Andrea Kimi AntonelliGeorge RussellHans-Joachim StuckMax Verstappen 
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 PlanetF1Lewis Hamilton defends George Russell after Baku restartLewis Hamilton has come to the defence of George Russell following scrutiny over his management of the chaotic restart during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The incident has sparked discussions among drivers and the FIA regarding the handling of such situations.
PlanetF1Mon 28 Sep · 12:12 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 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 racer.comRussell, Verstappen, Hadjar find Norris call for Colapinto race ban 'too harsh'Lando Norris has suggested that Franco Colapinto should be banned from racing following a crash during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, which he deemed dangerous. However, fellow drivers George Russell, Max Verstappen, and Isack Hadjar have expressed that this punishment is too severe, arguing that the incident stemmed from a minor mistake exacerbated by challenging track conditions.
Russell, who won the race, emphasized that race bans should be reserved for intentional reckless behaviour, while Verstappen highlighted the importance of accountability from Colapinto. Hadjar pointed out that the bumpy track and difficulties in warming up tires contributed to the crash's severity. Colapinto has received a five-place grid penalty for the upcoming Malaysian Grand Prix.
racer.comMon 28 Sep · 08:10 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 PlanetF1Winners and losers from the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand PrixGeorge Russell delivered a standout performance at the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, winning the race and reigniting his championship hopes. He dominated the weekend, showcasing his speed and resilience, particularly after overcoming challenges earlier in the season. Russell expressed pride in his team's efforts and his growing confidence with the car, despite being significantly behind in the championship standings.
Conversely, Franco Colapinto faced severe backlash after crashing into teammate Lando Norris, jeopardising Alpine's points in the Constructors' Championship. Colapinto took full responsibility for his mistake, which could have costly implications for the team. His actions have drawn the ire of team principal Flavio Briatore, who is contemplating potential disciplinary measures, while the situation has escalated tensions among fans on social media.PlanetF1Mon 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 PlanetF1Lando Norris ‘race ban’ theory under Verstappen, Hadjar and Russell scrutinyLando Norris has called for a race ban for Franco Colapinto following a multi-car collision at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, which resulted in Norris retiring from the race. Norris believes that Colapinto's actions were careless and deserving of a ban, stating that such incidents cost teams significant amounts of money.
However, his request has faced criticism from fellow drivers George Russell, Max Verstappen, and Isack Hadjar, who feel that a race ban is too severe for what they consider a small mistake. Colapinto received a 10-second penalty for causing the collision, which has been converted into a five-place grid drop for his next race.PlanetF1Sun 27 Sep · 13:04 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
via Motorsport WeekMotorsport Week’s 2026 F1 Azerbaijan GP Driver RatingsGeorge Russell achieved his first victory of the 2026 season at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, showcasing a dominant performance throughout the race weekend. He started from pole position and maintained control despite pressure from Max Verstappen, who finished just a tenth of a second behind him at the chequered flag. Isack Hadjar made a strong comeback to secure third place after recovering from a wrist injury that had sidelined him for three races.
Kimi Antonelli managed to limit damage by finishing fifth after starting from P16 due to a qualifying incident. Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton struggled with pace, finishing fourth and sixth respectively. Arvid Lindblad and Esteban Ocon also scored points, while Oliver Bearman ended his point-less streak by finishing ninth. Liam Lawson faced difficulties after a collision with his teammate Lindblad.
Motorsport WeekSun 27 Sep · 11:01 UTC
via f1oversteer.comSebastian Vettel admits he 'expected more' from Kimi Antonelli despite P5 comeback drive in BakuKimi Antonelli made a significant comeback in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, finishing in fifth place after starting from sixteenth. This performance earned him 10 points in the championship, although it followed a costly mistake during qualifying. His teammate George Russell took pole position, highlighting the competitive nature of the race.
Sebastian Vettel, who has previously praised Antonelli's performance this season, expressed that he expected the young driver to navigate through the field more easily. Despite acknowledging Antonelli's maturity and the pressure he has handled, Vettel felt that the comeback drive did not meet the high expectations set for him, especially given the tight competition seen during the race.f1oversteer.comSun 27 Sep · 11:00 UTC
via RacingNews365Kimi Antonelli reveals mindset shift as he 'drove like his grandmother'Kimi Antonelli revealed a cautious approach during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, finishing in fifth place and losing 15 points to his teammate George Russell. His championship lead has now been reduced to 66 points. Antonelli faced several challenges, including a hydraulics issue in practice and a crash in qualifying that left him starting from 16th position.
During the race, Antonelli opted for a conservative strategy, stating he was 'driving like his grandmother' to avoid risks. He encountered further difficulties after a collision that caused significant damage to his car. Despite these setbacks, he managed to adapt his mindset and aimed to capitalize on mistakes made by other drivers throughout the race.RacingNews365Sun 27 Sep · 09:30 UTC.webp&w=1200&q=70)
via Formula1.comHow the faster Hadjar helped Verstappen to second place in BakuMax Verstappen secured second place in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, aided by his teammate Isack Hadjar. After starting from eighth on the grid, Verstappen showcased his pace, which was hindered during qualifying due to engine issues and yellow flags.
During the race, Verstappen moved into third place before the team instructed Hadjar to allow him to pass. This strategic move enabled Verstappen to chase down the race leader, George Russell, after he had already overtaken Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.Formula1.comSun 27 Sep · 08:05 UTC
via Motorsport.comMercedes did not expect Monza repeat from AntonelliMercedes deputy team principal Bradley Lord stated that Kimi Antonelli was never expected to replicate his previous performance from Monza during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. George Russell secured victory at the Baku City Circuit, converting his pole position into a win for Mercedes.
Motorsport.com+ 1 moreSun 27 Sep · 06:55 UTC
via gpfans.comVerstappen urges F1 to avoid Qatar and Abu Dhabi racesMax Verstappen has expressed concerns over safety in the Middle East, stating that Formula 1 should not hold races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi if the regional security situation does not improve. The four-time world champion emphasised the importance of prioritising safety for all involved in the sport.newsonf1.com+ 1 moreSun 27 Sep · 06:34 UTC
via gpfans.comF1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix 2026 results: Final classification with all penalties applied from BakuGeorge Russell claimed victory at the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, leading from start to finish despite pressure from Max Verstappen in the closing laps. This win marks Russell's first since June, with Verstappen finishing just 0.196 seconds behind, making it one of the closest finishes in recent history.
Red Bull's Isack Hadjar secured third place, contributing to the team's first double podium since 2024. McLaren faced a challenging race, with Lando Norris crashing out and Oscar Piastri finishing 14th. Franco Colapinto was penalised for causing a collision, which will affect his grid position in the next race.gpfans.comSun 27 Sep · 06:14 UTC
via PlanetF1Azerbaijan GP conclusions: Russell back in the game, Colapinto ban demand, untelevised Hamilton radioLewis Hamilton's untelevised team radio during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix has come under scrutiny after he called for a ban on Lando Norris following a racing incident. This demand has sparked discussions about the implications of such requests in Formula 1, particularly regarding driver conduct and team dynamics.
In the same race, George Russell secured his third victory of the 2026 season, holding off Max Verstappen, who finished second. Isack Hadjar achieved a notable third place, marking Red Bull's first double podium finish since 2024. The race highlighted the ongoing competitive tensions within the sport, especially as Hamilton's comments add to the narrative surrounding driver accountability and the enforcement of racing standards.PlanetF1Sun 27 Sep · 05:04 UTC