Key Highlights: Mercedes introduced its first major car upgrade since the Canadian Grand Prix, but the package failed to deliver the expected performance jump at the Sepang circuit. Engineers altered the aerodynamic package by pulling the bodywork mass forward to generate additional medium-high speed downforce and free up volume ahead of the rear wheels. Mercedes ...
Key Highlights: A software bug linked to the wet-weather power unit controller locked multiple 2026-generation F1 cars into idle mode during the formation laps at Sepang. The start was aborted, prompting a 50-minute red flag delay while the FIA created and deployed a mandatory software patch to all 11 teams. F1 drivers, including Lando Norris, ...
Key Highlights Ferrari and McLaren gambled on starting on slick dry tyres after an hour and 33 minutes of rain delays, misjudging track conditions at Sepang. While Oscar Piastri and Charles Leclerc pitted early to rectify the error, Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris stayed out to ride out the difficult crossover phase. Hamilton turned the ...
Key Highlights: Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton voiced deep frustration over Formula 1’s intricate engine regulations following software-driven power failures at a rain-hit race in Malaysia. A bizarre glitch during the formation lap forced cars to unexpectedly bog down in wet, low-grip conditions, leading Lewis Hamilton to describe the scene as being “like the LEGO ...
Key Highlights Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton share the front row of the grid for the first time since the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Formula 1 makes its competitive return to the Sepang circuit for the first time since the 2017 season. Key storylines to watch include Mercedes’ search for answers regarding car performance, ...
Key Highlights: George Russell qualified eighth in Sepang but will start the race from seventh on the grid due to a grid penalty for Isack Hadjar. Despite Mercedes introducing a significant upgrade package, Russell struggled for speed while teammate Kimi Antonelli qualified third behind pole-sitter Max Verstappen. Russell anticipates that extreme tyre degradation and multi-stop ...
Key Highlights: The FIA declared a heat hazard for the relocated race weekend at Sepang in Malaysia, where track temperatures reached the low 60s Celsius. George Russell confirmed Mercedes chose not to develop a cockpit cooling vest system, prioritizing financial resources on car performance under the $215 million budget cap. Russell is urging the FIA ...
Key Highlights: Formula 1’s return to Sepang for the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia began with a closely matched second practice session. The top four teams were separated by less than four-tenths of a second. Tyre degradation dominated team-radio messages and post-session discussion, leaving the leading contender unclear. Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix Practice Produces ...
Key Highlights Isack Hadjar will take a five-place grid penalty after exceeding the Formula 1 power-unit allocation. Arvid Lindblad faces a 30-place penalty and will start the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia from the back of the field. Franco Colapinto has received an additional 10-place grid drop on top of an existing five-place penalty. Power-unit ...
Key Highlights Mercedes are expected to introduce a long-awaited upgrade package at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. George Russell reduced Kimi Antonelli’s championship lead to 66 points with victory at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku. Russell believes improved confidence and the Mercedes upgrade could help him challenge for more wins with eight rounds ...
Key Highlights: Kimi Antonelli believes George Russell has “got the momentum” after winning in Azerbaijan. Antonelli finished fifth in Baku after starting 16th, while Russell reduced his Mercedes teammate’s championship lead to 66 points. Mercedes will introduce W17 upgrades and a special livery at Sepang, where Antonelli expects a demanding test for the car and ...
Key Highlights Arvid Lindblad is set to start from the back of the grid at the Malaysian Grand Prix after exceeding his Formula 1 power unit allocation. The Racing Bulls driver is expected to use a fifth internal combustion engine, turbocharger and exhaust at Sepang. Lindblad finished seventh in Azerbaijan after recovering from a restart ...