Andrea Kimi AntonelliCharles LeclercLewis HamiltonMax Verstappen 
via RaceFansVerstappen and Antonelli still a threat for victory despite qualifying setbacks – Russell | Formula 1George Russell has identified Max Verstappen and Andrea Kimi Antonelli as significant threats for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, despite both drivers qualifying outside the top positions. Antonelli, who crashed in the first round of qualifying, will start in 16th place, while Verstappen qualified eighth after being impeded by Lando Norris's off-track incident during his final lap.
Russell noted that Antonelli's recent performance, winning the Italian Grand Prix from 19th place, showcases his capability to overcome qualifying setbacks. Verstappen's strong showing in practice further solidifies his status as a contender, making both drivers potential challengers for victory in the race.
RaceFansSat 26 Sep · 08:14 UTC
via f1oversteer.comTimo Glock saw Laurent Mekies’ real feelings after ‘frustrated’ Max Verstappen rued Red Bull issueMax Verstappen expressed frustration after a battery issue hindered his qualifying performance at the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, leaving him in P8 on the grid. Despite showing strong pace in practice and Q1, the problem arose during Q3, significantly impacting his speed and lap time.
Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies acknowledged that the battery issue ruined Verstappen's chances for a better starting position. Timo Glock observed Mekies' tense demeanor while discussing the situation, raising concerns about potential challenges for Verstappen in the race following a promising start to the weekend.
f1oversteer.comSat 26 Sep · 07:00 UTC
via gpfans.comCharles Leclerc calls out Ferrari bias as F1 star opens up on Lewis Hamilton fightCharles Leclerc has expressed frustration over what he perceives as media bias against Ferrari, particularly regarding his on-track battles with teammate Lewis Hamilton. He believes that the scrutiny of their incidents has been excessive and unfair, especially in comparison to similar situations involving other teams. Leclerc stated that both he and Hamilton have had moments where they crossed the line, but he enjoys the competitive nature of racing against Hamilton.
Leclerc highlighted that discussions around their racing incidents often lead to incorrect conclusions, and he feels that the focus on Ferrari's actions is disproportionate. He emphasized the importance of communication between the two drivers to ensure they can compete effectively while prioritising the team's success. Despite the challenges, Leclerc remains committed to fighting for Ferrari and appreciates the thrill of competing against one of the best in the sport.
gpfans.comSat 26 Sep · 06:58 UTC
via AutosportVerstappen says Baku was Red Bull's best chance to winMax Verstappen believes that the Azerbaijan Grand Prix was Red Bull Racing's best opportunity to secure a victory in the 2026 Formula 1 season. He attributed his poor starting position to an issue with the internal combustion engine.
Autosport+ 1 moreSat 26 Sep · 06:54 UTC
via Motorsport.com"Great job messing it up" – Why Max Verstappen feels Baku was Red Bull's best chance to winMax Verstappen stated that the Azerbaijan Grand Prix was Red Bull's best chance to secure a victory in 2026, especially before Mercedes' upcoming upgrade in Malaysia. He expressed disappointment over an engine issue that affected his qualifying performance, resulting in a starting position of eighth instead of a potential front-row spot.
Despite acknowledging Mercedes' current speed and their expected improvements, Verstappen remains determined to fight for a podium finish. He reflected on the challenges faced throughout the season, highlighting his frustration with the team's setbacks while also recognising his passion for the sport.
Motorsport.comSat 26 Sep · 06:53 UTC
via newsonf1.comTop rivals defend Antonelli after mistakeKimi Antonelli made a significant mistake during qualifying for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, resulting in a P16 starting position. This error, described as a rare setback in an otherwise strong season, drew immediate support from rivals including Max Verstappen and George Russell, who highlighted Antonelli's youth and previous flawless performances.
