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Leica and Formula 1 shift into gear with limited edition Q3 43. Oct 20, 2026 Leica and Formula 1 have teamed up for a limited-edition version of the Leica Q3 43. The two legacy brands from different but overlapping worlds have combined to create a sleek version of the popular Leica Q3. The Leica Q3 43 Formula 1 edition comes with a wireless charging handgrip with a carbon fiber shell, a soft-release button with a carbon inlay and red rim, and a matching thumb rest. Fans of Formula 1 will recognize the significance of carbon fiber. It's a material the sport's engineers rely upon to create the world's fastest prototype machines. There are more racing references on the camera: it also includes a non-slip Microvelour covering modeled on a racing steering wheel, an F1 logo on the top plate and lens cap, and a rope strap included in the set that is in keeping with the carbon fiber components and bears both brands' logos. Leica says it approaches a camera in much the same way a well-drilled Formula 1 team approaches a season. "Formula 1 races take place in an environment exerting the highest technical demands. Performance does not stem from a single element, but from the precise interplay of components and team members," Leica says. "A Leica camera is created with a similar approach: the optics, sensor, design and mechanics are fine-tuned until there is nothing that stands between the photographer and their subject." Leica says it does not typically use carbon fiber in its cameras, but the material features prominently in this edition. Carbon is used in Formula 1 because it is low weight while remaining extremely rigid. The carbon fiber parts for the Leica Q3 43 Formula 1 Edition have been manufactured and tested exclusively in Germany. "This creates a cohesive look from the handgrip to the thumb rest and soft-release button, and the exceptionally even finish makes the craftsmanship palpable," Leica says. "Light falling on the surface emphasises the texture, giving it shifting visual depth with every movement. Carbon fibre is positioned at the key points where the camera is held and operated. The connection to motorsport is therefore not just visual, but can be felt with every shot." The camera also has red accents, again inspired by the world of F1 where steering wheel buttons are often color-coded to help the driver find them quickly. The soft-release button and one of the two function buttons on the thumb rest feature the same colour scheme. Underneath the hood is the Leica Q3 43 that has a 43mm APO-Summicron f/2 ASPH lens, providing a field of view that closely resembles the way the human eye perceives the world. The BSI CMOS full-frame sensor provides the option of 60, 36, or 18 megapixels. A fast hybrid autofocus system and extensive video functions complete the package. There is also a "Formula 1" Leica look exclusively baked into the camera. It's designed to create a rendering that complements the world of motorsport. Higher contrast and richer saturation capture the atmosphere of the racetrack and paddock in the final image. It's available via the Leica Fotos App and can be applied immediately while taking photos so that the effect is visible in the viewfinder, rather than only emerging during post-processing. The Leica Q3 43 Formula 1 was officially unveiled at an exclusive event held at the Leica Store and Leica Gallery in Los Angeles. The collaboration was presented to guests by Formula 1 presenter Ariana Bravo and 2009 FIA Formula 1 Drivers' World Champion Jenson Button. A series of 26 motorsport photographs by Callo Albanese were also on display at the event. The Italian photographer specializes in Formula 1 and motorsport photography. The Leica Q3 43 Formula 1 edition is available from October 21 in all Leica stores, online, and from specialist retailers. The recommended retail price is $9,950 / £7,300 / 8,500 euros. Image creditsCourtesy of Leica Love PetaPixel? Unlock Premium Perks. Discussion

Hadjar blasts F1 over Monaco Sprint decision: 'How in the world is that gonna happen?' Photo: Race Pictures 10:47, 11 Oct Tobia is a Formula 1 journalist at GPblog with experience at international circuits. Since 2022, he has covered Grands Prix across Europe, delivering reliable coverage and insights from the paddock. Isack Hadjar has criticised F1's decision to hold Sprint races at circuits where overtaking is particularly difficult, questioning the logic behind adding Monaco to the calendar in 2027. Speaking to GPblog and other media outlets after qualifying in Singapore, the Frenchman also expressed his frustration with the limited preparation time available during Sprint weekends. Hadjar questions F1's decision to introduce Monaco Sprint. The Red Bull driver did not hide his disappointment with the direction Formula 1 is taking, particularly as the number of Sprint weekends continues to increase. With Monaco set to host a Sprint next season, Hadjar questioned what the additional race could realistically offer on a circuit where overtaking is notoriously difficult. "I don't know who makes these decisions. Like, next year we have a sprint race in Monaco. How in the world do you think that's gonna happen? What do you think is gonna happen? Do you think it's gonna be overtakes? Why are we doing it? It's just very disappointing. And there are more and more of them." Beyond his concerns about the spectacle, Hadjar argued that the Sprint format also compromises the teams' ability to understand and improve their cars. With only one practice session before competitive running begins, drivers have considerably less time to experiment with different setups and assess changes. Photo: Race Pictures "That's the problem with these weekends, with this sprint stuff. You don't get to work on the car. You just kind of need to get lucky. There's no work. I guess it's not entertaining for people to watch us do a lot of tests, but it's important to us." The Frenchman explained that the lack of preparation was particularly frustrating given the difficulties he experienced with his car during the Singapore weekend. He was eager to evaluate changes to its handling and assess its performance with a properly functioning engine, but felt the format prevented him from doing so. "The car was handling terribly. I was excited for today to see what the change brought. I was excited to see what I could do with the engine that was working fine. I don't get to do it. It's hard to learn anything from weekends like that." Hadjar's Singapore frustration goes beyond the Sprint format. Hadjar's latest criticism follows his earlier frustration with how his Singapore weekend unfolded. The Frenchman previously suggested that he might as well have stayed in Paris, reflecting his disappointment at travelling to Marina Bay without getting the opportunity to make the most of his car. Don't miss GPblog in Google. Mark Gpblog as a preferred source and its articles will appear more often at the top of Top Stories.

Formula One to investigate software bug behind Bahrain GP chaos. Formula One's governing body has launched a full investigation into a software problem that caused widespread power issues and forced the start of the Bahrain Grand Prix at Malaysia's Sepang circuit to be delayed. 6 October 2026 Formula One's governing body has launched a full investigation into a software problem that caused widespread power issues and forced the start of the Bahrain Grand Prix at Malaysia's Sepang circuit to be delayed. Several drivers experienced severe power loss during the formation lap following torrential rain and a lengthy delay. Among those affected were Ferrari's seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton and Red Bull's four-time champion Max Verstappen, who went on to win the race. Verstappen compared the bizarre situation to a "Lego race", recalling an earlier experience at Silverstone in which cars had struggled with similar power-related problems. Hamilton was forced to stop his Ferrari on the circuit and restart the car, describing the incident as a first in his career.