Andrea Kimi AntonelliCharles LeclercMax Verstappen 
via RacingNews365Red Bull at odds with Verstappen over possible penalty as Leclerc airs Ferrari secret - RacingNews365 ReviewRed Bull Racing is currently at odds with driver Max Verstappen regarding a possible grid penalty, as they await the results of a technical analysis. The outcome of this analysis will determine whether Verstappen will face any penalties later in the season.
In a separate incident, Charles Leclerc shared a secret about Ferrari during an interview, which led to an embarrassing moment for a Ferrari press officer. Additionally, Aston Martin confirmed that they will not be making any significant upgrades to their car for the remainder of the season.
RacingNews365Mon 28 Sep · 20:00 UTC
via RacingNews365Engine guru confirms Max Verstappen was right: 'I already had this view'Max Verstappen has been vocal about his dissatisfaction with the current Formula 1 power units, arguing that they require excessive energy management, making the driving experience less authentic. His concerns have been echoed by renowned engine designer Mario Illien, who agrees that the balance between combustion and electric power is flawed, stating that the current setup diminishes the driver's role in racing.
Illien, who has extensive experience in F1 engine design, supports a shift in the power unit ratio that the FIA is considering, moving from a 52/48 split to a 58/42 ratio. However, he cautions that while this change may improve the situation, it will not fully resolve the underlying issues. Illien reminisces about the previous power unit configuration, which he believes was more effective and better received by fans.RacingNews365Mon 28 Sep · 17:15 UTC
via gpfans.comUntelevised Red Bull F1 radio reveals captivating Max Verstappen team orders to Isack HadjarDuring the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Isack Hadjar received team orders from Red Bull not to overtake his teammate Max Verstappen, despite being faster on the track. This decision was communicated via untelevised radio exchanges, where Hadjar expressed his willingness to push for an attack on Oscar Piastri but was ultimately instructed to maintain his position behind Verstappen.
The strategy proved effective for Red Bull, as Verstappen managed to secure a better position after a safety car period, allowing him to challenge for the lead. The decision to keep Hadjar behind Verstappen, although controversial, resulted in a successful double podium for the team, highlighting the complexities of team dynamics in Formula 1.
gpfans.comMon 28 Sep · 16:44 UTC
via Motorsport.comWhy Mercedes thought Max Verstappen was "on some sort of massive bungee cord" in Azerbaijan GPDuring the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, George Russell initially created a significant lead over Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar, but the deployment of a safety car changed the race dynamics. After the safety car, Verstappen managed to close the gap and challenged Russell, leading to a nail-biting finish where only 0.196 seconds separated them at the line.
Mercedes deputy team principal Bradley Lord remarked on Verstappen's ability to catch up, likening it to being on a 'massive bungee cord'. Despite Russell's superior speed in the second sector, Verstappen's straight-line speed allowed him to stay close. The race highlighted the intense competition and strategic nuances of Formula 1, with Russell managing to maintain his lead despite the pressure.
Motorsport.comMon 28 Sep · 16:30 UTC
via Motorsport.comRUMOURGeorge Russell Baku F1 win sparks "cracked the code" theoryGeorge Russell achieved a significant victory at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, showcasing his dominance by securing pole position and winning the race. His teammate Kimi Antonelli, who leads the drivers' championship, faced challenges, including a crash during qualifying, which resulted in a fifth-place finish. This outcome allowed Russell to close the gap in the championship standings.
Former IndyCar driver James Hinchcliffe speculated on Russell's performance, suggesting he may have discovered a way to extract more speed from his Mercedes car. Hinchcliffe noted that throughout the weekend, Antonelli struggled to match Russell's pace, raising questions about whether Russell has indeed 'cracked the code' to unlock his car's potential.Motorsport.comMon 28 Sep · 15:53 UTC
via thejudge13.comVerstappen warns Mercedes upgrade could change Red Bull’s picture againMax Verstappen expressed caution regarding Red Bull's competitive position following their recent success at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Despite finishing on the podium alongside teammate Isack Hadjar, Verstappen warned that Mercedes' upcoming upgrades could shift the competitive landscape, making it difficult for Red Bull to maintain their advantage.