Despite the setback, Lando Norris expressed confidence in Antonelli's ability to recover, suggesting he could finish strongly in the race. Meanwhile, Russell's impressive pole position raised questions about the performance gap between Mercedes and Red Bull, with Verstappen's engine issues compounding the team's challenges. The situation has sparked discussions about the current power unit regulations in Formula 1.newsonf1.comSat 26 Sep · 06:46 UTCvia newsonf1.comHadjar admits he deliberately held back in BakuIsack Hadjar revealed that he intentionally held back during the Baku qualifying session, prioritising his recovery from a wrist injury. Despite this, he managed to secure a P4 position, finishing ahead of Max Verstappen, who encountered technical issues. Hadjar expressed that while the result was encouraging, it did not reflect his full potential as he aimed to avoid any mistakes that could jeopardise his recovery.
In his comments, Hadjar acknowledged that he felt Verstappen had outperformed him throughout the weekend. He noted that his absence from the previous races hindered his ability to compete for a front-row position. Hadjar reported that his wrist was coping well, and he completed extensive simulator laps to prepare for the race, indicating his confidence in fighting for a strong position if he starts from fourth.newsonf1.comSat 26 Sep · 06:46 UTC
via RacingNews365Christian Horner drops 'nightmare' claim about Helmut Marko and Max Verstappen signingChristian Horner has made claims in his new book that Helmut Marko was initially hesitant to bring Max Verstappen into the Red Bull team, citing concerns about Verstappen's father, Jos. Horner describes Marko as a difficult character, labelling him as abrasive and disloyal, and expressed disappointment over Marko's cold treatment of him following his dismissal from Red Bull.
Horner reflects on his relationship with Marko, noting that while Marko had once given him his start at Red Bull, their dynamic changed, particularly after the death of team founder Dietrich Mateschitz. Despite Marko's early scepticism, Verstappen went on to achieve significant success, becoming a four-time world champion.
RacingNews365Sat 26 Sep · 06:15 UTC
via Motorsport WeekCharles Leclerc pins hopes on crucial Ferrari trait to challenge in BakuCharles Leclerc is optimistic about Ferrari's race pace as he prepares for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, having secured a surprising second place on the grid despite the team's struggles in free practice. He noted that while the car felt better during qualifying, the significant gap to George Russell remains a concern, particularly regarding straight-line speed and tyre management.
Leclerc highlighted the unpredictability of the car this weekend, which has hindered his ability to take risks on the tight Baku circuit. He remains hopeful that the SF-26 will show its strengths during the race, as it often performs better than in qualifying. Leclerc is determined to give his best effort to challenge for victory against Russell.
Motorsport WeekSat 26 Sep · 05:00 UTC
via gpfans.comF1 News Today: Lewis Hamilton in turmoil as F1 star hit with double FIA punishmentLewis Hamilton and Ferrari are experiencing significant challenges at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, with Hamilton lagging behind Mercedes by over 1.3 seconds. This follows a promising period before the summer break, where Hamilton was seen as a contender for the championship against Kimi Antonelli.
In qualifying, George Russell dominated by taking pole position, while Charles Leclerc and Oscar Piastri qualified second and third, respectively. Additionally, Carlos Sainz faced a setback with a grid penalty, and Max Verstappen expressed frustration after qualifying eighth, despite having shown strong performance in practice.gpfans.comSat 26 Sep · 04:45 UTC
via RaceFansOn This Day: Hamilton scores 100th F1 win as Norris throws away his first | BriefOn 26 September 2021, Lewis Hamilton achieved his 100th Formula 1 victory, capitalising on Lando Norris's decision to remain on slick tyres during a rain shower. This strategic error allowed Hamilton to take the lead and secure the win, marking a significant milestone in his career.
Norris's misjudgment cost him his first grand prix win, while Max Verstappen, who had incurred a power unit change penalty, managed to race from 20th to finish in second place. Hamilton's victory also enabled him to reclaim the lead in the championship standings, intensifying the competition for the title.RaceFansFri 25 Sep · 23:01 UTC
via Motorsport.comOscar Piastri: I need a tow bar to hook onto Mercedes to fight for Baku winOscar Piastri qualified third for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, but he expressed doubts about his ability to compete with George Russell of Mercedes, who was significantly faster. Piastri's qualifying time was just 0.001 seconds behind Charles Leclerc, but he lagged 0.838 seconds behind Russell, prompting him to jokingly suggest he needed a tow bar to keep up.
