Alex Yoong tips Mercedes to dominate Bahrain GP in Malaysia

Former Formula 1 (F1) driver Alex Yoong, who raced for Minardi in 2001-2002, said Mercedes’ latest upgrade package had been impressive, giving the Silver Arrows an edge ahead of the other teams. — Bernama pic

First Published: Wednesday, 30 Sep 2026 10:25 AM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 30 — Former Formula 1 (F1) driver Alex Yoong expects Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 to be the team to beat at the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix (GP) hosted by Malaysia at the Sepang International Circuit from October 2-4, 2026.

Alex, who raced for Minardi in 2001-2002, said Mercedes’ latest upgrade package had been impressive, giving the Silver Arrows an edge ahead of the other teams.

However, the 50-year-old was unwilling to pick between Mercedes teammates George Russell and Kimi Antonelli when asked who stood a better chance of winning the race this weekend.

“I don't know. I don't know. Either one,” he told Bernama when contacted.

Previously, the Brackley-based team in the United Kingdom brought an updated front wing and several components to improve local load and the rear corner, among others, to the Canadian GP last May.

It was reported that Mercedes will bring its next major upgrade to the Bahrain GP in Malaysia as it looks to strengthen its performance against its rivals this season.

Mercedes, which enjoyed a strong start to the 2026 season with 11 GP victories, currently lead the constructors’ standings with 538 points, followed by Ferrari in second with 378 points, while McLaren are third with 306 points.

Both Mercedes drivers also occupy the top two positions in the current drivers’ standings, with 20-year-old Antonelli leading with 302 points, ahead of 28-year-old Russell on 236 points.

Meanwhile, Alex identified four-time world champion Max Verstappen as a potential threat, describing the Red Bull Racing driver as a ‘dark horse’.

“Everyone knows how strong he is and he is definitely a dark horse to win,” he said.

The 28-year-old Dutchman was the last F1 driver to win in SIC during the final Malaysian GP in 2017.

Alex also said that the return of F1 racing to Malaysia after a nine-year absence would provide fans with an exciting and potentially unpredictable race.

He said the prospect of rain, high tyre wear and drivers having little recent experience of racing at the circuit could add to the uncertainty.

Only 10 drivers who competed in the 2017 Malaysian GP remain on the 2026 grid, including Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso, Valtteri Bottas, Carlos Sainz and Pierre Gasly.

In July, Formula 1 confirmed Malaysia as host of the Gulf Air Bahrain GP from October 2 to 4, following an agreement between Formula 1, the International Automobile Federation (FIA) and governments of Malaysia and Bahrain.

The agreement keeps the Bahrain GP on the 2026 F1 calendar after the race had been cancelled earlier this season due to geopolitical tensions in West Asia.

Malaysia previously hosted the Malaysian GP at Sepang from 1999 to 2017 before the race was dropped from the F1 calendar. — Bernama