{
  "id": 11361560,
  "title": "F1 driver power rankings - will Antonelli return to winning ways at Bahrain GP in Malaysia?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/02/f1-driver-power-rankings-will-antonelli-return-to-winning-ways-at",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-02T05:08:23.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National Business",
    "slug": "the-national-business",
    "url": "https://www.thenationalnews.com/sport/f1/2026/10/02/f1-driver-power-rankings-will-antonelli-return-to-winning-ways-at-bahrain-gp-in-malaysia/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "With the F1 Grand Prix returning to Sepang circuit for the first time since 2017, anticipation is high for the first race following the rescheduling of the Bahrain Grand Prix due to geopolitical tensions. Power rankings have been established based on recent form, raw speed, car performance, momentum, and suitability of each driver's strengths for the Sepang circuit.\n\nAt number 10, Carlos Sainz of Williams is set to face the challenge of his upgrade being a success in Malaysia. Despite a podium finish in Baku, his performance has been mixed due to the car's still-developing upgrade.\n\nComing in at number 9, Oscar Piastri of McLaren has shown encouraging speed in recent races, including a P3 finish in Baku. However, his run of results has been inconsistent and he will need to prove himself in Sepang, where the car's straight-line speed weakness may be a disadvantage.\n\nAt number 8, Pierre Gasly of Alpine narrowly avoided a DNF in Baku, but his performance has been inconsistent due to various mechanical issues. He has a pole position from Monza under his belt, showcasing his ability to perform even with less optimal cars.\n\nLewis Hamilton of Ferrari holds the fourth position in the rankings. Despite a DNF in Baku, Hamilton's speed and familiarity with the circuit give him an edge. However, Ferrari's lack of straight-line power is a concern for Sepang's long straights.\n\nCharles Leclerc of Ferrari sits at number 5, benefiting from a recent string of fourth-place finishes. While he leads teammate Kimi Antonelli by 66 points, Leclerc believes Sepang might be a better circuit for Mercedes, but he does not expect a significant narrowing of the gap to the top.\n\nIsaac Hadjar of Red Bull ranks fourth, despite being sidelined by a wrist fracture. His impressive comeback, including a P4 finish in Baku, has earned him a high ranking. However, his power unit allocation penalty at Sepang may impact his performance.\n\nHolding the third position, Lando Norris of McLaren has been dealing with battery concerns during races, as seen in his DNF in Baku. With a focus on handling abrasive asphalt, Norris is expected to be highly competitive in Sepang.\n\nAt number 2, Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes leads the pack, fueled by a powerful first race back after a crash-affected qualifying session in Baku. With the Mercedes team's confidence in the upgraded car, Antonelli is considered a favorite to secure the top podium spots.",
  "summary": "Formula One returns to Sepang this weekend for the first time since 2017 with Malaysia chosen to host the rescheduled Bahrain Grand Prix. The race was originally meant to be in April but could not go ahead due to the conflict in the Middle East. As a result, F1 reached an agreement with Bahrain and Malaysia to preserve the race by moving it to Sepang . The 5.543km circuit has two long straights…",
  "key_points": [
    "Carlos Sainz at 10th position faces Williams upgrade challenge in Malaysia.",
    "Oscar Piastri at 9th shows speed but struggles with car's straight-line weakness.",
    "Kimi Antonelli at 2 leads pack with upgraded Mercedes car confidence."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Kimi Antonelli's strong return to form sets him up as a favorite to win at Sepang, where his team's upgraded car and his own momentum could give him an edge.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 4,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The National UAE",
        "title": "F1 driver power rankings - will Antonelli return to winning ways at Bahrain GP in Malaysia?",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/02/f1-driver-power-rankings-will-antonelli-return-to-winning-ways-at-11371376",
        "published": "2026-10-02T05:08:23.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "BBC Sport",
        "title": "Verstappen tops Bahrain GP in Malaysia first practice",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/02/verstappen-tops-bahrain-gp-in-malaysia-first-practice",
        "published": "2026-10-02T05:41:24.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "Verstappen tops Bahrain GP in Malaysia first practice",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/02/verstappen-tops-bahrain-gp-in-malaysia-first-practice-11367675",
        "published": "2026-10-02T05:41:30.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}