McLarenRB F1 TeamRed Bull 
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: Sunday schedule, weather forecast and how to watchMax Verstappen achieved pole position for the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, dominating the qualifying sessions. His final lap placed him ahead of Lewis Hamilton, who will start second. Isack Hadjar initially qualified third but will face a five-place grid penalty, promoting Andrea Kimi Antonelli to third on the grid.
The race is set for October 4, 2026, at 3:00 PM MYT, with weather conditions expected to be hot and humid, along with the possibility of thunderstorms. Sky Sports will broadcast the event in the UK, while Apple TV will offer free streaming in the United States. The Sepang circuit's challenging surface and weather conditions will require teams to strategise effectively.
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 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.
theguardian.com+ 3 moreFri 2 Oct · 15:22 UTC
via PlanetF1Red Bull expresses wish for team orders with VerstappenRed Bull Racing has revealed a desire to implement team orders involving Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar. The team decided against imposing such orders during the recent race in Baku.PlanetF1+ 1 moreFri 2 Oct · 14:37 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 PlanetF1Revealed: Mercedes takes up 2026 development path abandoned by McLarenMercedes has launched a significant upgrade package at the Bahrain Grand Prix, marking a shift in their development strategy that mirrors a path previously abandoned by McLaren. This upgrade includes a complete redesign of the sidepod, rear corner, and diffuser, aimed at enhancing aerodynamic efficiency and downforce.
The new design features a steeper downwash slope and a narrower bodywork, which is expected to improve airflow to the rear of the car. Additionally, vertical elements have been added to the floor board to optimize the car's performance. The effectiveness of these changes will be evaluated during the race weekend in Malaysia.PlanetF1Fri 2 Oct · 12:01 UTC
via F1iBahrain Grand Prix chaos marked by rain and glitchesThe 2026 Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia experienced significant disruptions due to torrential rain and software glitches. Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc were notable performers throughout the weekend, showcasing their competitive edge during the qualifying sessions.
F1i+ 1 moreFri 2 Oct · 11:07 UTC
via PlanetF1FIA confirms worst-kept Isack Hadjar secret at Bahrain Grand PrixThe FIA has officially confirmed that Red Bull driver Isack Hadjar will incur a five-place grid penalty for the upcoming Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. This decision follows Hadjar's announcement during a media day that he was expecting a grid drop due to exceeding his engine component allowance.
Hadjar recently made a strong comeback at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, securing his second podium finish of the season. Alongside Hadjar, Alpine's Franco Colapinto and Racing Bulls' Arvid Lindblad will also face penalties for similar reasons, with Lindblad's total penalties amounting to 30 positions. New regulations state that drivers facing penalties exceeding 15 places will automatically start from the back of the grid.PlanetF1Fri 2 Oct · 10:57 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 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.RacingNews365+ 2 moreFri 2 Oct · 10:50 UTC
via CrashMax Verstappen's unique tyre strategy in Bahrain practiceMax Verstappen employed an unusual medium-tyre strategy during Free Practice 2 for the Bahrain Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit. The session saw lap times significantly slower than expected, attributed to the poor track surface.
Crash+ 4 moreFri 2 Oct · 10:26 UTC
via Motorsport.comMax Verstappen explains tyre strategy in practiceMax Verstappen revealed that he opted for a medium-tyre strategy during Free Practice 2 at the Sepang International Circuit due to concerns about potential rain. The Red Bull driver did not conduct a qualifying simulation run, prioritising caution over performance.Motorsport.com+ 2 moreFri 2 Oct · 10:10 UTC
via Motorsport.comVerstappen and Hadjar urge Red Bull to experiment nowMax Verstappen and Isack Hadjar have encouraged Red Bull Racing to make all necessary mistakes during the remaining races of the 2026 season. Their aim is to prepare effectively for the 2027 season, while also avoiding a winless year in 2026.Motorsport.com+ 1 moreFri 2 Oct · 09:49 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 PlanetF11 videoCharles 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.PlanetF1+ 8 moreFri 2 Oct · 09:01 UTC
via f1oversteer.com22 videosCharles 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.
f1oversteer.com+ 2 moreFri 2 Oct · 09:00 UTC
via RacingNews365Charles Leclerc beats the heat but Max Verstappen has overall edgeCharles Leclerc managed to secure the top spot in the second practice session ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix, overcoming extreme heat conditions. However, it was Max Verstappen who recorded the fastest lap of the day during the first practice session, showcasing Red Bull's competitive edge.
In FP1, Verstappen clocked a time of 1:37.520s, narrowly beating Leclerc's FP2 time of 1:37.528s. The high track temperatures forced teams to adapt their strategies, with many drivers switching to soft tyres earlier than planned. Lewis Hamilton faced scrutiny for an incident involving another driver, while Lando Norris and Isack Hadjar also performed well, finishing third and fourth respectively in FP2.RacingNews365Fri 2 Oct · 09:00 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 Motorsport.comMax Verstappen leads opening practice at Bahrain GPMax Verstappen of Red Bull set the fastest time in the first practice session for the Bahrain Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit. He was followed closely by George Russell, marking a competitive start to the event.Motorsport.com+ 8 moreFri 2 Oct · 05:38 UTC
via f1oversteer.comMax Verstappen leads first practice in MalaysiaMax Verstappen recorded the fastest time in the first practice session at the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. The Red Bull driver outpaced George Russell, setting a strong tone for the weekend.f1oversteer.com+ 1 moreFri 2 Oct · 05:31 UTC
via AutosportMercedes introduces new floor, sidepods for F1 Bahrain GPMercedes has revealed significant updates to its car for the Bahrain Grand Prix, including a redesigned floor and new sidepods. These changes are aimed at maintaining their competitive edge in the 2026 Formula 1 season, where they have been performing strongly against rivals like Ferrari, McLaren, and Red Bull.
The updates involve a shift in sidepod geometry and enhancements to the floor design to improve airflow and downforce. George Russell noted the importance of these upgrades, as it has been several months since the last major update. Mercedes will also sport a special teal and black livery in recognition of its title partner, Petronas.
AutosportFri 2 Oct · 04:31 UTC
via RacingNews3652026 Bahrain Grand Prix Free Practice 1 resultsThe Free Practice 1 session for the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix took place at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia. Full results from the session have been released, detailing the performance of all participating teams and drivers.RacingNews365+ 3 moreFri 2 Oct · 03:25 UTC
via Motorsport.comMcLaren fans say Colapinto's latest interview is keeping the Norris row aliveLando Norris has publicly apologised to Franco Colapinto following their clash during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where both drivers were involved in a multi-car incident that ended their races. Despite their reconciliation, Colapinto's recent comments in an interview have reignited tensions among fans, who feel the situation is far from resolved.
In the interview, Colapinto critiqued Norris's reaction, comparing it to how Max Verstappen handled a similar incident. This comparison did not sit well with fans, leading to a wave of negative responses on social media. While both drivers have moved on from the incident, the fanbase remains divided, with many still expressing frustration over the events that unfolded in Baku.Motorsport.comThu 1 Oct · 19:39 UTC