FerrariHaas F1 TeamWilliams
via Formula1.comHow an unexpected battle for P6 in Malaysia fell apartDuring the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, Williams and Haas drivers had a strong start but ultimately failed to secure points. Carlos Sainz, Alex Albon, and Esteban Ocon all made effective tyre choices at the beginning, with Sainz moving from 13th to 6th, Albon from 18th to 7th, and Ocon from 17th to 8th. However, a series of misfortunes, including a spin for Sainz and a gearbox issue for Albon, led to disappointing finishes for the trio.
Ocon, who initially performed well, also struggled after the first Safety Car period and finished outside the points. Sainz expressed frustration over the race's turn of events, citing poor pit stops and the impact of the collision with Bortoleto. Albon echoed similar sentiments, highlighting issues with car performance throughout the weekend. Despite their promising start, the teams left the race without scoring any points.
Formula1.comTue 6 Oct · 09:15 UTC
via gpfans.comTrue cost of Williams F1 revival revealed as losses almost halvedWilliams Grand Prix Engineering reported a revenue of £244 million for 2025, marking a significant increase from £179.8 million in 2024. Despite this growth, the team still faced a post-tax loss of £25.12 million, although this was a notable improvement from the previous year's loss of £49.85 million. The operating loss also decreased significantly, reflecting the team's ongoing investment in its long-term rebuild.
The financial results indicate that Williams is expanding its workforce and infrastructure, with average employee numbers rising by over 21%. The team is investing heavily in research and development, as evidenced by the increase in R&D staff and payroll costs. Team principal James Vowles highlighted the necessity for sustained investment to address decades of underfunding, indicating that the team's challenges cannot be resolved quickly.
gpfans.comTue 6 Oct · 08:57 UTC
via RacingNews365Fred Vasseur finds much-needed allies as spotlight glares on Ferrari bossFlavio Briatore has expressed his support for Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur, stating that the scrutiny he faces is significantly more intense than that of his competitors. This comes in light of Ferrari's recent performance struggles, with their first podium finish in six races achieved by Lewis Hamilton at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia.
The pressure on Vasseur has increased following comments from Red Bull's Christian Horner and reports of tensions with Ferrari's CEO Benedetto Vigna. In response to the media's heightened focus on Vasseur's performance, Ferrari's senior management, including executive chairman John Elkann, reaffirmed their confidence in him during an emergency press briefing.
RacingNews365Tue 6 Oct · 08:40 UTC
via f1oversteer.comAndrea Stella questions McLaren's performance after SepangMcLaren team principal Andrea Stella has expressed concerns over the team's unexpected performance dip during the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix in Sepang, Malaysia. Stella had anticipated that Oscar Piastri would be significantly faster based on simulations, leaving the team with pressing questions about their current pace.
f1oversteer.com+ 1 moreTue 6 Oct · 07:30 UTC
via RacingNews365Lewis Hamilton explains why he will not visit a ‘casino’ with FerrariLewis Hamilton humorously stated he would not be visiting a casino with Ferrari after he overruled a pit wall decision during the Bahrain Grand Prix. Despite starting on soft tyres in damp conditions, Hamilton finished third, behind Max Verstappen and Kimi Antonelli, after deciding to gamble on staying out until the track conditions improved.
Hamilton praised the Ferrari team for their efforts and expressed his commitment to maintaining open communication to improve future performances. He acknowledged areas for improvement but remained optimistic about their chances in upcoming races, particularly looking ahead to the Singapore Grand Prix.
RacingNews365Tue 6 Oct · 05:20 UTC
via PlanetF1RUMOURFerrari CEO addresses Fred Vasseur rumours but leaves key question unansweredFerrari CEO Benedetto Vigna has dismissed rumours of a rift with team principal Fred Vasseur, stating that their relationship remains strong. However, he did not address whether Vasseur will continue in his role beyond the 2026 season, leaving a significant question unanswered amidst speculation about a potential succession plan.
Vasseur's future has been a topic of discussion, with reports suggesting he may step down after this season. While Vigna and Ferrari's communications team have expressed confidence in Vasseur, the lack of a definitive statement regarding his continuation has left room for uncertainty. Vasseur himself has indicated a positive relationship with his superiors, despite the swirling rumours.
PlanetF1Tue 6 Oct · 05:02 UTC
via f1technical.netRUMOURLeclerc backs Vasseur and urges Ferrari to silence ‘silly rumours’ after Sepang recoveryCharles Leclerc defended Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur after the team secured a fourth-place finish in the Bahrain Grand Prix, despite a challenging race at Sepang. Leclerc called for an end to the 'silly rumours' regarding Vasseur's future, asserting that the team remains united and focused on improvement.
