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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 PlanetF1Untelevised Carlos Sainz footage emerges after Bahrain GP near missUntelevised footage from the Malaysian Grand Prix qualifying session has surfaced, showing a stone hitting Carlos Sainz's Williams FW48 and damaging the onboard camera. Sainz qualified in 13th place, while Red Bull's Max Verstappen took pole position. The incident occurred as Sainz was following another car on the back straight.
Sainz defended the track surface, stating it adds character to the venue, but acknowledged that the conditions were nearing the limit of acceptability for modern Formula 1. He expressed that the low-grip conditions made it challenging to manage the car, yet he felt his qualifying performance was the best possible under the circumstances.
Sat 3 Oct · 13:44 UTC
via f1technical.netWhy was the Sepang practice day a disappointment for Williams?Williams faced a challenging practice day at Sepang as they assessed their upgrade package from the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Both Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz reported difficulties with the car's high-speed performance, with Albon finishing 17th in the first session and last in the second, while Sainz improved but remained in the lower midfield. Albon expressed concerns about rear stability, while Sainz noted that high-speed corners were contributing to tyre degradation.
The team’s Chief Engineer, Paul Williams, acknowledged that Sepang presented a tougher test for their upgrades compared to Baku, highlighting the need to gather data on the car's limitations. With high tyre degradation expected due to the rough track surface and high temperatures, managing tyre performance will be crucial for the race. The team is focused on isolating the car's weaknesses to inform future developments.Fri 2 Oct · 22:00 UTC
via gpfans.comF1 stars face ‘substantial’ Italian tax bills going back EIGHT yearsValtteri Bottas has expressed concerns regarding substantial tax bills that Formula 1 drivers are facing from Italy, which reportedly go back seven or eight years. He noted that while drivers are accustomed to paying taxes in various countries where they race, the retrospective nature of these demands has caused significant frustration among them.
Bottas explained that drivers were previously advised they did not need to file taxes in Italy, leading to confusion when the tax authorities revisited the issue. He emphasised that his frustration lies not in paying taxes, but in the lack of clarity and communication regarding the requirements, particularly given the international nature of their profession.
Fri 2 Oct · 17:45 UTC
via f1oversteer.comCarlos Sainz admits ‘desire will shift’ away from Williams if he never gets what George Russell hasCarlos Sainz has always maintained that he is happy to see his future at Williams, but now it seems the love affair is conditional for ...
Fri 2 Oct · 16:30 UTC
via CrashValtteri Bottas clarifies tax comments on ItalyValtteri Bottas has clarified his earlier remarks regarding tax obligations for Formula 1 drivers racing in Italy, stating that they have 'no problem' paying taxes. His comments come in response to warnings from Italian tax authorities targeting F1 drivers.
+ 3 moreFri 2 Oct · 12:55 UTC
via gpfans.comBottas highlights driver concerns over Imola finaleValtteri Bottas has expressed that Formula 1 drivers are not particularly enthusiastic about the proposed December season finale at Imola. He cited concerns over the weather conditions and potential tax implications in Italy as significant factors influencing their reluctance.
via Motorsport.comLaurent 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.
Thu 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.
Thu 1 Oct · 04:29 UTC
via Motorsport.comGeorge Russell details F1 drivers' Langkawi boys' trip ahead of Bahrain GP in MalaysiaGeorge Russell, a driver for Mercedes, has shared insights about a recent trip to Langkawi, Malaysia, which he took with six other Formula 1 drivers ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix. The trip featured activities such as go-karting and sightseeing, with Russell expressing his admiration for the island's beauty and the friendliness of its people. He noted that the itinerary was influenced by Mercedes' title partner, Petronas.
In addition to Russell, Kimi Antonelli, his teammate, arrived in Malaysia early but chose to explore Kuala Lumpur and visit a water park. Antonelli currently leads the championship standings by 66 points, following Russell's victory at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The trip served as a unique way for the drivers to bond and prepare for the upcoming race.Wed 30 Sep · 19:56 UTC
via f1oversteer.comWilliams made a promise to Carlos Sainz in private meeting before he signed new F1 contractWilliams have managed to convince Carlos Sainz to stay on board for 2027, despite his public outrage over the team’s current situation. After scoring two ...Wed 30 Sep · 18:30 UTC
via RacingNews365Valtteri Bottas claims Cadillac car was 'confused' in strange F1 crashValtteri Bottas reported that his Cadillac Formula 1 car's energy systems malfunctioned, leading to a crash during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The incident happened at Turn 15 as Bottas was not travelling at high speed, which he attributed to a previous lock-up at Turn 1 that may have confused the car's systems.
Bottas explained that the confusion resulted in a failure of the rear brakes, causing him to crash into the wall. He highlighted that the energy deployment in F1 cars is controlled by algorithms that require consistent inputs from the driver, suggesting that his earlier mistake disrupted the system's learning process.
Wed 30 Sep · 15:30 UTC
via PlanetF1Bottas responds as Cadillac F1 relocation plans branded ‘suboptimal’Valtteri Bottas has defended Cadillac F1's plans to split its operations between the United Kingdom and the United States, following criticism from Otmar Szafnauer, who labelled the strategy as 'suboptimal' for achieving championship success. Bottas expressed confidence in the team's approach, highlighting the advantages of having a manufacturing facility in Indianapolis and a power unit project in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Team principal Marcin Budkowski responded to concerns about staff relocations, asserting that the Silverstone facility remains impressive and that the relocation rumors are unfounded. Bottas emphasized that the focus should be on the team's people and their ability to design and build competitive race cars, rather than solely on the facilities themselves.Wed 30 Sep · 14:10 UTC
via Motorsport.comBottas confirms Cadillac brake fix reduced temperatures by 100CValtteri Bottas has announced that Cadillac's recent modifications to their brake cooling system have successfully lowered front brake temperatures by approximately 100 degrees Celsius. This improvement addresses a significant reliability issue that the team has faced in its early Formula 1 campaign.+ 1 moreWed 30 Sep · 09:43 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.Wed 30 Sep · 07:30 UTC
via Motorsport.comHow Carlos Sainz bounced back from the most difficult moment of his F1 careerCarlos Sainz, reflecting on his time with Williams ahead of the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, shared his mixed feelings about the current season. Despite feeling at the peak of his driving abilities, he has faced significant challenges due to the performance of the FW48, leading to a frustrating year without the expected results.
Sainz expressed his commitment to the Williams project, citing trust in the team's vision and the supportive environment he has found there. He highlighted the importance of feeling listened to as a driver and compared his current experience to his successful years at McLaren. Sainz remains hopeful for improvement in the future as he continues to contribute his expertise to the team.Wed 30 Sep · 07:00 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.
Tue 29 Sep · 20:49 UTC
via grandprix.comSergio Perez warns of dangers with 2026 F1 carsSergio Perez has expressed concerns about the safety of the 2026 Formula 1 cars, stating he fears that 'something bad is going to happen soon.' He highlighted the dangerous closing speeds caused by differences in power deployment among engine manufacturers, particularly after a close call during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
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.Tue 29 Sep · 12:39 UTC
via Motorsport.comWilliams reaches Q3 for first time in 2026Williams achieved a significant milestone by progressing to Q3 for the first time in the 2026 season during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. However, the team faced challenges as Carlos Sainz received a grid penalty, impacting their overall performance.+ 1 moreTue 29 Sep · 10:22 UTCPage 1 of 12