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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 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 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.comVerstappen praises Red Bull's improvements after poleMax Verstappen has acknowledged significant improvements in the Red Bull car after securing pole position in Malaysia. This comes less than a month after he described the car as 'made of paper' due to concerns over its degradation during the Monza qualifying.
+ 1 moreSat 3 Oct · 11:56 UTC
via PlanetF1Lewis Hamilton credits Ferrari set-up change for front rowLewis Hamilton achieved a front-row start at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia after a last-minute set-up adjustment to his Ferrari SF-26. He noted that this change helped unlock additional pace, despite a 0.4-second deficit compared to the fastest time.
+ 2 moreSat 3 Oct · 11:44 UTC
via Motorsport.comLando Norris frustrated by McLaren's straight-line speedLando Norris expressed frustration over his McLaren's lack of straight-line speed during qualifying for the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. Team principal Andrea Stella acknowledged the ongoing issues with Norris' Mercedes power unit, which have hindered his performance compared to teammate Oscar Piastri.+ 4 moreSat 3 Oct · 10:44 UTC
via F1iGeorge Russell puzzled by Sepang qualifying performanceGeorge Russell expressed confusion over his lack of competitiveness during qualifying for the Malaysian Grand Prix, where he finished in eighth place. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff also voiced his bafflement, stating that the team's expected progress from recent upgrades did not materialise.
+ 2 moreSat 3 Oct · 10:43 UTC
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.
Sat 3 Oct · 10:30 UTC
via RacingNews365George Russell criticises Mercedes' poor qualifying in SepangGeorge Russell has described Mercedes' qualifying performance at the Bahrain Grand Prix as 'very bad', following a disappointing session after a promising practice. The team, which had shown competitive pace earlier, struggled to match the performance of Red Bull, who secured pole position.
+ 2 moreSat 3 Oct · 10:22 UTC
via RacingNews365Toto Wolff expresses confusion over Mercedes' paceToto Wolff, the team principal of Mercedes, has voiced his confusion regarding the team's performance following a significant upgrade package for the Bahrain Grand Prix. Despite expectations of improved pace, both Kimi Antonelli and George Russell struggled during qualifying, leaving Wolff to suggest that 'something else is going on'.+ 4 moreSat 3 Oct · 09:50 UTC
via RacingNews365Red Bull branded 'biggest threat' to Mercedes as F1 recovery gathers paceAnthony Davidson has stated that Red Bull Racing is becoming the most significant competitor to Mercedes in Formula 1, particularly after their strong performance in the final practice for the Bahrain Grand Prix. Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar secured second and third places, respectively, while George Russell finished fourth, indicating that Red Bull is closing the gap on Mercedes' dominance.
Despite currently sitting fourth in the constructors' standings and yet to win a race this season, Red Bull is focused on achieving victories based on their own performance. Team principal Laurent Mekies highlighted the progress made with the RB22, and Verstappen expressed his desire to secure a win this year, emphasizing the team's competitive resurgence.Sat 3 Oct · 06:32 UTC
via f1oversteer.comKimi Antonelli tops final practice at Bahrain Grand PrixKimi Antonelli of Mercedes achieved the fastest time in Free Practice 3 for the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, finishing ahead of Max Verstappen by 0.278 seconds. This performance sets the stage for a competitive qualifying session between Mercedes and Red Bull.
+ 3 moreSat 3 Oct · 05:33 UTC
via RacingNews365Mercedes struggles with W17 upgrade at Bahrain Grand PrixMercedes has encountered significant difficulties with its W17 car following a major upgrade at the Bahrain Grand Prix, failing to achieve competitive qualifying times. Team principal Toto Wolff expressed confusion over the lack of performance improvement, as both drivers were unable to break into the top three.+ 6 moreSat 3 Oct · 04:00 UTC
via RacingNews365Lewis Hamilton seeking Ferrari 'compromise' after tricky F1 discoveryLewis Hamilton is looking for the right balance in his Ferrari after a challenging return to the Sepang circuit for the Bahrain Grand Prix. He finished fifth in the second practice session, trailing team-mate Charles Leclerc, who was 0.305 seconds faster, and faced difficulties with the track's abrasive surface affecting grip and tyre management.
Hamilton noted that the day was overall challenging, with limited grip available on track. He mentioned that the team explored various set-up directions and is now focused on analysing data to find the best compromise ahead of qualifying. Despite the struggles, Hamilton believes they are not far off the pace and acknowledges that there is still work to be done.Fri 2 Oct · 17:20 UTC
via theguardian.comKimi Antonelli tops FP3 at Bahrain Grand Prix in MalaysiaKimi Antonelli topped the final practice session for the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, recovering from a challenging Friday for Mercedes. His performance alleviated concerns regarding the team's upgraded W17 car, although team-mate George Russell was six tenths slower.
+ 3 moreFri 2 Oct · 15:22 UTC
via RacingNews365George Russell warns of Mercedes struggles in BahrainGeorge Russell has expressed concerns about Mercedes' performance at the Bahrain Grand Prix, stating that the car is 'off the pace' compared to rivals Red Bull and McLaren. Despite a significant upgrade, Russell believes adjustments are necessary to improve competitiveness.+ 2 moreFri 2 Oct · 10:50 UTC
via RaceFansLeclerc quickest as Verstappen avoids softs and Hamilton faces investigation | Formula 1In the second practice session at the Sepang International Circuit, Charles Leclerc topped the timesheets, showcasing strong performance ahead of the race. Max Verstappen, who had been the fastest in the first practice, opted not to use soft tyres, while his teammate Isack Hadjar managed to clock a time very close to Leclerc's.
Lando Norris also demonstrated competitive pace but experienced a close call with Sergio Perez as he approached the pit lane. Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton is facing an investigation related to an incident during the session, adding an extra layer of scrutiny to his performance.
Fri 2 Oct · 09:06 UTC
via PlanetF1Charles Leclerc fastest in Bahrain Grand Prix FP2Charles Leclerc set the fastest time in the second practice session for the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, clocking a lap of 1m37.528s. The session remained dry despite a significant threat of rain, with both Mercedes drivers struggling to find pace.+ 8 more
via f1oversteer.comCharles Leclerc sets fastest time in Bahrain FP2Charles Leclerc achieved the fastest lap during the second free practice session for the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit. Meanwhile, Mercedes struggled to keep pace with the frontrunners.+ 2 moreFri 2 Oct · 09:00 UTCPage 1 of 8