Leclerc acknowledged the difficulties faced during the race, particularly the decision to start on slick tyres in wet conditions. He expressed satisfaction with the team's recovery to finish both cars in the top four, while also emphasising the need to learn from their mistakes. Looking ahead, Leclerc is optimistic about Ferrari's potential to achieve victory in the upcoming Singapore race.
f1technical.netMon 5 Oct · 22:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comJolyon Palmer saw something in Lewis Hamilton Sepang onboard that suggests he could win in SingaporeJolyon Palmer has expressed confidence in Lewis Hamilton's chances for victory in the upcoming Singapore Grand Prix, following Hamilton's impressive podium finish in Sepang. Palmer noted that Hamilton's performance in Malaysia indicates he is back in contention for race wins, particularly with the strengths of the Ferrari team aligning well with the characteristics of the Singapore circuit.
Hamilton, a four-time winner in Singapore, will be looking to add to his tally after a successful stint with Ferrari. Palmer highlighted Hamilton's historical success at both Singapore and Austin, suggesting that the medium-speed corners of the Singapore track could favour Ferrari's strong aerodynamic capabilities. With seven races remaining in the season, Hamilton aims to leverage his experience and the car's performance to secure another victory.
f1oversteer.comMon 5 Oct · 18:30 UTC
via F1iBearman blasts Haas: ‘Soft tyre strategy screwed my race’Oliver Bearman expressed frustration after finishing 14th in the Bahrain Grand Prix, claiming that Haas's decision to override his tyre strategy cost him a chance at scoring points. Bearman had insisted on starting the race on intermediate tyres due to wet conditions, but the team opted to put him on slicks at the last moment, which he felt was a mistake.
Bearman highlighted that he had good pace once on the correct tyres but was already too far behind to recover. He felt that as the lead car, he should not have been assigned the riskier strategy, which ultimately hindered his performance. Despite the setback, Bearman remains confident in the potential of the VF-26, believing that the conditions could have favoured a better result.
F1iMon 5 Oct · 16:24 UTC
via f1oversteer.comFred Vasseur comments on Lewis Hamilton's Malaysia driveFred Vasseur praised Lewis Hamilton's impressive performance in Malaysia, where he secured a podium finish despite facing early tyre issues. The Ferrari team principal acknowledged the challenges posed by their strategy during the race.
f1oversteer.com+ 1 moreMon 5 Oct · 16:00 UTC
via RacingNews365F1 faces embarrassment over Verstappen predictionThe Formula 1 community expressed embarrassment following a bold prediction made about Max Verstappen. This discussion arose during a recent episode of the RacingNews365 Podcast, reflecting on the implications for the upcoming Singapore Grand Prix.
RacingNews365Mon 5 Oct · 14:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comDavid Coulthard says there’s ‘no way’ Lewis Hamilton can compete after seeing Ferrari ghost-car lapDavid Coulthard has stated that Lewis Hamilton lacks the ability to compete with Ferrari after observing the performance differences during the Bahrain Grand Prix. Despite Hamilton securing a podium finish, he acknowledged a significant power deficit compared to Max Verstappen's Red Bull, particularly on straights where Ferrari is losing three to four tenths of a second.
Hamilton praised Ferrari's chassis but lamented their ongoing power issues, which he believes will persist throughout the season. The team has introduced upgrades but does not expect to make a significant improvement until 2027. Hamilton's performance was highlighted by a late overtaking move on Isack Hadjar, showcasing his skill despite the car's limitations.
f1oversteer.comMon 5 Oct · 14:00 UTC
via CrashOllie Bearman criticises Haas for Bahrain GP strategyOllie Bearman expressed frustration with Haas after the team opted for split strategies during the Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix, despite his insistence on starting with intermediate tyres. Bearman stated that the decision left him feeling 'totally screwed' and was made without his knowledge.
Crash+ 1 moreMon 5 Oct · 13:15 UTC
via f1oversteer.comChristian Horner reveals why Adrian Newey turned down Ferrari after ‘looking at’ a moveChristian Horner disclosed that Adrian Newey seriously contemplated a move to Ferrari in 2014 due to frustrations with Renault's engine performance. This led Red Bull to create an Advanced Technologies division, allowing Newey to explore other design interests, including sailing and road cars, which helped alleviate his dissatisfaction.
Despite Newey's interest, he stayed with Red Bull for another decade, witnessing their resurgence with Max Verstappen. In 2024, he left Red Bull for Aston Martin, where he faces similar challenges with Honda engines, reminiscent of his earlier struggles with Renault.
f1oversteer.comMon 5 Oct · 13:00 UTC
via Formula1.comVasseur on how Hamilton and Leclerc saved the day at SepangFerrari Team Principal Fred Vasseur commended Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc for their impressive recovery during the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. Despite a challenging start due to a poor tyre choice, both drivers managed to secure third and fourth places, aided by the retirement of George Russell and a battery issue for Isack Hadjar.
