https://www.facebook.com/ThisIsFormula1Media

This Is Formula 1 Media, Sydney (2026)

06/10/2026

🚨| FIA Software Update Faces Immediate Challenge as Verstappen and Hamilton Prepare for Rain:

1 - Sunday's Singapore Grand Prix is set to face thunderstorms, testing the FIA's emergency software patch after Malaysia's wet-weather chaos. The Marina Bay Street Circuit's tight corners and walls could increase challenges for drivers like Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, who had issues in Malaysia.

2 - The Sepang incident exposed wet-weather setting problems that restricted electrical deployment in certain lap sectors. The FIA addressed this by removing these limits with a software update. However, Singapore's unique circuit layout leaves the patch's effectiveness uncertain, as the FIA hasn't confirmed a full review before the race.

3 - Nikolas Tombazis, FIA's single-seater director, admitted the software wasn't tested as thoroughly as needed due to limited wet running this year. He noted that more testing might have avoided Malaysia's issues. Singapore's low average speed could complicate matters, potentially causing similar problems in wet conditions.

4 - Verstappen and Hamilton come to Singapore with fresh memories of Sepang's chaos. Verstappen won despite leading a formation lap that caused a concertina effect, while Hamilton had to restart his Ferrari on track. The FIA stressed the software is standardized across all teams, so no one is immune to potential issues if rain affects the race.

5 - The Singapore Grand Prix marks the 17th round of the 2026 Formula 1 season and the final Sprint event of the year. With no rain expected on Friday and Saturday, attention is on Sunday's forecasted thunderstorms, which could recreate dramatic conditions from past years.

🇳🇱 🇬🇧

via - (gpblog)

06/10/2026

🚨| F1’s Sepang return delivers thrilling racing — but logistical chaos and technical failures raise serious concerns:

1 - The Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang exposed major logistical problems, overshadowing the racing excitement. Fans experienced transport chaos, with lengthy shuttle delays and insufficient access to drinking water, emphasizing the need for improved planning in future events.

2 - Moving the Bahrain GP to Malaysia due to Middle Eastern conflicts sparked controversy. The effort to replicate the Bahrain atmosphere in Sepang felt forced, with Bahrain logos and furniture imported, which did not appeal to purists.

3 - Technical issues during the race, like cars struggling on formation laps, raised doubts about the adequacy of testing programs. The FIA's explanation cited a combination of low engine speed and wet-weather settings, but software reliability questions persist.

4 - The event's success was mainly due to the racing, with Max Verstappen's win and Lewis Hamilton's impressive recovery. However, the underlying logistical and technical reliability issues must be addressed if Malaysia is to stay on the F1 calendar.

5 - The FIA is urged to conduct a transparent technical review and resolve spectator transport issues before considering future events in Malaysia. The race's enjoyment should not overshadow the operational shortcomings that need addressing.

via - (gpblog)

06/10/2026

🚨| Norris Discusses Speed Loss and McLaren’s Performance in Malaysia:

1 - Lando Norris acknowledged McLaren's inability to compete at the front in Malaysia, citing straight-line speed issues that cost him nearly two-tenths per lap. Norris stated:

“Horrible. This simply shows we shouldn’t have any of this, the electronic part. We can’t add more to what’s already been said. It’s about programming and battery operation.”

“The initial gamble to start on medium tires didn’t work. The grip wasn’t what we expected, it was a collective decision, and in hindsight, it was the wrong one.”

2 - Nevertheless, Norris emphasized that strategy wasn't the sole factor, admitting the MCL40 lacked enough performance:

“The car lacks pace, and we need to significantly improve it if we want to be competitive.”

“I don’t think we could have fought for more than sixth or seventh today, regardless of how we managed the race.”

3 - Norris was notably frustrated by McLaren’s straight-line shortfall, which added up significantly over the 55-lap race. He explained:

“I’m losing almost two-tenths a lap. Two-tenths of a second per lap over 55 laps, it’s terribly painful.”

