All articles tagged with #sepang
Max Verstappen won the rescheduled Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang, Malaysia, ending Red Bull's winless start to the 2026 season. The race was marred by severe software issues in the new power units during wet conditions, causing multiple delays. George Russell retired with an engine failure, effectively ending his title hopes, while Lewis Hamilton staged a remarkable comeback to finish third for Ferrari.
The FIA confirmed that a software bug in the power unit caused multiple F1 cars to stall during the formation lap of the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, leading to a 53-minute delay. FIA official Nikolas Tombazis admitted the issue stemmed from insufficient testing in wet conditions, a problem exacerbated by the sport's new 47% electrical power regulations. While drivers like Max Verstappen and Lando Norris criticized the electronic complexity, the FIA stated the fix was implemented within 20 minutes.
Mercedes introduced a major upgrade package for the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, but the team struggled to extract performance from the new parts during practice and qualifying. Kimi Antonelli and George Russell, who are battling for the championship, faced unexpected drag and understeer issues, resulting in poor grid positions. While Antonelli recovered to lead the final practice session, the upgrade's failure has raised concerns about the team's ability to manage the title fight against a resurgent Red Bull.
Max Verstappen secured pole position at the Sepang International Circuit during the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, marking F1's return to the track since 2017. Mercedes, the championship favorites, faced significant challenges with their new aerodynamic upgrade package, which failed to perform as expected due to the circuit's unusually abrasive tarmac and high tyre degradation. Championship leader Kimi Antonelli qualified fourth after a track-limits violation, while teammate George Russell placed eighth, though both will gain grid positions due to an engine penalty for Isack Hadjar. The race is critical for the title battle, with Antonelli leading Russell by 66 points with eight rounds remaining.
Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton went viral for a warm post-qualifying embrace at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. Verstappen took pole position for Red Bull, while Hamilton qualified second for Ferrari, marking his fifth consecutive front-row start at Sepang. The moment highlighted a shift in their relationship despite a contentious history, with fans praising the display of mutual respect. Hamilton noted tyre degradation as a key challenge for the race, acknowledging Verstappen's strong long-run pace.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff expressed confusion after his team's substantial upgrade package failed to deliver expected pace during qualifying for the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. Despite a strong Friday performance by Kimi Antonelli, the team struggled with unexpected drag and understeer in qualifying, resulting in a fourth-place start for the championship leader and an eighth-place start for George Russell. Wolff noted that the car's behavior was unlike anything seen all season, raising concerns about the upgrade's effectiveness on the abrasive Sepang surface.
Max Verstappen secured his first pole position of the 2026 season at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, beating Lewis Hamilton by 0.298 seconds. Despite Red Bull's dominance, championship leader Kimi Antonelli faces a difficult race start due to a grid penalty for his teammate, Isack Hadjar. Mercedes struggled with unexpected car behavior and severe tyre degradation on the hot, rough Sepang tarmac, leaving both drivers outside the top four in qualifying.
Max Verstappen secured his first pole position of the 2026 season at the rescheduled Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, edging out Lewis Hamilton by 0.298 seconds. Kimi Antonelli will start third after Isack Hadjar received a grid penalty. Mercedes struggled with tyre degradation, while Ferrari showed significant pace improvements.
Max Verstappen emerged as the fastest driver in long-run simulations during Friday practice for the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang, Malaysia. While Red Bull showed strong race pace, Mercedes struggled to evaluate a new upgrade package amidst high tyre wear. McLaren faced unexpected issues in the second sector, and Audi showed improved performance compared to the previous race in Baku.
The 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix, relocated to Sepang, Malaysia, faced severe track degradation during Friday practice. Pirelli reported that one-lap times were up to 4.5 seconds slower than simulations due to 'sandpaper' tarmac shedding stones. While the surface is degrading rapidly, officials deem it manageable for safety, though it may alter qualifying versus race performance balances.
Friday practice at the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix, held at Sepang in Malaysia, was dominated by extreme tyre wear and unpredictable weather. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen led the long-run simulations, while Mercedes struggled with a new upgrade package. The race is a substitute for the cancelled Bahrain event, featuring unique logistical and branding adjustments.
Friday practice at the rescheduled Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia highlighted severe tyre wear and unpredictable weather. Max Verstappen led FP1, while Charles Leclerc topped FP2, but Red Bull and McLaren showed strong race pace. Mercedes struggled with setup despite upgrades, and teams face a choice between two- or three-stop strategies due to high degradation on the abrasive track.
The Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix, relocated to Malaysia’s Sepang circuit due to the Middle East conflict, has been declared a heat hazard race. This is the third such designation of the 2026 season, following Austria and Italy. Drivers may use cooling vests or carry extra ballast to manage temperatures forecast to reach 33C.