Andrea Kimi AntonelliCarlos PaceMartin Brundle 
via f1chronicle.comKimi Antonelli Calls Limited Baku Practice a Good Recovery After Hydraulic Issue and Fire Damaged EngineKimi Antonelli faced mechanical issues during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix practice, losing valuable track time due to a hydraulic problem and a fire that damaged his power unit. Despite these setbacks, he managed to secure fifth place in the first practice session and second in the second session, describing his performance as a good recovery.
With an 81-point lead in the championship standings, Antonelli's resilience was notable as he prepared for qualifying. His Mercedes teammate, George Russell, dominated both practice sessions, finishing significantly ahead of Antonelli. Mercedes deputy team principal Bradley Lord expressed confidence that the competitive order would tighten as teams continued to develop their cars.
f1chronicle.comFri 25 Sep · 21:07 UTC
via f1chronicle.comLando Norris Says Watching McLaren’s 1.5 Second Baku Deficit Felt Like a Knife in the HeartLando Norris expressed disappointment after McLaren finished 1.5 seconds behind the fastest time set by George Russell during the opening practice for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The team encountered issues with the floorboard of their upgraded MCL40, which required a temporary fix using cable ties, leading to lost track time for both Norris and his teammate Oscar Piastri.
Despite the challenges, McLaren's Chief Technical Officer Rob Marshall indicated that the new components installed on the car showed potential, although they still need to be optimised. Norris highlighted the need for improved pace, stating that comfort in the car means little without competitive lap times, as the team prepares for the next practice session.f1chronicle.comFri 25 Sep · 21:04 UTC
via RacingNews365McLaren declare door 'wide open' for Verstappen as Antonelli suffers knock - RacingNews365 ReviewZak Brown, the CEO of McLaren, has expressed that the possibility for Max Verstappen to join the team remains open, despite Verstappen's recent contract extension with Red Bull Racing. This statement highlights McLaren's interest in the reigning world champion, suggesting they are keen on future collaboration.
In other news from the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Kimi Antonelli, the championship leader, suffered a significant setback by crashing during qualifying. Meanwhile, George Russell's pole position offers him a chance to gain points on his teammate Antonelli, who is currently facing challenges in the title race.
RacingNews365Fri 25 Sep · 20:00 UTC
via gpfans.comLewis Hamilton and Ferrari in turmoil after Mercedes humiliation at Azerbaijan Grand PrixLewis Hamilton and Ferrari faced a disappointing qualifying session at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, with Hamilton finishing sixth and over 1.3 seconds behind pole position. Despite upgrades to the car, Ferrari's performance fell short, leaving Hamilton feeling dejected and questioning the team's strategy.
The struggles of Ferrari continue as they have not won a drivers' championship since 2007, highlighting ongoing issues within the team. Hamilton's hopes of competing for the title have diminished significantly, and the team appears to be in turmoil as they grapple with their performance and strategy.
gpfans.comFri 25 Sep · 18:58 UTC
via CrashThe eerie Baku similarity F1's runaway leader is in danger of repeating at Azerbaijan GPKimi Antonelli's crash during qualifying for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix has drawn parallels to Oscar Piastri's disastrous weekend last year. Antonelli, who had a significant lead in the championship, hit the wall in Q1 and will start from 16th, while Piastri had a similar fate that cost him the title in 2025.
Despite the setback, Antonelli's team-mate George Russell, who secured pole position, sees this as an opportunity to close the gap in the championship. Antonelli must now focus on avoiding further mistakes to maintain his lead, as he has been largely flawless this season until this incident.
CrashFri 25 Sep · 17:20 UTC
via F1iPiastri ‘surprised’ by Baku P3 qualifying paceOscar Piastri qualified third for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, surprising himself with the pace after a subdued practice session for McLaren. Piastri briefly held second place during qualifying, while Lando Norris finished fifth after a costly lock-up on his final attempt. George Russell took pole position, with Charles Leclerc just ahead of Piastri by a narrow margin.
Piastri remarked on McLaren's tendency to find extra performance during qualifying, contrasting with their practice struggles. Norris, while pleased with his driving, pointed out underlying car issues that limited his performance. Both drivers are now looking to convert their qualifying positions into a strong race performance, despite uncertainties about their race pace.
