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via RacingNews365Lewis Hamilton shares plan to fight Max Verstappen in 'different ball game'Lewis Hamilton is set to compete against Max Verstappen at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, where both drivers secured the front row for the race. Hamilton qualified second, three-tenths of a second behind Verstappen, and is focused on maintaining pace with the Dutch driver during the 56-lap race.
Hamilton highlighted the challenges posed by the Sepang International Circuit, particularly the abrasive track surface and oppressive temperatures. He emphasised the need for effective tyre management, stating that the race conditions will be significantly different from qualifying. Despite the challenges, Hamilton expressed optimism about his car's performance and his ability to keep up with Verstappen.
Sun 4 Oct · 04:30 UTC
via thejudge13.comMax Verstappen gains unique tyre advantage after Red Bull strategy gambleMax Verstappen has positioned himself strategically for the upcoming Grand Prix by altering Red Bull's tyre plan. He is the only driver in the top eight with a new set of every tyre compound, which provides him with significant flexibility during the race. After starting the weekend with two sets of C4 soft tyres, Verstappen decided to conserve them rather than use them in practice, ultimately setting the fastest time in the opening session.
In subsequent practice sessions, Verstappen adjusted his strategy by testing medium tyres but found them lacking compared to the softs. This led to a decision to preserve additional soft tyres while gathering data on harder compounds. As a result, Verstappen's unique tyre allocation could be advantageous if race conditions change unexpectedly, allowing him to adapt his strategy more effectively than some of his rivals.
Sat 3 Oct · 23:26 UTC
via RacingNews365Oscar Piastri claims McLaren challenge 'exposed' by 'brutal' MalaysiaOscar Piastri expressed that the challenging conditions at the Malaysian Grand Prix revealed significant weaknesses in McLaren's MCL40 Formula 1 car. Despite finishing seventh on the road, he will start sixth after Isack Hadjar's penalty. Piastri's qualifying time was just 0.005 seconds slower than his teammate Lando Norris, but he acknowledged that the car's performance was not competitive on the Sepang track, which highlighted its struggles in low-speed corners.
Reflecting on the qualifying session, Piastri stated that the rough track conditions made it difficult to extract maximum performance from the car. He noted that while he felt there was potential for a better result, the inherent challenges of the MCL40 were evident. Piastri's comments underscore the ongoing difficulties McLaren faces as they work to improve their car's performance in the current season.Sat 3 Oct · 21:00 UTC
via RacingNews365Max Verstappen facing possible Red Bull error as F1 set end-of-season plans - RacingNews365 ReviewMax Verstappen is potentially facing a significant strategic disadvantage due to a possible error by Red Bull Racing before the Bahrain Grand Prix. This situation has raised concerns about how it might affect his performance in the upcoming race.
Additionally, Formula 1 has confirmed its plans for the 2026 season, which will conclude with a double-header in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, while keeping Imola as a backup option for the final race. This announcement comes amid discussions about various teams' performances and strategies leading into the season's end.Sat 3 Oct · 20:00 UTCvia RacingNews365How Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton turned the tables on exposed MercedesMax Verstappen achieved his first pole position of the season at the Bahrain Grand Prix, showcasing Red Bull's strong performance at the Sepang International Circuit. Lewis Hamilton qualified second, demonstrating the competitiveness of Ferrari, while Mercedes faced challenges, with Kimi Antonelli and George Russell starting fourth and eighth respectively.
The qualifying session highlighted ongoing issues for Mercedes, who struggled to integrate a significant upgrade package. This marked the first time this season that no Mercedes car made it into the top three, raising concerns about the timing of their development changes and their impact on performance.Sat 3 Oct · 17:25 UTC
via f1technical.netPiastri admits McLaren still lacks pace despite sixth-place starting spotOscar Piastri acknowledged that McLaren is still struggling with pace despite qualifying seventh for the Bahrain Grand Prix, which will see him start from sixth due to a grid penalty for Isack Hadjar. Piastri's qualifying performance was close, finishing just 0.005 seconds behind his teammate Lando Norris, but he admitted that he could not extract the best from his final lap due to grip issues at Turn 2.