“But there are also things I could have done better. It’s not just an excuse.”

4 - Norris also took responsibility for his mistake under the Safety Car before shifting focus to Singapore:

“I can’t blame anyone else but myself.”

“We’ll learn from today and focus on preparing for Singapore.”

5 - Oscar Piastri described the race as chaotic after McLaren gambled on slicks before quickly switching to intermediates. However, he felt the Safety Car helped limit the damage:

“We took a risk at the start with slick tires, then immediately switched to intermediates.”

“Today we didn’t have the pace needed to make a lasting impact.”

6 - Piastri believes McLaren must continue developing as rivals, particularly Red Bull, make significant progress. He added:

“Our new components are working as expected, but everyone else is improving too, so at the moment, we’re not in the fight for victory.”

“We’ll analyze everything and then focus on Singapore.”

via - ()

06/10/2026

🚨| Hamilton's Tire Strategy in Malaysia:

1 - Lewis Hamilton's tactics at the Malaysian Grand Prix stirred debate, especially about Ferrari's choice to avoid starting on intermediate tires and Hamilton's decision to stick with used soft tires as the track dried. Speaking to media, Hamilton explained:

“The decision to stay on soft tires allowed me to gain crucial positions by making one less pit stop than my competitors.”

2 - Although the race was declared wet, Hamilton didn't use wet compound tires, leading to a strategic and regulatory nuance. Speaking to media, Hamilton elaborated:

“I had to use medium tires at least once due to regulations, even though the race was declared wet.”

3 - Regulations require drivers to use at least two different dry tire compounds unless wet tires are used during the race. Hamilton's case was unique as he didn't use any wet tires, so the rule still applied. Speaking to media, Hamilton clarified:

“If I had completed the race entirely on soft tires, I would have been disqualified.”

4 - Ferrari's attention to this rule was crucial, as noted in Article B6.3.6 of the sporting regulations. Speaking to media, Hamilton acknowledged:

“Ferrari remembered the rule that mandates using at least two different dry tire specifications unless wet tires are used.”

🇬🇧 🇮🇹

via - (formulapassion)

06/10/2026

Front row starts since 2022 for Lewis & Fernando:

LewisHamilton 🇬🇧
FernandoAlonso 🇪🇸

via - (gpfans)

06/10/2026

Gary Anderson on FIA’s Software Malfunction during formation lap.

via - (the-race)

06/10/2026

🚨| Sepang: Did Mercedes Miss the Mark? Ferrari Emerges as Second Force:

1 - Lewis Hamilton excelled, securing a podium with the SF26 despite strategic errors. Speaking to media, Hamilton reflected on the race:

“If I had started on intermediates, I could have fought Verstappen for the win.”

2 - Charles Leclerc had a different take, suggesting Ferrari's final positions were realistic given the circumstances. Speaking to media, Leclerc remarked:

“The third and fourth positions are roughly what we would have achieved in a straightforward race.”

3 - Kimi Antonelli's second-place finish, along with George Russell's retirement, has nearly clinched the championship for the young Italian. Speaking to media, Antonelli expressed:

“Sepang was a constant challenge, but I managed to stay error-free and fast.”

4 - Mercedes encountered unexpected issues with their new aerodynamic package. Toto Wolff, visibly frustrated, commented:

“The new package increased drag, affecting deployment and strategy.”

5 - McLaren faced excessive drag and tire problems, leading to a disappointing weekend. Speaking to media, Lando Norris admitted:

“We tried to start on mediums, but the car's resistance on straights was too high.”

6 - Oscar Piastri also faced difficulties, getting stuck behind competitors. Speaking to media, Piastri noted:

“I was inexplicably blocked behind Lawson, which was frustrating.”

7 - The Sepang race underscored the importance of tire strategy and adapting to changing conditions. While Ferrari excelled in corners, Mercedes and McLaren must address their aerodynamic and tire issues. As Formula 1 heads to Singapore, teams will need to optimize their setups for the unique demands of the Marina Bay circuit.

