Red Bull appeared the team to beat after the first day of Bahrain Grand Prix practice, with their drivers posting strong times. Mercedes driver George Russell acknowledged Red Bull’s pace while noting his own car’s tyre overheating issues, and the top four teams were closely matched in the challenging conditions.
Red Bull driver Max Verstappen was fastest in the opening practice session for the Bahrain Grand Prix, which was relocated to Malaysia’s Sepang circuit. He set a lap 0.383 seconds quicker than George Russell, with several other drivers also noting high tyre degradation on the abrasive surface.
The Bahrain Grand Prix, relocated to the Sepang circuit in Malaysia, has been classified as a heat‑hazard race for the third time this year. Temperatures are expected to reach 31‑33 °C with high humidity, prompting the use of optional cooling vests for drivers, while those who opt out must carry extra ballast.
The Bahrain Grand Prix, relocated to Malaysia, has been classified as a heat‑hazard race due to forecast temperatures above 31 °C. The designation permits drivers to use cooling vests, while those who opt out must carry extra ballast. The event will be held at the Sepang circuit near Kuala Lumpur.
Esteban Ocon announced that he will part ways with the Haas F1 Team at the end of the season, putting his place on the grid for 2027 in doubt. The French driver, a former race winner, has been outperformed by teammate Oliver Bearman this year and faces an uncertain future in Formula 1.
Ferrari publicly backed team principal Frederic Vasseur, stating confidence in his leadership despite media speculation and interest from other teams. The announcement was made by chief communication officer Maria Conti on behalf of chairman John Elkann and CEO Benedetto Vigna, reaffirming Vasseur’s multi‑year contract as the team fights for second place in the constructors’ championship.
World champion Lando Norris urged the FIA to ban Alpine rookie Franco Colapinto after the Argentine driver locked his brakes at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix restart, causing a chain‑reaction crash that eliminated Gasly and Norris. All three drivers retired, and Colapinto received a 10‑second penalty that will be converted into a grid drop for the next race.
French driver Isack Hadjar returns to Red Bull Racing for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix after a wrist injury forced him out of the previous three races. He replaces Liam Lawson, who will move back to the junior Racing Bulls team, while Hadjar joins teammate Max Verstappen in Baku.
Four‑time world champion Max Verstappen dominated an exhibition go‑kart event at Silverstone, overtaking all 100 amateur participants in just 14 laps. The field, made up of media personalities and a YouTuber, was quickly reduced as Verstappen surged from 37th to first, finishing with 21 laps to spare.
The inaugural Spanish Grand Prix on the new Madring circuit drew criticism from several drivers for its limited overtaking opportunities. Organisers have pledged to work with the FIA and F1 management to redesign parts of the track for next year, with team principals from Ferrari and Mercedes expressing support for changes.