Looking ahead to the race, Piastri expressed concerns about the challenges posed by high tyre degradation and the competitive field. He noted that while McLaren's long-run performance appeared promising, the surrounding competition also showed strong race pace. Piastri emphasised the importance of strategy and maximising opportunities during the race to gain positions.
Sat 3 Oct · 17:00 UTC
via gpfans.comMax Verstappen delivers brutal putdown to Red Bull team-mate at Bahrain Grand PrixMax Verstappen secured his first pole position of the season at the Bahrain Grand Prix, finishing nearly three tenths ahead of Lewis Hamilton. Isack Hadjar, Verstappen's team-mate at Red Bull, qualified third, prompting Verstappen to make a light-hearted remark about Hadjar's lack of pole positions in his career.
During the post-qualifying press conference, Verstappen reflected on the difficulty of ranking pole positions due to varying track conditions. He acknowledged that while he doesn't remember all of his poles, he encouraged Hadjar, suggesting that more would come in the future.
Sat 3 Oct · 16:55 UTCvia f1technical.netSRATEGY GUIDE: Did Leclerc and Verstappen put themselves under pressure with their tyre allocation?Max Verstappen achieved his first pole position of the 2026 season at the Bahrain Grand Prix, finishing ahead of Lewis Hamilton by 0.298 seconds. The Red Bull driver set his fastest lap of 1:35.130 during his final run, while Hamilton qualified second with a time of 1:35.428. Isack Hadjar, who initially placed third, will start further down the grid due to a five-place penalty, allowing Kimi Antonelli to take his spot on the front row.
The race strategy is expected to revolve around tyre allocation, with Pirelli highlighting the importance of the Hard compound. Both Verstappen and Charles Leclerc have only one set of Hard tyres available, which may force them to adapt their strategies. Pirelli anticipates that a two-stop strategy will be the baseline for the race, with the potential for rain adding further complexity to the teams' plans.Sat 3 Oct · 16:08 UTC
via f1technical.netCadillac admits pace deficit after difficult Sepang QualifyingCadillac faced a challenging qualifying session at the Sepang International Circuit, with both Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez eliminated in Q1. Bottas managed to secure 21st place, while Perez followed closely in 22nd, as the team struggled to find performance in the hot conditions.
Despite the disappointing qualifying results, Bottas expressed optimism about the team's race pace, which he felt could allow them to compete with Williams. Team Principal Marcin Budkowski acknowledged the difficulties faced at Sepang compared to their previous race in Baku, but noted progress in car balance and setup. The team is hopeful that the race will present opportunities, especially with uncertain weather and tyre management challenges.Sat 3 Oct · 16:05 UTC
via f1technical.netWilliams reflect on their "well-executed qualifying" after Friday strugglesCarlos Sainz delivered a commendable qualifying performance for Williams, securing 13th place at the Bahrain Grand Prix despite the team's ongoing struggles with pace. Sainz's ability to progress through both qualifying sessions showcased his skill, as he managed to extract more performance from the FW48 than expected. Team Principal James Vowles acknowledged the positive aspects of Sainz's performance while also highlighting the limitations of the car.
In contrast, Alex Albon faced a challenging qualifying session, finishing in 20th place but moving up to 18th due to penalties for other drivers. Albon's difficulties were attributed to a different setup direction that did not yield the desired results. Both drivers are preparing for a race that could be influenced by high tyre degradation and potential rain, with the team hoping to capitalise on any opportunities that arise.Sat 3 Oct · 16:04 UTC
via RacingNews365Has Red Bull made a strategic blunder that could cost Max Verstappen in Malaysia?Max Verstappen has only one set of hard tyres for the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia — how costly could that decision prove to be for the Red Bull driver?Sat 3 Oct · 14:30 UTC
via f1oversteer.comHamilton's Bahrain qualifying lap impresses punditsLewis Hamilton's second-place finish in Bahrain Grand Prix qualifying has been described as a 'massive mic drop' moment, particularly in light of ongoing Ferrari rumours. David Coulthard noted that Hamilton's performance was remarkable, placing him alongside Max Verstappen on the front row for the race.