Verstappen acknowledged that while the RB22 showed improved balance in Baku, there are still underlying issues that need addressing. He emphasised the importance of maximising opportunities each weekend and highlighted the need for ongoing development to ensure Red Bull remains competitive against rivals like Mercedes.
thejudge13.comMon 28 Sep · 15:07 UTC
via AutosportWhat made Red Bull so fast in the Azerbaijan GP after Verstappen’s qualifying issueRed Bull Racing achieved a significant milestone by securing a double podium at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, with Max Verstappen finishing second and Isack Hadjar in third. This marked the team's first double podium in nearly two and a half years, showcasing their strong performance despite Verstappen's earlier qualifying issues that left him eighth on the grid.
Team principal Laurent Mekies attributed their success to the powerful Red Bull-Ford power unit and effective energy management strategies. He noted that while they faced challenges with their power units, the team managed to close the performance gap with competitors. Looking ahead, Mekies acknowledged that Red Bull would not introduce further major updates this season, while also noting the competitive landscape with Mercedes set to release upgrades soon.
AutosportMon 28 Sep · 13:54 UTC
via Formula1.com'Less pressure on me than there is him' – Russell on titleGeorge Russell expressed that he feels less pressure in the ongoing Drivers' Championship compared to his teammate Kimi Antonelli. After winning the Grand Prix in Baku, Russell reduced Antonelli's lead to 66 points, having previously trailed by 81 points. Antonelli's crash during qualifying significantly impacted his performance, allowing Russell to capitalize on the situation and secure a crucial victory.
Russell reflected on his recent form, stating that he did not consider himself a contender for the title until now. He noted that despite a challenging start to the season, his performance has improved significantly. The article draws parallels to last season's championship battle, suggesting that Russell's current deficit is not insurmountable, especially if he continues to perform well.
Formula1.comMon 28 Sep · 13:02 UTC
via f1technical.net"There was little opportunity to relax at any stage of the race," claims Mercedes ...George Russell secured a commanding victory at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, converting his pole position into a win despite facing pressure from Max Verstappen in the closing laps. The race featured two Safety Car periods that challenged Russell's lead, but he managed to hold on for the win, marking an important return to the top step of the podium for him and Mercedes.
Kimi Antonelli also had a notable performance, recovering from a difficult qualifying session that left him in P16. He climbed through the field to finish fifth, showcasing his determination and skill. Mercedes Trackside Engineering Director Andrew Shovlin praised both drivers for their performances, highlighting the team's strong pace throughout the weekend and their ability to maximize opportunities during the race.
f1technical.netMon 28 Sep · 11:00 UTC
via thejudge13.comVeteran Italian F1 journalist backs Hamilton for Ferrari team leader roleFrom High Spirits to Paddock Frustration The Lewis Hamilton we see in the paddock after the summer break is not the same happy-go-lucky, super-positive chap who was there earlier in the season. After a year where he was welcomed by his new Ferrari teammate, Charles Leclerc, the seven-time champion appeared to be enjoying himself much ...thejudge13.comMon 28 Sep · 09:49 UTC
via Motorsport WeekLeclerc appears to reveal Ferrari engine secretCharles Leclerc seemingly disclosed sensitive information about Ferrari's engine after the Formula 1 race in Azerbaijan. The moment was captured by Sky Italy, where Leclerc remarked, 'I thought you knew!'
Motorsport Week+ 1 moreMon 28 Sep · 09:15 UTC
via CrashHamilton and Verstappen disagree on Middle East racesLewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen have expressed contrasting views regarding Formula 1's races in the Middle East, specifically in Qatar and Abu Dhabi. Verstappen has countered Hamilton's stance, highlighting the importance of the region in the sport.
Crash+ 1 moreMon 28 Sep · 08:26 UTC
via F1iLeclerc urges Ferrari to react to Red Bull and McLaren surgeCharles Leclerc expressed concern over Ferrari's performance after finishing fourth in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, highlighting that the team's SF-26 lacked the necessary pace to compete with Red Bull and McLaren. He noted that rivals had made significant upgrades, while Ferrari had not, which put them at a disadvantage.
