Andrea Kimi AntonelliJenson Button 
via gpfans.comMax Verstappen and Kimi Antonelli target Australia's iconic Bathurst 12 Hour raceMax Verstappen and Kimi Antonelli are set to compete in the Bathurst 12 Hour race in early 2027, with the event taking place on February 14 at Mount Panorama Circuit in New South Wales. Other Formula 1 stars, including Lance Stroll and Valtteri Bottas, have also expressed interest in participating in this prestigious GT3 event.
Verstappen is expected to race with his own team, Verstappen Racing, supported by Mercedes AMG. He has previously shown strong performance in endurance racing, nearly winning the Nurburgring 24 Hours in 2026. Antonelli, the current F1 championship leader, has familial ties to the GT3 scene, as his father manages a team in the Italian GT championship.
gpfans.comThu 1 Oct · 07:45 UTC%2FGettyImages-2297993516.webp&w=1200&q=70)
via Formula1.com22 videosBahrain Grand Prix practice sessions held in MalaysiaThe 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix is taking place in Malaysia, with practice sessions held at the Sepang International Circuit. Coverage of the event is being provided by Channel 4 for UK fans.
Formula1.com+ 5 moreThu 1 Oct · 05:35 UTC
via Motorsport.comKimi Antonelli has "spooked himself" amid F1 title pressure, says Naomi SchiffNaomi Schiff has expressed concerns about Kimi Antonelli's mental state as he leads the Formula 1 championship. She noted that Antonelli seems to be feeling the pressure, which was evident during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix where he finished fifth after starting from 16th, while his teammate George Russell won the race.
Schiff highlighted that Antonelli needs to overcome this psychological hurdle to avoid jeopardising his championship lead. Despite a challenging race, he still maintains a 66-point advantage over Russell, but Schiff warns that if Antonelli continues to feel 'spooked,' it could affect his performance in the remaining races.
Motorsport.comWed 30 Sep · 20:20 UTC
via Motorsport.comMercedes braced for tougher strategy calls as George Russell closes on Kimi AntonelliMercedes Formula 1 team is preparing for more challenging strategy decisions as George Russell narrows the championship gap to his teammate Kimi Antonelli. Following a dominant victory in Baku, Russell has reduced Antonelli's lead from 81 to 66 points, prompting team principal Toto Wolff to emphasise the importance of equitable treatment for both drivers in race strategies.
With eight races remaining in the season, Russell's resurgence has shifted the dynamics within the team. Wolff noted that the team must carefully evaluate strategy calls to ensure both drivers have equal opportunities, especially as they aim to maintain a competitive edge over their rivals. Additionally, Mercedes has introduced a special livery for the W17 to celebrate the return of the Malaysian Grand Prix.Motorsport.comWed 30 Sep · 12:47 UTC
via F1iToto Wolff perplexed by Mercedes' Sepang upgrade strugglesMercedes team principal Toto Wolff expressed confusion over the team's performance following their latest upgrades at the Malaysian Grand Prix. Despite expectations of a three-tenths improvement, Wolff noted that the W17 car instead lost five-tenths due to increased drag and poor handling in low-speed corners.
F1i+ 5 moreWed 30 Sep · 10:43 UTC
via RacingNews365George Russell reveals real source of 2026 pressure amid Kimi Antonelli crushingGeorge Russell is facing significant pressure as he aims for the 2026 Formula One championship, currently sitting 81 points behind his teammate Kimi Antonelli, who has dominated the season with eight wins. Russell has acknowledged that his performance has not been strong enough, attributing his position in the standings to reliability issues and a lack of consistency.
Despite the challenges, Russell insists he is not feeling pressure from the championship race itself but rather from his own performance goals. He remains committed to fighting for victories in every race and is focused on improving his performance rather than dwelling on the championship gap. Mercedes is continuing to work with him to enhance his competitiveness under the current regulations.
RacingNews365Wed 30 Sep · 10:00 UTC
via PlanetF1Antonelli fires warning to Russell after ‘grandmother’ Baku driveKimi Antonelli has issued a warning to his Mercedes teammate George Russell following a disappointing performance at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where he finished fifth after crashing in qualifying. Antonelli admitted to driving conservatively during the race, likening his approach to that of his grandmother, and expressed his intent to return to form at the upcoming Bahrain Grand Prix.
Despite his struggles in Baku, Antonelli still holds a significant lead in the Drivers' Championship, although Russell's victory has narrowed the gap to 66 points. Antonelli is determined to regain his competitive edge and re-establish his dominance in the championship as he prepares for the next race.
PlanetF1Wed 30 Sep · 09:05 UTC
via RacingNews365Kimi Antonelli praises Max Verstappen's unique skillsKimi Antonelli has described Max Verstappen's abilities as 'incredible' following their recent wheel-to-wheel battles in Formula 1. Antonelli's comments highlight the unique advantages Verstappen possesses, which he observed during their encounters on track.RacingNews365+ 1 moreWed 30 Sep · 07:00 UTC
via RacingNews365Pirelli faces challenges at Bahrain Grand Prix in MalaysiaPirelli is preparing for unique challenges at the Bahrain Grand Prix, which will take place in Malaysia for the first time in nine years. Charles Leclerc recorded the fastest time during the second free practice session at Sepang International Circuit.RacingNews365+ 2 moreTue 29 Sep · 09:30 UTC
via f1oversteer.comAlex Brundle says Kimi Antonelli didn't talk like a 'champion' at the Azerbaijan Grand PrixAlex Brundle has voiced concerns regarding Kimi Antonelli's performance at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where Antonelli crashed during qualifying and started from P16. Despite a comeback to finish P5, Brundle noted that Antonelli's conservative driving could jeopardise his championship lead, which has now been reduced to 66 points following George Russell's victory.
Antonelli himself acknowledged that he held back during the race, stating he drove cautiously and did not take risks. He described the weekend as his worst of the year, indicating a need to improve his performance as the season progresses. With eight races remaining and a competitive field, Antonelli must regain his aggressive approach to maintain his championship advantage.
f1oversteer.comTue 29 Sep · 06:00 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 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
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 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 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
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 RacingNews365Russell survives Verstappen charge as Colapinto causes crash chaosGeorge Russell secured victory at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, narrowly beating Max Verstappen by 0.196 seconds. This win places Russell 66 points behind Kimi Antonelli, who made a remarkable recovery from 16th on the grid to finish fifth.
The race was relatively calm until an incident involving Alex Albon brought out the safety car. The restart led to chaos as Franco Colapinto collided with Pierre Gasly and Lando Norris, prompting Norris to call for a race ban for Colapinto.RacingNews365Sat 26 Sep · 19:42 UTC
via RaceFans2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix interactive data: lap charts, times and tyres | 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix interactive dataDuring the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, marshals mistakenly displayed Safety Car boards to drivers, causing confusion. The stewards later explained their decision not to penalise Aiden Lindblad for colliding with Liam Lawson, despite the incident's impact on the race.
Valtteri Bottas revealed that a "big super-clip" led to his last-lap crash, attributing it to a system malfunction. Esteban Ocon admitted to playing it too safe during a last-lap yellow flag situation, while Lando Norris expressed his frustration, stating that some drivers should not be competing in Formula 1.
RaceFansSat 26 Sep · 17:53 UTC