Andrea Kimi AntonelliGeorge RussellJoe James 
via espn.comAntonelli's Baku woes: 'Worst' weekend of seasonKimi Antonelli described the Azerbaijan Grand Prix as his 'worst' race weekend despite finishing fifth after starting from 16th on the grid. He gained 11 places during the race, but his teammate George Russell's victory reduced Antonelli's championship lead to 66 points with eight races remaining this season.
Antonelli faced challenges throughout the weekend, including a hydraulic leak that disrupted his practice sessions. He acknowledged that he was not at his best during the race, opting for a conservative approach to avoid damage. Antonelli is looking to bounce back at the upcoming race in Sepang on October 4.
espn.comSat 26 Sep · 16:09 UTC
via F1iVerstappen doubts better grid spot could have denied RussellMax Verstappen finished second in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, acknowledging that George Russell had superior pace throughout the race. Despite starting from eighth due to qualifying troubles, Verstappen managed to climb through the field but found it challenging to overtake Oscar Piastri and ultimately could not threaten Russell's lead.
Verstappen noted that even with a better starting position, Russell's performance would likely have kept him ahead. The race was influenced by two safety cars, which allowed Verstappen to switch to softer tyres, enhancing his performance in the final laps. However, he concluded that Russell's pace would have made it difficult to secure a victory regardless of his starting position.
F1iSat 26 Sep · 16:09 UTC
via theguardian.comNorris says some drivers ‘shouldn’t be in F1’ after Colapinto shunt dents title hopesLando Norris expressed his frustration after being taken out of the race by Franco Colapinto during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Norris, who was running in eighth place, stated that Colapinto does not deserve to be in Formula One and called for a race ban for the Alpine driver due to his reckless driving that caused the incident.
Colapinto's actions not only affected Norris's title hopes but also resulted in a costly crash for his own team, Alpine. The stewards imposed a 10-second penalty on Colapinto, but since he had already retired, he will face a grid drop in the next race. Norris remains mathematically in contention for the championship, but with eight races left, his chances appear slim.
theguardian.comSat 26 Sep · 16:04 UTC
via Sky Sports F1'I was driving like my grandma' - Antonelli admits to lack of confidenceKimi Antonelli, the current leader in the Formula 1 championship, expressed a lack of confidence during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, stating he was driving 'like his grandmother.' Despite starting from 16th due to a qualifying crash, he managed to recover to finish fifth, but his lead over teammate George Russell was reduced to 66 points as Russell claimed victory.
Antonelli faced challenges throughout the race, including technical issues that limited his practice time and significant floor damage from contact with another car. He acknowledged that he had to adapt his driving style due to the circumstances, taking fewer risks and capitalising on mistakes made by other drivers. Looking ahead, he remains optimistic about the upcoming Bahrain Grand Prix.
Sky Sports F1Sat 26 Sep · 15:51 UTC
via f1oversteer.comJolyon Palmer saw something from Kimi Antonelli for the very ‘first time’ during Baku comeback driveDuring the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Jolyon Palmer observed Kimi Antonelli's cautious driving style for the first time, as he finished in fifth place after a challenging race. Antonelli, who crashed out of qualifying, had to adopt a more measured approach due to the risks posed by the circuit's barriers, which affected his ability to move up the field quickly.
Despite not replicating his previous form from Monza, where he secured a victory, Antonelli's maturity was highlighted by Palmer. After the race, Antonelli expressed disappointment with his performance, citing issues with tyre pace and damage to his car. He will aim to improve at the upcoming Bahrain Grand Prix, where Mercedes is expected to introduce significant upgrades.
f1oversteer.comSat 26 Sep · 15:30 UTC
via CrashGeorge Russell and Max Verstappen land Ferrari dig in cooldown room after Azerbaijan GPGeorge Russell and Max Verstappen shared their thoughts on Ferrari's performance after the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, highlighting the team's lack of competitiveness. Russell secured his third victory of the season, narrowly beating Verstappen, while Ferrari's drivers, Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, finished fourth and sixth respectively, unable to challenge for the podium.
In the cooldown room, Russell noted that Ferrari's pace was not impressive, with Verstappen agreeing that they were slow on the straights. Despite Leclerc's strong qualifying position, he lost ground early in the race and could not keep up with the frontrunners. Russell and Verstappen dominated the race, finishing well ahead of the rest of the field.
CrashSat 26 Sep · 14:53 UTC
via Formula1.comKimi Antonelli reflects on tough weekend in BakuKimi Antonelli described the Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend as his 'worst weekend of the season'. The Mercedes junior driver stated that the experience taught him valuable lessons as he looks to improve.
Formula1.com+ 1 moreSat 26 Sep · 14:53 UTC
via Formula1.comVerstappen wins fan vote after narrowly missing Baku victoryMax Verstappen was voted Driver of the Day after a thrilling performance at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where he narrowly missed victory, finishing just 0.196 seconds behind George Russell. Despite starting from eighth position, Verstappen showcased his skill and determination, engaging in a fierce battle with Russell in the race's closing stages.
This marks the sixth time Verstappen has earned this accolade in 2026, reflecting his consistent performance throughout the season. The voting results showed strong support for other drivers as well, with Isack Hadjar, Kimi Antonelli, and George Russell also receiving notable percentages of the votes.Formula1.comSat 26 Sep · 13:34 UTC
via f1technical.netRussell seals excellent weekend with Azerbaijani victoryGeorge Russell dominated the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, leading from the start to secure victory on 26 September 2026. Max Verstappen finished closely behind in second place, just 0.1 seconds off the pace, while Isack Hadjar, making his return to Formula 1, completed the podium in third. Russell's performance was marked by consistent pace and strategic tyre management, allowing him to maintain a significant lead throughout the race.