F1iFri 25 Sep · 17:02 UTC
via RacingNews365Lewis Hamilton 'pain in the ass' as George Russell sets three-year highGeorge Russell achieved a stunning pole position for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, taking advantage of a significant mistake by Kimi Antonelli, who crashed at the first corner during Q1. This pole position marks the largest margin since Max Verstappen's performance at the 2023 Canadian Grand Prix, showcasing Russell's impressive speed and skill.
Both Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen were left frustrated after the qualifying session. Verstappen faced engine problems, while Hamilton struggled with tyre issues, which contributed to their disappointing results. Antonelli's crash not only affected his own qualifying but also opened the door for Russell's remarkable performance.RacingNews365Fri 25 Sep · 16:30 UTC
via BBC SportAntonelli 'comes back to earth' with qualifying crashKimi Antonelli, the Mercedes driver, expressed frustration over his qualifying crash at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, calling it a 'stupid' mistake. He will start the race from 16th position, while his teammate George Russell took pole after a strong performance. Antonelli acknowledged the need to stay focused to avoid such errors, especially as he pursues his first world title.
The crash comes after a challenging weekend for Antonelli, who dealt with a hydraulic leak during practice. Russell, currently 81 points behind Antonelli in the championship, remains optimistic about his chances despite the gap. Max Verstappen, who qualified 8th, also faced difficulties during qualifying, highlighting the competitive nature of the race weekend.
BBC SportFri 25 Sep · 16:19 UTC
via Motorsport WeekOscar Piastri makes McLaren ‘no hope’ concession after Mercedes F1 trouncingOscar Piastri admitted that McLaren had no chance of beating George Russell for pole position during the qualifying session at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Piastri will start the race in third place, behind Russell and Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, while his teammate Lando Norris qualified fifth. This marks the sixth time this season that Piastri has out-qualified Norris.
Despite a challenging start to the weekend, McLaren discovered additional pace during qualifying. Piastri expressed satisfaction with the team's performance, noting the difficulties posed by windy conditions on the track. He highlighted the unpredictability of the car's balance due to gusts, which made qualifying particularly challenging.
Motorsport WeekFri 25 Sep · 14:38 UTC
via F1iKimi Antonelli criticises his Baku qualifying errorKimi Antonelli described his early exit from qualifying for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix as a 'very stupid' mistake. The incident has left him starting towards the back of the grid for the race.F1i+ 1 moreFri 25 Sep · 14:14 UTC
via Motorsport.com1 videoGeorge Russell's "biggest threat" in Azerbaijan GP: Max Verstappen or Kimi Antonelli?George Russell, driving for Mercedes, has qualified in pole position for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix and considers Max Verstappen his biggest threat in the race. Kimi Antonelli, his teammate, crashed during qualifying, which left him starting in 16th place despite having shown strong pace earlier in the season. Russell acknowledged Antonelli's potential for a comeback, referencing his impressive recovery from 19th to first in Monza.
Verstappen faced difficulties in qualifying, finishing 8th due to issues with his internal combustion engine. Russell, currently 81 points behind Antonelli in the drivers' championship, expressed a renewed sense of confidence and excitement as he prepares for the race, despite the pressure of needing to improve his season performance.
Motorsport.comFri 25 Sep · 14:52 UTC
via Motorsport WeekGeorge Russell capitalises on Antonelli shunt with dominant F1 Baku poleGeorge Russell achieved a commanding pole position for the Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, marking his fifth pole of the season. He finished with a time of 1:42.526, significantly ahead of Charles Leclerc, who was 0.837 seconds slower. This performance comes after a strong qualifying session where Russell capitalised on Kimi Antonelli's early crash, which left Antonelli starting from P16.
The qualifying session saw various ups and downs, including Max Verstappen's disappointing eighth-place finish despite his earlier pace in Free Practice 3. Oscar Piastri's strong performance secured him third on the grid, while Isack Hadjar impressed with a fourth-place finish. The session was marked by multiple yellow flags and competitive times as drivers battled for the best positions on the grid.Motorsport WeekFri 25 Sep · 13:35 UTC
via gpfans.comMartin Brundle will MISS the Azerbaijan Grand Prix - and this is whyMartin Brundle will not participate in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, as confirmed by GPFans. His absence is part of a contractual agreement with Sky Sports F1, which limits him to 16 out of 24 races in a season. Due to the cancellation of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, the 2026 season now has 23 scheduled races.