Vasseur acknowledged that the decision to start on slicks was not the right one, as the track dried slower than anticipated. He noted that Hamilton's strategy and tyre management were key to their performance, while Leclerc's early pit stop for intermediates after contact with another driver changed the course of his race. Vasseur expressed optimism about carrying this performance into future races.
Formula1.comMon 5 Oct · 12:28 UTC
via grandprix.comRUMOURLeclerc defends Vasseur amid Ferrari future speculationCharles Leclerc has expressed support for Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur, urging the team to dismiss what he calls 'silly rumours' regarding Vasseur's future. Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna also emphasised the team's unity and determination despite the ongoing speculation.grandprix.com+ 1 moreMon 5 Oct · 10:16 UTC
via CrashValtteri Bottas cycles 350km to Singapore Grand PrixValtteri Bottas has chosen to cycle 350 kilometres from Malaysia to Singapore instead of taking a flight ahead of the Grand Prix. This unique journey highlights Bottas's passion for cycling and his commitment to an unconventional travel method.
Crash+ 6 moreMon 5 Oct · 09:23 UTC
via PlanetF1Lewis Hamilton criticises Ferrari's tyre strategy in MalaysiaLewis Hamilton has stated that Ferrari influenced his decision to start the Bahrain Grand Prix on slick tyres, which he believes was the incorrect choice. He also defended Ferrari against criticism by pointing out that McLaren made a similar strategic error during the race.
PlanetF1+ 3 moreMon 5 Oct · 09:01 UTC
via f1oversteer.comAdrian Newey credited for Aston Martin's success in MalaysiaAdrian Newey has been recognised for his role in Aston Martin's improved performance at the Bahrain Grand Prix, where the team achieved its best result of 2026. Fernando Alonso's points finish has been attributed to Newey's strategic innovations rather than Honda's contributions.
f1oversteer.comMon 5 Oct · 09:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comChristian Horner adamant he wasn’t trying to ‘throw his hat in the ring’ for Ferrari jobChristian Horner has clarified his recent comments regarding a potential role at Ferrari, stating he was not trying to 'throw his hat in the ring' for the team principal position. His initial remarks, made during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend, suggested he viewed Ferrari as an ideal opportunity, which led to increased scrutiny on current team principal Fred Vasseur. In response, Ferrari quickly reaffirmed their support for Vasseur, although they insisted this was not solely due to Horner's statements.
Following the media storm, Horner expressed embarrassment over the situation, clarifying that Ferrari was not his personal 'dream' and that he was not seeking Vasseur's job. He is currently enjoying his time away from Formula 1 and has no immediate plans to return. Meanwhile, Max Verstappen's recent victory marked a significant milestone for Red Bull Powertrains, which Horner acknowledged as a remarkable achievement.
f1oversteer.comMon 5 Oct · 07:44 UTC
via newsonf1.comRUMOURHamilton defends Vasseur amid Ferrari's turmoilLewis Hamilton defended Ferrari team principal Frédéric Vasseur during a turbulent week for the team, while still calling for significant changes within the organisation. Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna was present in the Sepang paddock, although he stated that his visit was planned prior to the recent speculation.newsonf1.comMon 5 Oct · 05:01 UTC
via f1technical.netLeclerc praises fourth place after chaotic Sepang raceCharles Leclerc described his fourth-place finish at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia as a strong result following a chaotic start to the race. The Ferrari driver recovered from last place to secure a top finish, expressing relief after a challenging afternoon.
f1technical.net+ 2 moreMon 5 Oct · 02:00 UTC
via f1technical.netWhat led to Williams' double disappointment at Sepang?Williams Racing faced a challenging race at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Sepang, where both drivers initially performed well on intermediate tyres after a rain delay. However, Carlos Sainz's race was compromised by a collision at the first restart, causing him to drop from sixth to 17th place, while Alex Albon retired due to a gearbox failure after struggling with various issues throughout the race.
Despite a strong start, the team's performance deteriorated as the track dried, and they were unable to convert their early advantage into points. Team Principal James Vowles noted the need for improved pace and race execution, as the team shifts its focus towards future developments for the 2027 season.
f1technical.netMon 5 Oct · 00:00 UTC
via f1technical.netHaas and Alpine frustrated by missed points in BahrainHaas and Alpine expressed disappointment after failing to secure points at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. Both teams faced challenges, with Esteban Ocon's promising performance hindered by strategic errors and a risky tyre gamble.
f1technical.netSun 4 Oct · 23:00 UTC