Summary
- Mercedes expects its Sepang upgrade to deliver a significant improvement, with Friday practice providing the first test.
- Hamilton defends Vasseur, while Alonso explains his renewal and Ocon pursues another F1 opportunity.
- Three drivers face grid penalties, and practice begins on Friday — Thursday evening for North America’s West Coast.
Formula 1 returned to Sepang’s paddock on Thursday, 1 October, with attention divided between technical developments, driver futures and preparations for the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. Mercedes’ upgrade and the penalties affecting three drivers will help shape the competitive picture when practice begins.
Away from the cars, Lewis Hamilton defended Ferrari team principal Frédéric Vasseur, Fernando Alonso explained how his Aston Martin agreement was settled, and Esteban Ocon insisted that his departure from Haas does not mean the end of his Formula 1 ambitions.
Mercedes targets a three-tenths improvement at Sepang
Kimi Antonelli says Mercedes engineers believe the team’s latest package could improve performance by 0.3 seconds per lap. The championship leader has sampled the changes in the simulator, but Friday will establish whether the projected gain translates to the circuit.
The upgrade arrives as George Russell attempts to build on his Azerbaijan victory. Its effectiveness matters to both drivers, with Sepang offering a different test from Baku’s street layout.
Read Antonelli’s assessment of Mercedes’ projected Sepang improvement.
Hamilton says Ferrari’s problems extend beyond Vasseur
Hamilton has backed Vasseur to continue leading Ferrari, while arguing that the discussion about the team’s difficulties must also include the management structure above him. His comments follow renewed speculation involving former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner.
The seven-time champion also highlighted Ferrari’s power deficit and the pressure surrounding its employees. His defence of Vasseur therefore comes alongside a broader call to examine how the organisation operates.
Read Hamilton’s explanation of why Ferrari’s problems go beyond its team principal.
Alonso says a five-minute conversation settled his renewal
Alonso revealed that the final conversation with Lawrence Stroll about continuing at Aston Martin lasted five minutes. Once both had decided they wanted to carry on together, there was little left to negotiate.
That brief discussion followed a longer personal consideration of whether to keep racing. Alonso remains motivated by his belief that he is competitive, although staying also means continuing the work of trying to improve Aston Martin’s results.
Read how Alonso’s five-minute conversation sealed his Aston Martin continuation.
Ocon insists he deserves another Formula 1 opportunity
Ocon has expressed frustration after Haas confirmed that he will leave at the end of 2026. His priority remains finding a place in Formula 1, and he disputes the suggestion that inconsistent performances explain the separation.
Haas has not announced his replacement. Ocon’s comments also do not establish an alternative reason for the decision: he declined to disclose the full circumstances while concentrating on securing his future.
Read Ocon’s response to his Haas departure and uncertain future.
Hadjar, Lindblad and Colapinto face grid setbacks
Three drivers arrive with penalties affecting their starting prospects. Isack Hadjar expects a five-place drop related to Red Bull’s power-unit allocation, while Racing Bulls has confirmed a back-of-the-grid penalty for Arvid Lindblad following component changes.
Franco Colapinto also carries a five-place penalty after the Azerbaijan collision. Their eventual starting positions will depend on qualifying and the application of all sanctions across the field.
Read the details for Hadjar, Lindblad and Colapinto.
Verstappen adds Portimão to seven consecutive race weekends
Max Verstappen will contest the GT World Challenge Europe finale at Portimão on 17 October, sharing the No. 3 Mercedes-AMG GT3 with Chris Lulham and Ben Barnicoat.
The appearance occupies the weekend between two Formula 1 triple-headers. His programme consequently runs across seven consecutive race weekends, beginning in Azerbaijan and ending with the São Paulo Grand Prix.
Read the details of Verstappen’s Portimão entry and packed racing schedule.
Friday practice begins early for UK and North American viewers
FP1 starts at 12:30 in Malaysia on Friday, 2 October, followed by FP2 at 16:00. North American West Coast viewers should note that the opening session falls on Thursday evening locally.
| Location | FP1 | FP2 |
|---|---|---|
| UK — BST | Friday, 05:30 | Friday, 09:00 |
| New York and Toronto — EDT | Friday, 00:30 | Friday, 04:00 |
| Los Angeles and Vancouver — PDT | Thursday, 21:30 | Friday, 01:00 |
| India — IST | Friday, 10:00 | Friday, 13:30 |
| Sydney and Melbourne — AEST | Friday, 14:30 | Friday, 18:00 |
See the complete Friday practice timetable.
US viewers can watch the weekend free on Apple TV
Apple TV is offering free access to the complete Bahrain GP in Malaysia weekend in the United States, including practice, qualifying and the race. The promotion applies specifically to this event and territory.
Readers elsewhere can consult the Bahrain GP television and streaming guide for their local viewing options.
Formula 1 returns this weekend, from 2–4 October, to Malaysia, which hosts the Bahrain Grand Prix. GRANDE PRÊMIO will cover all the action at Sepang.
FAQ
Is there Formula 1 on track today?
There are no Formula 1 track sessions on Thursday, 1 October, in Malaysia. FP1 begins on Friday locally, although it falls on Thursday evening on the US and Canadian West Coast.