This will mark the fourth race Brundle has missed this season, following the Chinese, Japanese, and Dutch Grands Prix. In his absence, Sky Sports will feature Natalie Pinkham as presenter, with Jamie Chadwick and Jacques Villeneuve providing punditry. David Croft and Karun Chandhok will handle commentary duties during the event.gpfans.comFri 25 Sep · 12:11 UTC
via grandprix.comAntonelli says rivals are trying to jinx his title bidKimi Antonelli, the current leader of the Formula 1 Drivers' Championship, has expressed his belief that rivals are attempting to undermine his confidence by suggesting the championship is already decided. Despite these claims, Antonelli remains focused on his performance and is determined to secure the title as soon as possible, stating he is not influenced by what others say.
During the Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend, Antonelli faced a hydraulic issue that limited his practice time, while George Russell outperformed him in the sessions. Antonelli is aware of the growing pressure as the championship progresses but insists that his strategy remains unchanged: to win every race and accumulate points steadily. He is committed to maintaining his competitive edge until the championship is officially concluded.grandprix.comFri 25 Sep · 10:36 UTC
via Motorsport WeekMax Verstappen denies George Russell clean sweep in F1 Baku FP3Max Verstappen claimed the fastest time in Free Practice 3 at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, narrowly beating George Russell by 0.099 seconds. This victory prevented Russell from achieving a clean sweep of the practice sessions, as he had dominated the earlier sessions with a Mercedes 1-2 finish alongside teammate Kimi Antonelli.
The final practice session was marked by chaotic conditions, with several drivers struggling with grip and making mistakes. Verstappen's late push saw him rise to the top of the leaderboard, while Hamilton and Antonelli also showed strong performances. The session set the stage for a competitive qualifying ahead.Motorsport WeekFri 25 Sep · 09:43 UTC
Wikimedia Commons · Yu Chu Chin · CC BY-SA 4.0Kimi ANTONELLI leads the Practice 3 at BakuKimi ANTONELLI takes the lead from Lewis HAMILTON — live from Baku, Azerbaijan.Pit Lane Daily EditorialFri 25 Sep · 08:59 UTC
via f1chronicle.comKimi Antonelli Insists Formula 1 Title Race Is Not Over Yet as He Holds Commanding 81 Point LeadKimi Antonelli, the Mercedes driver, maintains that the Formula 1 title race is still open despite his commanding 81 point lead heading into the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on each race individually, likening it to tennis where every point matters. Antonelli has achieved eight wins this season, significantly widening the gap over his teammate George Russell, who has admitted he is no longer in contention for the championship.
As the season progresses, Antonelli acknowledges the challenges posed by the upcoming races in Baku, Malaysia, and Singapore. He is cautious about the potential for unexpected events that could impact his lead, echoing sentiments from Mercedes principal Toto Wolff. Antonelli credits his support system, particularly his father, for helping him stay grounded and focused on delivering consistent performances rather than becoming complacent with his lead.f1chronicle.comThu 24 Sep · 21:28 UTC
via f1chronicle.comLewis Hamilton Admits Chasing George Russell, Not Kimi Antonelli, Is Now His Real Championship BattleLewis Hamilton has acknowledged that he is unlikely to catch Kimi Antonelli in the Drivers' Championship, as he trails by 101 points. Instead, he is now focusing on George Russell, who is just 20 points ahead of him in the standings. Hamilton believes that finishing second or maintaining third place would be a significant achievement for him and Ferrari this season, especially after a challenging 2025 campaign.
