hamilton fought back through the field, ultimately finishing on the podium after overtaking Isack Hadjar late in the race.
Martin Brundle praised Hamilton's performance as 'quite extraordinary', noting the chaos he overcame during the race. Hamilton's result marks his sixth podium in his second season with Ferrari, keeping his hopes alive for a higher position in the championship standings.
f1oversteer.comSun 4 Oct · 10:58 UTC
via RacingNews365Christian Horner congratulates Red Bull on Bahrain winChristian Horner has congratulated Max Verstappen and Red Bull Racing following their first victory of the 2026 Formula 1 season at the Bahrain Grand Prix. This win marks a significant milestone for the team and the Red Bull Powertrains project.
RacingNews365+ 7 moreSun 4 Oct · 10:39 UTC
via gpfans.comMartin Brundle calls Bahrain GP grid reset fair decisionMartin Brundle praised the FIA's decision to reset the grid for the Bahrain Grand Prix, describing it as 'smart and fair'. His comments followed the chaotic scenes that unfolded during the formation lap of the race.
gpfans.com+ 4 moreSat 3 Oct · 14:55 UTC
via AutosportMcLaren addresses Lando Norris's straight-line speed issuesLando Norris has experienced a recurring straight-line speed deficit in his McLaren MCL40, which has been particularly evident in recent races. McLaren team principal Andrea Stella confirmed that the team is investigating the underlying issues affecting Norris's performance compared to his teammate Oscar Piastri.
Autosport+ 4 moreSat 3 Oct · 12:49 UTC
via thejudge13.comRUMOURChristian Horner addresses Ferrari job speculationChristian Horner has clarified that he was not attempting to express interest in the Ferrari team principal position, despite recent comments that sparked media speculation. The Red Bull Racing team principal described Ferrari as a 'dream' but emphasised he was not throwing his hat in the ring for the role.
thejudge13.com+ 1 moreSat 3 Oct · 12:16 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 f1oversteer.comRUMOURChristian Horner downplays Ferrari speculationChristian Horner has attempted to clarify his recent comments regarding Ferrari, stating they were meant to be respectful rather than provocative. Martin Brundle has also addressed the speculation surrounding Horner's potential role at Ferrari, suggesting it has been exaggerated.
f1oversteer.com+ 4 moreWed 30 Sep · 20:00 UTC
via Motorsport.comAlex Brundle questions McLaren F1 upgrade after Azerbaijan GP disappointmentF1 TV pundit Alex Brundle has raised concerns about McLaren's recent upgrade package following a disappointing performance at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Despite the team arriving with significant upgrades, both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri faced incidents that left them without points, prompting Brundle to question the structural integrity of the new components.
Brundle highlighted that while the zero points finish may not reflect the upgrades' potential, the physical fragility of the parts is alarming. He warned that if the upgrades cannot withstand the rigours of racing, they may end up being discarded, which would be a significant setback for the reigning champions.
Motorsport.comWed 30 Sep · 14:16 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 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 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.comAlex Brundle says Kimi Antonelli didn't talk like a 'champion' at the Azerbaijan Grand PrixAlex Brundle has voiced concerns regarding Kimi Antonelli's performance at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where Antonelli crashed during qualifying and started from P16. Despite a comeback to finish P5, Brundle noted that Antonelli's conservative driving could jeopardise his championship lead, which has now been reduced to 66 points following George Russell's victory.
Antonelli himself acknowledged that he held back during the race, stating he drove cautiously and did not take risks. He described the weekend as his worst of the year, indicating a need to improve his performance as the season progresses. With eight races remaining and a competitive field, Antonelli must regain his aggressive approach to maintain his championship advantage.
f1oversteer.comTue 29 Sep · 06:00 UTC