Leclerc acknowledged that the development gap was becoming increasingly urgent, as every upgrade must count due to budget caps and testing restrictions. He confirmed that Ferrari has developments planned but was cautious about their potential impact, stressing the need for the team to respond quickly to regain lost ground.
F1iMon 28 Sep · 07:12 UTC
via f1technical.net"It was undoubtedly his best race with us so far," claims Mekies as he hails Red ...Red Bull Team Principal Laurent Mekies commended the team's performance at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, describing it as their best weekend of the season. Max Verstappen recovered from an eighth-place start to finish second, while Isack Hadjar, returning from injury, secured third place, marking a significant turnaround for the team after earlier struggles this season.
Mekies highlighted the progress made by Red Bull, noting their competitiveness against Mercedes. He praised both drivers for their teamwork and performance, particularly emphasizing Hadjar's impressive return. The double podium reflects a major improvement for Red Bull, showcasing the effectiveness of their recent upgrades and the collective effort of the team.f1technical.netMon 28 Sep · 07:00 UTC
via gpfans.comMax Verstappen F1 nightmare as Red Bull boss reveals 'huge problem'Max Verstappen has raised concerns about his car's performance, describing it as 'degrading' during races. Red Bull's leadership, including Laurent Mekies and Pierre Wache, have confirmed these issues, with Wache admitting he lacks confidence in a full fix before the next season. The team is shifting focus to 2027, marking the upgrade for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix as their last significant package for the year.
Despite these challenges, Red Bull managed to secure a double podium in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, with Verstappen finishing second, just behind George Russell. This result allowed Red Bull to close the gap to McLaren in the constructors' championship, reducing their deficit from 76 points to 43 points. However, the team acknowledges that significant work remains to be done to improve their car's performance.gpfans.comMon 28 Sep · 06:57 UTC
Wikimedia Commons · Yu Chu Chin · CC BY-SA 4.0Norris backlash explodes after Colapinto attackSep.28 (GMM) Lando Norris’ demand for Franco Colapinto to be banned from Formula 1 has triggered a widening backlash, with Argentine politicians, media figures and fans all piling into the controversy. The row began after Colapinto’s Baku restart crash, which eliminated his teammate Pierre Gasly and world champion Norris and damaged Kimi Antonelli’s Mercedes. Norris…newsonf1.comMon 28 Sep · 06:29 UTC
via f1chronicle.comKimi Antonelli Admits He Drove Like His Grandmother as Title Lead Shrinks to 66 Points in BakuKimi Antonelli expressed disappointment with his performance at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where he finished fifth after starting from 16th. He attributed his cautious driving to a lack of confidence and technical issues that limited his practice time. Despite the setback, Antonelli's lead in the championship standings over teammate George Russell has decreased to 66 points, as Russell secured victory in Baku.
Antonelli acknowledged that this race was his worst of the season, noting that he was in 'damage save mode' and could not drive aggressively due to floor damage sustained during the race. He highlighted the difference between his cautious approach in Baku and his previous win at Monza, where he had more confidence and pace. The next race at the Bahrain Grand Prix offers Antonelli a chance to recover from this challenging weekend.
f1chronicle.comSun 27 Sep · 20:26 UTC
via f1chronicle.comGeorge Russell Claims First Grand Slam of His Career With Baku Win That Slashes Antonelli’s Title LeadGeorge Russell secured his first career Grand Slam by winning the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, leading every lap and finishing just 0.196 seconds ahead of Max Verstappen. This victory reduced Kimi Antonelli's championship lead from 81 points to 66, with eight races remaining in the season. Russell expressed that he feels more like himself again after a challenging stretch, crediting his team for their support during tough times.
