iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
George Russell cut Mercedes teammate Kimi Antonelli’s Formula 1 championship lead to 66 points with victory in Azerbaijan, setting up a high-stakes response from the rookie leader at Sepang. The 2026 event is officially the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia: the Bahrain race was relocated amid regional conflict, according to a Reuters report carried by The Straits Times on 30 September 2026.
How close is George Russell to Kimi Antonelli in the title fight?
Antonelli remained the championship leader entering the Malaysia weekend, with 302 points to Russell’s 236 in the Formula 1 standings. Those figures were displayed on Formula 1’s homepage and reported by The Straits Times’ Reuters-sourced preview on 30 September 2026; they are a snapshot, not final-season totals. The Straits Times report put Antonelli’s cushion at 66 points after Azerbaijan.
Before the Baku race, Antonelli’s advantage was reported as 81 points. A qualifying crash left him starting 16th, but he recovered to fifth. Russell won from pole, leading every lap and recording the fastest lap as well as the race win—a Grand Slam, and his third victory of the season, according to the same report. Lewis Hamilton was third in the standings, 103 points behind Antonelli at that point.
Can Kimi Antonelli respond at Sepang?
Antonelli called Azerbaijan his worst weekend of the season and said he lacked confidence during the race. He said he had driven “more like my grandma” and was “at 80% the whole time,” adding that he had not been mentally ready to push at full capacity. His assessment of the next round was direct: “But it will be much better in Sepang.” These remarks were reported by Reuters in The Straits Times on 30 September.
#1 Best Overall
- Authentic Formula 1 Styling – Realistic race-inspired design and proportions
- Authentic Race Car and Driver's Helmet Details
- Collector-Scale Model – 1:24 scale ideal for shelves, desks, and displays. Includes Acrylic Box with Decorative Sleeve
- Authentic Race Car and Driver's Helmet Details for #4 Lando Norris
- Free-Rolling Wheels – Smooth-rolling wheels for display or light play
Russell cast the pressure as greater on the championship leader: “There’s much less pressure on me than there is him.” He described Antonelli’s season as “incredibly flawless” and said the Baku qualifying error was probably his first mistake in a proper session that year. Russell also said his performance had not previously made him consider himself a title contender, but that he felt able to fight since the summer break. Both drivers’ statements are from the same Reuters-sourced preview.
Why is the Bahrain Grand Prix being held in Malaysia?
The race’s official event name is the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia 2026, and it is scheduled at Sepang International Circuit. The Straits Times report attributed the relocation from Sakhir to regional conflict and said the Malaysian event had been rebranded. Formula 1’s event page confirms the event name and Sepang schedule; it does not give the reason for the move.
Rank #2
- Officially Licensed Replica – Authentic styling and branding from the original manufacturer
- Die-Cast Metal Construction – Durable metal body with detailed plastic components
- Highly Detailed Design – Realistic exterior styling and interior details
- Free-Rolling Wheels – Smooth movement for display or play
- Perfect for Collectors & Kids – Great gift for automotive fans
What happened in Malaysia qualifying?
Formula 1’s event page listed this top five after qualifying on 3 October 2026:
| Position | Driver | Qualifying time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Max Verstappen | 1:35.130 |
| 2 | Lewis Hamilton | 1:35.428 |
| 3 | Isack Hadjar | 1:35.558 |
| 4 | Kimi Antonelli | 1:35.631 |
| 5 | Charles Leclerc | 1:35.666 |
Antonelli qualified fourth. The listed top five does not include Russell, so it does not establish his grid position. Results can change as the event progresses; consult the official event page for updated classifications.
Rank #3
- Ferrari Die-Cast Race Vehicle in 1/43 scale
- Authentic Race Car and Driver's Helmet Details
- Acrylic Box with Decorative Sleeve
- 2025 Season Car
What makes Sepang a distinctive test?
Formula 1 lists Sepang at 5.543 km per lap, with a 310.417 km race distance over 56 laps. The circuit held its first Grand Prix in 1999; its listed lap record is Sebastian Vettel’s 1:34.080 from 2017. Its layout combines long straights, heavy-braking zones and fast, flowing corners. Heat and humidity are characteristic, and sudden tropical downpours are possible, but those general circuit traits are not a forecast for this particular race.
Sepang last hosted an F1 race in 2017, though it remains on the MotoGP calendar. The Straits Times report said Malaysia’s government stopped hosting F1 because it could no longer justify the costs amid declining returns. Formula 1’s circuit profile independently records the 1999 debut and Vettel’s 2017 lap record.
Rank #4
- FERRARI F1 TOY CAR – Boys and girls ages 10 and up and Ferrari fans can build, display and race the LEGO Speed Champions Ferrari SF-24 F1 Race Car and driver set
- 1 DRIVER MINIFIGURE – This vehicle set includes a driver minifigure wearing a special Ferrari outfit and a winged helmet for kids to place inside the cockpit and role-play thrilling race action
- AUTHENTIC DETAILS – F1 race car with design details from the real-life 2024 version, including a rear wing, a halo bar, sponsor stickers and wider rear tires imprinted with “Pirelli”
- F1 FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY – Race for the checkered flag alongside the whole family with other building sets (sold separately) in the LEGO F1 range
- BUILD & DISPLAY – After kids have enjoyed playing out racing stories with the Ferrari F1 toy, they can display it on a shelf or bedside table
What was known about the remaining 2026 calendar?
As of the 30 September Reuters-sourced preview, the status of the final Qatar and Abu Dhabi rounds was uncertain amid ongoing regional conflict. The report did not say they had been cancelled. Check Formula 1’s official calendar for an update rather than treating uncertainty at that date as a later decision.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
