<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Formula 1<\/a> returned to Sepang\u2019s paddock on Thursday, 1 October, with attention divided between technical developments, driver futures and preparations for the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. Mercedes\u2019 upgrade and the penalties affecting three drivers<\/strong> will help shape the competitive picture when practice begins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Away from the cars, Lewis Hamilton defended Ferrari team principal Fr\u00e9d\u00e9ric 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kimi Antonelli says Mercedes engineers believe the team\u2019s latest package could improve performance by 0.3 seconds per lap<\/strong>. The championship leader has sampled the changes in the simulator, but Friday will establish whether the projected gain translates to the circuit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019s street layout.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Read Antonelli\u2019s assessment of Mercedes\u2019 projected Sepang improvement<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hamilton has backed Vasseur to continue leading Ferrari<\/strong>, while arguing that the discussion about the team\u2019s difficulties must also include the management structure above him. His comments follow renewed speculation involving former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The seven-time champion also highlighted Ferrari\u2019s power deficit and the pressure surrounding its employees. His defence of Vasseur therefore comes alongside a broader call to examine how the organisation operates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Read Hamilton\u2019s explanation of why Ferrari\u2019s problems go beyond its team principal<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Alonso revealed that the final conversation with Lawrence Stroll about continuing at Aston Martin lasted five minutes<\/strong>. Once both had decided they wanted to carry on together, there was little left to negotiate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019s results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Read how Alonso\u2019s five-minute conversation sealed his Aston Martin continuation<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 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<\/strong>, and he disputes the suggestion that inconsistent performances explain the separation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Haas has not announced his replacement. Ocon\u2019s comments also do not establish an alternative reason for the decision: he declined to disclose the full circumstances while concentrating on securing his future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Read Ocon\u2019s response to his Haas departure and uncertain future<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Three drivers arrive with penalties affecting their starting prospects.<\/strong> Isack Hadjar expects a five-place drop related to Red Bull\u2019s power-unit allocation, while Racing Bulls has confirmed a back-of-the-grid penalty for Arvid Lindblad following component changes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Read the details for Hadjar<\/a>, Lindblad<\/a> and Colapinto<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Max Verstappen will contest the GT World Challenge Europe finale at Portim\u00e3o on 17 October<\/strong>, sharing the No. 3 Mercedes-AMG GT3 with Chris Lulham and Ben Barnicoat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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 S\u00e3o Paulo Grand Prix.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Read the details of Verstappen\u2019s Portim\u00e3o entry and packed racing schedule<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n FP1 starts at 12:30 in Malaysia on Friday, 2 October<\/strong>, followed by FP2 at 16:00. North American West Coast viewers should note that the opening session falls on Thursday evening locally.<\/p>\n\n\n\nMercedes targets a three-tenths improvement at Sepang<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Hamilton says Ferrari\u2019s problems extend beyond Vasseur<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Alonso says a five-minute conversation settled his renewal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Ocon insists he deserves another Formula 1 opportunity<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Hadjar, Lindblad and Colapinto face grid setbacks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Verstappen adds Portim\u00e3o to seven consecutive race weekends<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Friday practice begins early for UK and North American viewers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Location<\/th> FP1<\/th> FP2<\/th><\/tr><\/thead> UK \u2014 BST<\/td> Friday, 05:30<\/td> Friday, 09:00<\/td><\/tr> New York and Toronto \u2014 EDT<\/td> Friday, 00:30<\/td> Friday, 04:00<\/td><\/tr> Los Angeles and Vancouver \u2014 PDT<\/td> Thursday, 21:30<\/td> Friday, 01:00<\/td><\/tr> India \u2014 IST<\/td> Friday, 10:00<\/td> Friday, 13:30<\/td><\/tr> Sydney and Melbourne \u2014 AEST<\/td> Friday, 14:30<\/td> Friday, 18:00<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n