Antonelli, who had a difficult weekend, crashed in qualifying and started from 16th position, ultimately finishing fifth. Despite this setback, he still maintains a significant lead in the championship standings. Russell's win has revitalised the title race, and he remains determined to win every remaining race this season.f1chronicle.comSun 27 Sep · 20:25 UTC
via gpfans.comF1 star reveals massive damage after Azerbaijan Grand Prix moment - 'I was driving like my grandmother'Kimi Antonelli, driving for Mercedes, faced significant challenges during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, finishing in fifth place after starting from 16th. His race was impacted by a crash involving Franco Colapinto, which resulted in heavy damage to Antonelli's car, particularly on the left side, forcing him to adopt a cautious driving style to avoid further incidents.
Despite the damage, Antonelli managed to pass Lewis Hamilton and came close to overtaking Charles Leclerc, finishing just half a second behind him. The young Italian's performance allowed him to maintain his position as the championship leader, although he expressed frustration over the limitations imposed by his damaged vehicle.gpfans.comSun 27 Sep · 19:45 UTC
via gpfans.comLeclerc and Hamilton's Ferrari relationship questionedCharles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton's relationship at Ferrari has come under scrutiny, with claims that their camaraderie is not genuine. Italian media have suggested that Hamilton is 'sulking' following a challenging weekend for the team.gpfans.com+ 1 moreSun 27 Sep · 16:45 UTC
via gpfans.comCharles Leclerc makes surprising admission on new Ferrari engine after penalty talk in BakuCharles Leclerc revealed he used an upgraded Ferrari power unit during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, despite previous discussions about potentially taking a grid penalty. This upgrade had not been available to him at the Spanish Grand Prix due to a crash at the Italian Grand Prix.
Leclerc's performance in Baku was disappointing as he qualified second but finished fourth, missing the podium. He noted that while the team struggled on the straights, the use of the new engine without penalties means his previous engine from Monza remains usable for future races.gpfans.comSun 27 Sep · 13:58 UTC
via f1oversteer.comJuan Pablo Montoya tells Kimi Antonelli to 'stop thinking' after spotting a problem in BakuKimi Antonelli made an impressive recovery in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, finishing fifth after starting from sixteenth. However, his performance raised concerns from Juan Pablo Montoya, who noted that Antonelli seemed to be driving conservatively, potentially due to the pressure of maintaining his championship lead.
Montoya highlighted that Antonelli was slower than usual, suggesting he was overly cautious and not pushing himself to the limit. Antonelli acknowledged his reserved driving style, stating he was in 'let’s save the car' mode and lacked the confidence he had shown in previous races.
f1oversteer.comSun 27 Sep · 13:00 UTC
via the-race.comAntonelli passed a key test Piastri had failedKimi Antonelli demonstrated resilience during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, finishing fifth despite a challenging weekend that he labelled as his worst of the season. With an 81-point lead in the championship, Antonelli managed to navigate the race carefully after sustaining damage, showcasing a strategic approach that avoided the pitfalls faced by Oscar Piastri in the previous year's event, where Piastri's campaign began to unravel due to multiple errors.
Antonelli's ability to adapt his driving style and mindset during the race was crucial, as he opted for a conservative strategy rather than risking a crash. This decision allowed him to minimize the points lost to rival George Russell, ultimately preserving his championship lead. Looking ahead, Antonelli expressed confidence in returning to form for the upcoming race in Malaysia, indicating his determination to re-establish his competitive edge.
the-race.comSun 27 Sep · 12:04 UTC
via RacingNews365Max Verstappen denies George Russell super-rare F1 achievement only Lewis Hamilton holdsDuring the Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend, George Russell came close to achieving a Super Grand Chelem, a rare feat only accomplished by Lewis Hamilton. Russell dominated the early sessions, topping Free Practice 1 and 2, securing pole position, and winning the race while also setting the fastest lap. However, he fell short of the Super Grand Chelem after Max Verstappen outpaced him in Free Practice 3.
Verstappen's performance in Free Practice 3, where he clocked a time of 1:43.922, prevented Russell from joining the exclusive club of drivers who have topped every session, qualified first, led every lap, and set the fastest lap in a race. Hamilton remains the only driver to have achieved this since the current qualifying format was introduced in 2006.RacingNews365Sun 27 Sep · 11:10 UTC