Despite a challenging weekend for McLaren, including a brake issue that required unconventional fixes, Piastri was pleased with his qualifying result. He acknowledged that while Mercedes appeared to have a clear advantage, he believed McLaren could still contend with the other teams in the race, especially with Lando Norris starting fifth.Motorsport.comFri 25 Sep · 23:00 UTC
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 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 F1iAzerbaijan GP: Friday's action in picturesDuring the qualifying session for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, George Russell achieved a commanding pole position, showcasing impressive speed. He was joined on the front row by Charles Leclerc and Oscar Piastri, who qualified second and third respectively.
Conversely, Kimi Antonelli's qualifying ended prematurely due to a crash, while Max Verstappen described his performance as a disaster, failing to secure a spot near the front. This qualifying session marks a significant moment in the 2026 Formula 1 World Championship.
F1iFri 25 Sep · 18:15 UTC
via PlanetF1Lawson reveals drivers ‘respected’ rules after ‘dangerous’ Hamilton near-missLiam Lawson reported that Formula 1 drivers adhered to the rules during qualifying at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, following a dangerous near-miss with Lewis Hamilton in practice. Lawson, who qualified 12th, had a close encounter with Hamilton, who was on an out-lap, while Lawson was attempting a flying lap. The incident prompted discussions among drivers and a warning from F1 race director Rui Marques about managing traffic gaps on the track.
During a driver briefing, Lawson noted that everyone understood the necessary gaps to avoid similar incidents, and he felt that the drivers respected these guidelines during qualifying. Despite his P12 finish, Lawson expressed frustration with the car's performance, particularly on straights, and acknowledged the challenges faced compared to other teams. Meanwhile, George Russell achieved pole position with a significant margin.
PlanetF1Fri 25 Sep · 18:00 UTC
via Motorsport WeekLewis Hamilton deplores crucial F1 ‘pain in the ass’ after qualifying woeLewis Hamilton expressed frustration after qualifying P6 for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, citing issues with the tyres and team execution. He noted that despite finishing in the top five during Free Practice, he struggled to find pace during the qualifying session, finishing 1.3 seconds behind polesitter George Russell.
Hamilton highlighted the challenges of the narrow Baku circuit and the unpredictability it brings. He mentioned that while he had received a tow earlier in the weekend, he was unable to replicate that advantage in Q3, which contributed to his disappointing qualifying result.Motorsport WeekFri 25 Sep · 18:00 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 espn.comVerstappen expresses frustration after Baku qualifyingMax Verstappen revealed he told Red Bull to 'p*** off' following a disappointing qualifying session for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. He described the experience as a 'disaster', resulting in him starting from eighth on the grid.
espn.com+ 1 moreFri 25 Sep · 17:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comCharles Leclerc blames Ferrari’s F1 car for destroying his ‘strength’ at the Azerbaijan Grand PrixCharles Leclerc has attributed his disappointing performance during qualifying for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix to the unpredictability of his Ferrari SF-26. Despite qualifying in second place, he was significantly outpaced by George Russell, who took pole position by a margin of eight and a half tenths of a second.
Leclerc noted that he struggled to maintain his usual precision and risk-taking ability due to the car's inconsistent behaviour, particularly in the tight and twisting sectors of the Baku City Circuit. He acknowledged that while Ferrari's straight-line speed had improved, the overall performance of the car hindered his strengths during qualifying.f1oversteer.comFri 25 Sep · 16:30 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 CrashLewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc’s “strange” Ferrari dynamic questioned by Jacques VilleneuveJacques Villeneuve has expressed concerns about the dynamic between Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc at Ferrari, labelling it as 'strange' and filled with tension. This comes after a notable clash between the two drivers during the Italian Grand Prix, where Ferrari has opted to maintain equal status for both drivers despite potential risks to their championship chances.
Villeneuve highlighted that both Hamilton and Leclerc exhibit a fierce desire to outperform each other, which he believes could undermine team cohesion. Former driver Juan Pablo Montoya echoed these sentiments, suggesting that another incident between the two is likely. Leclerc, on the other hand, acknowledged the scrutiny Ferrari faces and expressed his enjoyment in competing against Hamilton, viewing it as a significant challenge.CrashFri 25 Sep · 16:09 UTC