As the Azerbaijan Grand Prix approaches, Hamilton is preparing for a crucial triple header of races. He has expressed optimism about Ferrari's recent improvements and is determined to address execution issues that have hindered their performance. With 83 points available in the upcoming races, Hamilton's strategy has shifted to defending his position against Russell and Lando Norris, marking a change in his championship aspirations.f1chronicle.comThu 24 Sep · 21:26 UTC
via f1oversteer.comAlex Brundle disagrees with Oscar Piastri about his ‘main issue’ amid drubbing by Lando NorrisOscar Piastri is facing challenges in the 2026 season, particularly in his performance compared to teammate Lando Norris. Despite Piastri's belief that race pace is his main issue, Alex Brundle argues that his qualifying struggles are the root cause of his difficulties, as he consistently starts behind Norris.
Brundle highlighted that Piastri's qualifying record, with Norris leading 9-1, significantly hampers his chances on race day. As they head into the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, qualifying will be critical for Piastri to close the gap and improve his standing against Norris.
f1oversteer.comThu 24 Sep · 20:00 UTC
via gpfans.comKimi Antonelli avoids F1 penalty despite surprise engine change at Azerbaijan Grand PrixKimi Antonelli's Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend began poorly when he experienced a mechanical failure during the first practice session, which required an engine change. The issue was attributed to a hydraulics failure in his Mercedes, causing him to stop just 25 minutes into the session. Despite the setback, Antonelli remains the championship leader with an 81-point advantage over his teammate George Russell.
The use of a fire extinguisher by marshals on Antonelli's car complicated matters, necessitating the replacement of his engine before the second practice session. Fortunately for Antonelli, the new engine was from his previously used set, allowing him to avoid penalties from the FIA stewards. After missing part of the first practice, he managed to return to the track half an hour into the second session.gpfans.comThu 24 Sep · 19:56 UTC
via Formula1.comGeorge Russell tops Practice 3 at Baku Grand PrixGeorge Russell led the third practice session at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, outperforming his Mercedes teammate Kimi Antonelli. The session indicated that Mercedes could be the team to beat this weekend.
Formula1.com+ 1 moreThu 24 Sep · 17:02 UTC
via f1oversteer.comJock Clear has seen a ‘Michael Schumacher-esque’ trait in Kimi Antonelli even Max Verstappen lackedJock Clear, a long-time Ferrari performance engineer, has expressed admiration for Andrea Kimi Antonelli, likening his ability to engage fans to that of Michael Schumacher. Antonelli, who is currently leading the 2026 Formula 1 standings with eight wins, has captured the hearts of Ferrari supporters, particularly after his victory at Monza, making him the first Italian to win there since 1966.
Clear noted that Antonelli's impressive performance this season, including his ability to avoid major mistakes, sets him apart from his competitors, including George Russell. Despite facing some reliability issues, Antonelli's consistent results have positioned him as a strong contender for the championship, potentially making him the youngest F1 champion in history.f1oversteer.comThu 24 Sep · 16:00 UTC
via Sky Sports F1'Pretty pants!' - Norris rules McLaren out of Baku pole fightLando Norris expressed disappointment with McLaren's performance during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix practice sessions, stating they were significantly off the pace, specifically 1.5 seconds slower than Mercedes' George Russell. Despite bringing a major upgrade package to Baku, Norris felt the new parts did not yield immediate improvements, and he ruled out a contention for pole position.
George Russell, who topped both practice sessions, expects the gaps to tighten in qualifying. Kimi Antonelli faced issues with a hydraulics leak but managed to recover well in the second session. Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton noted Ferrari's struggles with tyre performance and straight-line speed, indicating a challenging day for the team.
Sky Sports F1Thu 24 Sep · 15:47 UTC
via the-race.comWinners and losers from Baku F1 practiceGeorge Russell topped the timesheets in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix practice sessions, showcasing Mercedes' strong early-2026 form. Despite the team's assertion that their performance gap was not fully representative, Russell's position is promising, especially with teammate Lewis Hamilton facing issues. Meanwhile, McLaren struggled with their new bodywork upgrade, finishing 6th and 8th, while Pierre Gasly's solid performance in 7th placed him as a contender in the midfield.
Other teams faced challenges as well, with Audi and Williams finishing low in the standings despite bringing upgrades. Esteban Ocon had a decent outing in 10th, while Lewis Hamilton's practice was marred by a summons for impeding another driver. Sergio Perez's performance in 13th suggests potential for improvement, especially with the aid of a tow during his fastest lap.
the-race.comThu 24 Sep · 15:06 UTC