+ 1 moreSat 3 Oct · 13:00 UTC
via Motorsport.comKimi Antonelli reacts to Bahrain GP P3 starting positionKimi Antonelli expressed surprise after learning he will start the Bahrain Grand Prix from third position. The Mercedes driver struggled during qualifying, finishing five-tenths behind polesitter Max Verstappen.
+ 1 moreSat 3 Oct · 12:58 UTC
via Motorsport.comMcLaren shares "heartwarming" Oscar Piastri moment with young fan at SepangDuring the Bahrain Grand Prix weekend, Oscar Piastri had a touching encounter with a young fan named Harry, who has overcome leukaemia twice. The McLaren team arranged for Harry to meet Piastri, where he received a tour of the garage, advice on karting, and had his hat signed by the driver.
The moment resonated with fans on social media, highlighting the positive impact that drivers like Piastri can have as role models. As for the race, Piastri qualified seventh but will start from sixth on the grid due to a penalty for another driver, Isack Hadjar. He expressed cautious optimism about the race, noting the importance of strategy and tire degradation.Sat 3 Oct · 12:44 UTC
via PlanetF1Max Verstappen mocks George Russell over cost cap issueMax Verstappen has made light of George Russell's complaints regarding Mercedes' decision not to provide him with a cooling vest due to cost cap restrictions. Verstappen suggested that Russell's concerns were exaggerated, joking that he might take him to the sauna instead.
+ 3 moreSat 3 Oct · 12:40 UTC
via Motorsport.comMcLaren addresses Lando Norris' straightline speed issueMcLaren team principal Andrea Stella has explained the ongoing straightline speed deficit experienced by Lando Norris during the Bahrain Grand Prix qualifying. This issue has been evident for two consecutive weekends, with Norris expressing disappointment over his performance compared to team-mate Oscar Piastri.+ 5 moreSat 3 Oct · 12:37 UTC
via BBC Sport'Incredible' Red Bull upgrade enlivens F1 in 'roasting hot' MalaysiaMax Verstappen achieved his first pole position of the 2026 season at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, showcasing a dominant performance throughout the weekend. Lewis Hamilton, starting from second, expressed concerns about Verstappen's pace, recalling their intense rivalry from previous seasons. Red Bull's recent upgrades have significantly improved their car's performance, allowing Verstappen to take the lead in qualifying.
Isack Hadjar, who missed the first three races after an injury, noted a marked improvement in the car's handling since his return. Meanwhile, Mercedes faced challenges with their new aerodynamic upgrade, struggling to find the right balance on the demanding Sepang track. Kimi Antonelli, starting from third, highlighted the importance of strategy and track position for the upcoming race, particularly in the hot conditions expected.
Sat 3 Oct · 12:25 UTC
via Motorsport.comHamilton calls Bahrain qualifying his best of 2026Lewis Hamilton described his front-row qualifying performance for the Bahrain Grand Prix as the 'best lap' of his 2026 Formula 1 season. He expressed surprise at achieving this position alongside Max Verstappen, noting that the Mercedes car felt great.+ 2 moreSat 3 Oct · 12:10 UTC
via Sky Sports F1Hamilton and Verstappen set for Bahrain Grand Prix duelLewis Hamilton expressed excitement about the prospect of a competitive race against Max Verstappen at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. Both drivers will start from the front row, heightening anticipation for a thrilling showdown.
Sat 3 Oct · 12:00 UTC
via Motorsport.comMax Verstappen takes pole position in Bahrain Grand PrixMax Verstappen secured pole position for the Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang, marking the first non-Mercedes-powered pole in recent history. Lewis Hamilton expressed excitement about the potential for an intense race, highlighting the importance for Ferrari to focus on their own performance.+ 1 moreSat 3 Oct · 12:00 UTCPage 1 of 58