The race saw several incidents, including retirements from Lance Stroll and Pierre Gasly. Oscar Piastri, who initially held second place, struggled with tyre issues and ultimately dropped to 15th after a lockup. The event featured two safety car periods, which added to the drama, but Russell's late restart allowed him to fend off Verstappen's challenge, securing a well-deserved win.
f1technical.netSat 26 Sep · 12:54 UTC
via AutosportGeorge Russell wins Azerbaijan Grand Prix ahead of VerstappenGeorge Russell secured a commanding victory at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, leading from pole position to the chequered flag. The Mercedes driver managed to fend off Max Verstappen, despite the challenges posed by two safety cars during the race.
Autosport+ 1 moreSat 26 Sep · 12:49 UTC
via RacingNews365George Russell's lead erased by safety car in BakuGeorge Russell's advantage during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix was nullified when a safety car was deployed. The incident added to the drama of the race, which also saw Franco Colapinto involved in a significant incident for Alpine.
RacingNews365Sat 26 Sep · 12:09 UTC
via RacingNews365George Russell handed heavy backing in major Azerbaijan victory chanceGeorge Russell has emerged as the leading contender to win the Azerbaijan Grand Prix after securing pole position with a significant margin of eight-tenths of a second. In a recent poll, he garnered 39.3% of the votes from RacingNews365 readers, indicating strong support for his chances in the race.
Kimi Antonelli, currently leading the championship, is positioned second in the poll with 16.4% of the votes, despite starting from 16th on the grid. Other notable drivers include Max Verstappen with 11.6%, Charles Leclerc with 9.3%, and Lewis Hamilton with 5.6%. The poll reflects the competitive landscape ahead of the race, with various drivers facing challenges based on their qualifying positions.RacingNews365Sat 26 Sep · 10:30 UTC
via RacingNews365Charles Leclerc swings 'right hook' claim after huge George Russell defeatCharles Leclerc expressed disappointment after qualifying for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where he finished second, significantly behind pole-sitter George Russell. Leclerc's lap time of 1:43.363 left him over eight tenths of a second adrift of Russell, who secured pole with a time of 1:42.526.
Despite feeling that his Ferrari was performing better than earlier in the weekend, Leclerc acknowledged the substantial gap to Russell. He highlighted the challenges of finding the right tyre window and noted that both Ferrari and McLaren struggled during practice sessions. Leclerc identified areas for improvement, particularly in Sector 2, where Russell excelled.RacingNews365Sat 26 Sep · 09:00 UTC
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 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 UTC
via gpfans.comAmended F1 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix starting grid with all late penalties applied by the FIAThe starting grid for the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix has been finalised, with George Russell of Mercedes taking pole position after a strong qualifying performance. His teammate, Kimi Antonelli, who leads the championship, will start much further back in P16 due to a crash in Q2, potentially impacting his 81-point lead in the standings.
Charles Leclerc qualified second for Ferrari, while several drivers faced penalties that altered their starting positions. Carlos Sainz dropped from P9 to P14 for failing to slow under yellow flags, and both Aston Martin drivers, Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso, received significant penalties for exceeding power unit component limits, starting from the back of the grid.
gpfans.comSat 26 Sep · 05:30 UTC
via RacingNews365George Russell shines with dominant Azerbaijan GP winGeorge Russell secured a commanding victory at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, showcasing his potential as Mercedes begins to unlock his best performance. His pole position was marked by the largest margin since the Canadian Grand Prix in 2023.RacingNews365+ 1 moreSat 26 Sep · 05:15 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 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 f1chronicle.comGeorge Russell Storms To Dominant Pole In BakuGeorge Russell achieved a commanding pole position at the Baku City Circuit, clocking a time of 1:42.526, which was over eight tenths faster than Charles Leclerc in second place. Oscar Piastri finished closely behind Leclerc, just one thousandth of a second off. Russell's performance was marked by his consistent use of the same set of Soft tyres throughout the session, allowing him to extract maximum performance.
In the lead-up to qualifying, track conditions evolved significantly, with lower temperatures and wind affecting car stability. Max Verstappen led the third practice session, while Russell and Lewis Hamilton also showed strong pace. The Pirelli Pole Position Award was presented to Russell by MotoGP champion Casey Stoner, highlighting the significance of his achievement in a competitive qualifying session.f1chronicle.comFri 25 Sep · 20:40 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 racer.com'Shocked' Russell credits thumping pole to growing confidenceGeorge Russell expressed surprise at his commanding pole position at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, attributing his success to growing confidence in his Mercedes car. He dominated qualifying with a margin of 0.837 seconds, the largest of the season, and topped two of the three practice sessions leading up to the event.
Despite acknowledging the impact of teammate Andrea Kimi Antonelli's crash in Q1, Russell has shown impressive form since the midseason break, consistently qualifying at the front. Mercedes deputy principal Bradley Lord praised Russell's performance, noting his composed approach throughout the weekend. Russell himself feels a surge of confidence, which he believes is crucial for maintaining performance on the track.
racer.comFri 25 Sep · 18:18 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