🇬🇧 🇮🇹 🇩🇪

via - (formulapassion)

06/10/2026

🚨| Malaysian Government Considers F1 Grand Prix Return:

1 - Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim showed interest in discussing the possibility of bringing Formula 1 back to Malaysia after the Sepang International Circuit hosted the Bahrain Grand Prix. Speaking to media, Ibrahim remarked:

“Well, I'm looking forward to discussing it.”

2 - The Prime Minister attended the race, which was characterized by heavy rain, and shared the nation's excitement:

“I'm wet, drenched, but excited. You see, the entire country is rejoicing.”

3 - Sepang International Circuit, known for its challenging design, is popular among fans and drivers. A source from RacingNews365 indicated that Sepang hopes to host the Bahrain Grand Prix again next year or replace the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix if necessary.

4 - Looking ahead, Sepang aims to secure a place on the F1 calendar by 2028. However, the recent event highlighted logistical challenges, such as traffic congestion and infrastructure issues, which would need to be addressed for a permanent return.

🇲🇾

via - (RacingNews365)

06/10/2026

🚨| Red Bull's Next Focus After Recent Victory:

1 - Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies outlined the team's priorities after their first win of the year in Bahrain. Speaking to media, Mekies stated:

“Getting our first win was on top of the list, we said it quite a few times. It felt very, very far away, but that was really on top of the list.”

2 - Mekies highlighted the team's dedication to innovation and risk-taking to boost performance. He explained:

“What was second in the list, if you allow me to call it like that, was to use the next races to maximise the learnings.”

“We will continue to experiment, we will continue to take some risks to maximise that learning.”

3 - Looking forward to the upcoming races, Mekies remained hopeful about Red Bull's prospects but recognized the challenges from rivals. He remarked:

“What does it mean in terms of picking order for the next races? I think we will be in the fight for the podium for the coming races.”

“Fundamentally, we have been in the fight for the podium for a number of races now. Will we be in the fight for the win?”

“Mercedes has always been in the fight for the win, pretty much. We have seen that it's been very difficult to consistently be with Mercedes at all the races.”

“We have seen good periods for McLaren, we have seen good periods for Ferrari, so we are concentrating on ourselves, trying to extract a bit more of the car.”

“Will that be enough to be on every track fighting for the win, like in the last two races? Impossible to say. But the priority will be to maximise the learning with the package we have.”

🇦🇹

via - (RacingNews365)

06/10/2026

🚨| Villeneuve Highlights Distinct Contrast Between Verstappen and Antonelli:

1 - Jacques Villeneuve pointed out the difference in driving accuracy between Max Verstappen and Kimi Antonelli. Speaking to media, Villeneuve remarked:

“He [Verstappen] rarely makes mistakes. When he's on it, like he's been on this weekend, he's precise.”

“You can see the difference with his teammate as well. He doesn't make the mistakes that Antonelli keeps making.”

2 - Villeneuve warned that Antonelli's championship lead could be at risk due to his errors, especially if Red Bull were as competitive as Mercedes. He noted:

“So, in the championship balance, that would have weight. It's just a little bit too late in the season.”

3 - Antonelli's championship hopes were boosted when George Russell retired from the Sepang race due to a power unit issue. Villeneuve cautioned:

“He's controlling it, also because he is quicker than Russell in general. Russell knows, so that will not make Russell quicker. It's tough.”

“There are not a lot of races left, but there are some sprints, and Kimi can have some DNFs. He keeps making these tiny little mistakes, one of them will catch him out.”

🇮🇹 🇳🇱

via - (RacingNews365)

This Is Formula 1 Media

06/10/2026

06/10/2026

06/10/2026

06/10/2026

06/10/2026

06/10/2026

06/10/2026

06/10/2026

06/10/2026

06/10/2026

Address

Website

Alerts

Contact The Business

Shortcuts

Sponsored

Share

Category

Listing takedown request