Andrea Kimi AntonelliGeorge RussellJuan Pablo MontoyaMax Verstappen 
via Motorsport WeekRed Bull confirms major Max Verstappen change ahead of Azerbaijan GPAhead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Red Bull Racing has replaced four key power unit components for Max Verstappen, including the internal combustion engine and turbocharger. Verstappen had demonstrated strong pace during practice sessions but faced power deployment issues during qualifying, resulting in an eighth-place start on the grid.
The replacements were made from Verstappen's allocated pool of power unit elements, meaning he will not incur a grid penalty. This strategic move aims to enhance his performance in the race, following a qualifying session where he struggled to match the speed of his competitors.
Motorsport WeekSat 26 Sep · 10:42 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 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 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 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
via RacingNews365The 10 biggest F1 pole margins across the last decadeGeorge Russell achieved a remarkable pole position at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, finishing 0.837 seconds ahead of Charles Leclerc. This performance places him fourth in the list of the biggest pole margins in Formula 1 over the last decade, a notable feat given the typically close competition on street circuits.
The top three biggest pole margins are held by Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, with Verstappen's 1.244 seconds at the 2023 Canadian Grand Prix being the largest. Hamilton's performances at the Styrian and Italian Grands Prix in 2020 and 2017, respectively, also feature prominently in this list, showcasing the dominance of these drivers in qualifying sessions.RacingNews365Fri 25 Sep · 17:30 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.comGeorge Russell just silenced Jacques Villeneuve's 'never seen' claim with Azerbaijan Grand Prix poleGeorge Russell dominated qualifying for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, securing pole position and silencing previous doubts expressed by Jacques Villeneuve about his performance. Russell's impressive lap time was significantly faster than his competitors, particularly benefiting from teammate Kimi Antonelli's crash in Q1, which left Antonelli starting from P16.
With this strong qualifying performance, Russell has a chance to close the gap in the championship standings, potentially reducing Antonelli's lead to 56 points if he wins the race. The outcome of the Grand Prix is crucial for Russell, as it could mark a pivotal moment in his title pursuit against Antonelli.f1oversteer.comFri 25 Sep · 17:00 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