AS-Web

Formula 1 will decide the final stretch of the 2026 calendar by mid-October, with logistics and equipment transport cited as the main constraints, according to comments from a series representative reported in Japan. If Imola is brought in as a venue, securing sufficient staff and personnel could become an additional challenge.

Times from the third free practice session of the 2026 Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix, the season's 16th round, have been published, giving fans a first look at the pace order ahead of qualifying at the Bahrain International Circuit. The session results are being followed by motorsport fans tracking the 2026 F1 calendar.

Lewis Hamilton received a warning from F1 stewards for unnecessarily impeding another car while driving with a damaged mirror at the Bahrain Grand Prix. Ferrari was fined 10,000 euros for failing to warn the driver about the damage. The penalties stem from an incident during the race weekend involving his unsafe car condition.

Racing Bulls rookie Arvid Lindblad apologised after colliding with Esteban Ocon while trying to overtake during the Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, saying he went for the move but had nowhere to go. Teammate Liam Lawson finished 12th after car damage hurt his race.

Max Verstappen set the quickest time of the day using his FP1 session lap, calling it "a good day" and saying Red Bull will analyse tyre data overnight. He skipped the soft tyre in FP2, instead focusing on long runs to build race pace understanding. The performance puts Red Bull on top as the Bahrain Grand Prix weekend begins.

Results from the second free practice session of the 2026 Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix, round 16 of the season, have been released, with lap times published by Japanese motorsport outlet AS-Web. The session times give teams and fans an early read on pace ahead of qualifying and the race at the Bahrain International Circuit.

Aston Martin delivered its best qualifying performance of the season at the Bahrain Grand Prix, missing Q3 by 0.4 seconds with Fernando Alonso starting 12th. Alonso said he could not be sure whether points were within reach, but expects to enjoy the race. Lance Stroll also featured in the team's strongest qualifying showing so far this year.

Ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Formula 1's 16th round, Lance Stroll told reporters at the Thursday press conference that he 'didn't feel much of a difference' from his team's second power unit update of the season. He raised doubts about the current package and said his hopes are now pinned on next year, when new engine regulations come into force.

Haas F1 has announced that Esteban Ocon will leave the team at the end of the current season. The French driver's departure opens up a seat on the 2026 grid, and fans are speculating about where Ocon will land next and who Haas will sign as his replacement.

NASA reports that the James Webb Space Telescope has delivered new observations of massive planetary collisions, described as planet-shattering impacts. The findings, published by NASA's science mission directorate, offer insight into how such violent events shape planetary systems. Interest centres on what Webb's infrared instruments reveal about debris and atmospheric effects following giant impacts.

George Russell overcame a technical problem during the Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, telling his team over the radio that he lost power when he pushed the boost, yet still went on to complete a grand slam — pole position, victory, fastest lap and leading every lap. Japanese motorsport outlet AUTOSPORT web reviewed the team radio messages from round 15, drawing attention to how Russell managed the car trouble while holding off the field in Baku.

Mercedes has revealed a new car colour scheme for the F1 Bahrain Grand Prix, which is being held in Malaysia, according to Japanese motorsport outlet AS Web. The team is also reported to be bringing a major car upgrade, its first large-scale update since May. Fans are discussing both the unusual one-off livery and what the upgrade could mean for the team's performance.

Mercedes driver George Russell says the pressure on him is smaller than that on teammate Kimi Antonelli, speaking around the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. He notes the gap within the team has narrowed, but insists Mercedes' approach of targeting a win at every race remains unchanged. Comments come as attention builds on the young Italian's development alongside him.

Colton Herta, test driver for Cadillac's new F1 team, has clarified comments in which he said he had 'no interest' in a potential role, insisting he still aims to race in Formula 1. The American, currently competing in FIA Formula 2, says his seat situation for next season remains undecided, prompting discussion among fans about his path to the 2026 grid.

Formula 1 drivers have come to the defence of Franco Colapinto after his crash at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, saying it was misfortune that a small mistake led to such a big consequence. Fellow drivers including George Russell and Lando Norris expressed sympathy rather than criticism.

Ferrari has again publicly expressed its support for team principal Frederic Vasseur, holding an unusual press conference to do so. The move comes as speculation intensifies that Christian Horner could join the team for the 2026 F1 season, and Ferrari appears keen to shut down the rumours and reaffirm confidence in its leadership.

Racing Bulls driver Isack Hadjar spent the Azerbaijan Grand Prix running in patience behind Red Bull's Max Verstappen, at one point telling his pit wall to keep instructing him to push, according to a review of team radio from round 15 of the F1 season. The exchange highlighted the tension between chasing pace and holding position in the midfield fight, and has drawn attention from fans following Verstappen's closest rivals.