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via Formula1.comVasseur addresses speculation over Ferrari futureFrederic Vasseur has responded to increasing speculation regarding his future at Ferrari, stating that the team needed to act to quell the rumours. Reports suggest that Ferrari president John Elkann has considered Antonio Coletta as a potential successor.
Fri 2 Oct · 15:00 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.
+ 1 moreFri 2 Oct · 14:37 UTC
via f1technical.netFerrari expect rivals to "up their game" for Saturday after strong Sepang practice dayFerrari enjoyed a productive opening day of running at the Bahrain Grand Prix, with Charles Leclerc topping FP2 while Lewis Hamilton finished fifth as the field began to close up at the front.
Fri 2 Oct · 14:00 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.Fri 2 Oct · 13:33 UTC
via f1oversteer.comFerrari add ‘striking’ secret upgrade to Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc’s SF-26 at SepangFerrari had a strong start to the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix weekend in Malaysia, with Charles Leclerc leading the second practice session. Leclerc's lap time of 1:37.528 placed him ahead of his teammate Lewis Hamilton, who finished fifth. The team introduced minor upgrades, including vortex generators on the SF-26, to improve aerodynamics and downforce.
The Bahrain Grand Prix is being held in Malaysia due to the situation in the Middle East, marking a return of the Sepang circuit to the Formula 1 calendar after a hiatus since 2017. Ferrari is expected to roll out more significant upgrades at the upcoming United States Grand Prix, as they prepare for the remainder of the season.
Fri 2 Oct · 13:00 UTC
via RacingNews365Lewis Hamilton warned, Ferrari fined for Bahrain GPLewis Hamilton has received a warning for impeding Audi's Gabriel Bortoleto during practice for the Bahrain Grand Prix, while his Ferrari team has been fined €10,000. The incident has drawn attention due to a faulty mirror issue involving Hamilton's car.
Fri 2 Oct · 12:40 UTC
via RaceFansHamilton warned and Ferrari fined for practice incidentLewis Hamilton received a formal warning from the FIA stewards for unnecessarily impeding Gabriel Bortoleto during second practice at Sepang. Ferrari was also fined €10,000, approximately $11,250, for their involvement in the incident.
+ 2 moreFri 2 Oct · 12:37 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.Fri 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.
+ 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.Fri 2 Oct · 10:57 UTC/GettyImages-2298210625.webp)
via Formula1.comMcLaren explain what ‘caught us by surprise’ in MalaysiaMcLaren experienced mixed results during the first day of the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, with Oscar Piastri acknowledging that the team seemed to have improved from the first to the second practice session. Piastri finished sixth in FP2 after struggling in FP1, while Lando Norris climbed to third place, indicating progress for the team.
Randy Singh, McLaren's Senior Racing Director, explained that the track conditions were unexpectedly challenging due to lower grip and rougher surfaces. He expressed optimism about the car's performance after adjustments made during the day, although Piastri suggested that the team remains slightly behind the leading competitors, including Red Bull, Mercedes, and Ferrari.Fri 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.+ 2 moreFri 2 Oct · 10:50 UTC
via Motorsport WeekFIA investigates Lewis Hamilton over Bahrain practice incidentThe FIA has launched an investigation into Lewis Hamilton following a blocking incident involving Gabriel Bortoleto during the second practice session at the Bahrain Grand Prix. This marks another instance of Hamilton facing scrutiny for his actions in practice.
+ 2 moreFri 2 Oct · 10:41 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.
+ 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.
+ 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.+ 1 moreFri 2 Oct · 09:49 UTC
via F1iCharles Leclerc fastest in Bahrain Grand Prix FP2Charles Leclerc of Ferrari recorded the fastest time in the second practice session for the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. The session highlighted struggles for the Mercedes team, which failed to match the pace set by Leclerc.+ 1 moreFri 2 Oct · 09:23 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 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.Fri 2 Oct · 09:00 UTCPage 5 of 81