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via gpfans.comKimi Antonelli avoids penalty after engine changeKimi Antonelli experienced a mechanical failure during the first practice session of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, leading to an engine change for his Mercedes W17. Despite the incident, Antonelli will not face any penalties for the engine swap.
+ 1 moreThu 24 Sep · 10:07 UTC
via f1oversteer.comGeorge Russell tops Azerbaijan GP first practice sessionGeorge Russell achieved the fastest time in the first practice session for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, finishing ahead of Max Verstappen. His teammate Kimi Antonelli faced a hydraulic issue that cut his session short.
+ 11 more
via RacingNews365George Russell leads both practice sessions in BakuGeorge Russell topped both free practice sessions at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, showcasing a strong performance for Mercedes. He outpaced his team-mate Kimi Antonelli, who faced issues during the first session, and Red Bull's Max Verstappen.
via PlanetF1first practice session begins for 2026 Azerbaijan GPThe first practice session for the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix has commenced at the Baku City Circuit. Teams and drivers are currently working on their setups ahead of the race weekend.
+ 1 moreThu 24 Sep · 08:14 UTC
via f1oversteer.comIsack Hadjar aims for strong return at Azerbaijan Grand PrixIsack Hadjar will make his return from injury with Red Bull at the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Juan Pablo Montoya believes Hadjar has a specific goal in mind related to Liam Lawson's performance.Thu 24 Sep · 08:00 UTC
via RacingNews365George Russell fastest in Azerbaijan Grand Prix practiceGeorge Russell achieved the fastest time in the first practice session for the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku. His Mercedes team-mate Kimi Antonelli encountered issues, stopping on track during the session.
+ 4 moreThu 24 Sep · 07:25 UTC
via CrashMax Verstappen tops Practice 3 at BakuMax Verstappen led the third practice session for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, finishing ahead of Charles Leclerc. Kimi Antonelli also showed strong performance, taking the lead earlier in the session before Verstappen's final lap.
+ 1 moreThu 24 Sep · 07:19 UTC
via f1oversteer.comMontoya says Leclerc must regain Hamilton's respectJuan Pablo Montoya has stated that Charles Leclerc needs to 'earn that respect back' from Lewis Hamilton following their recent on-track dispute at Monza. Montoya believes the issue between the Ferrari teammates is not yet fully resolved.+ 1 moreWed 23 Sep · 17:00 UTC
via Motorsport.comAzerbaijan Grand Prix schedule moved forwardThe 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix has been rescheduled to start earlier than usual to avoid a major clash in Baku. As a result, free practice will commence on Thursday, with qualifying set for Friday.
Wed 23 Sep · 16:33 UTC.webp)
via Formula1.comAll the stories that got the Baku paddock talkingKimi Antonelli, the current championship leader, is maintaining a cautious approach regarding his title aspirations ahead of the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Despite a strong performance that has seen him secure eight victories in 14 weekends, Antonelli is focused on taking each race one at a time, stressing the need to keep delivering results.
With a significant lead of 81 points over his Mercedes teammate George Russell and nine races left in the season, Antonelli remains committed to his strategy of continuous improvement. He acknowledges the pressure of the championship but believes that concentrating on his driving will ultimately determine the outcome.
Wed 23 Sep · 16:27 UTC
via AutosportRussell's theory on his big hope for F1 2027 – and Antonelli's replyGeorge Russell, a driver for Mercedes, has expressed optimism about the potential for better-balanced tyres in Formula 1's 2027 season, which he believes could allow for a more natural driving style. He noted that the current tyres have not been well balanced, impacting performance, particularly for drivers like himself and Oscar Piastri, who have struggled with the unnatural driving style required by the 2026 cars.
Kimi Antonelli, Russell's team-mate, has a different perspective, suggesting that while the tyres may evolve slightly, the overall changes will not be drastic. He highlighted that the car's aerodynamics will undergo significant modifications, which will also influence performance. Both drivers are adapting to the technical challenges posed by the current regulations as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Wed 23 Sep · 15:06 UTC
via f1oversteer.comCharles Leclerc tried to replace Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes before they signed Kimi AntonelliCharles Leclerc, currently a key driver for Ferrari, explored the possibility of replacing Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes for the 2025 season. His manager, Nicolas Todt, engaged in discussions with Mercedes regarding this potential move after they were informed of Hamilton's impending transfer to Ferrari.
Despite these talks, Mercedes opted to sign Andrea Kimi Antonelli, leading Leclerc to renew his contract with Ferrari in January 2024. This decision came before Hamilton's official announcement of his move to Ferrari, which was revealed in February 2024. As a result, Leclerc remains with Ferrari through the 2030 season.Wed 23 Sep · 15:00 UTC
via Formula1.comKimi Antonelli insists title race is not over yetKimi Antonelli, the Mercedes driver, maintains that his 81-point lead in the Drivers' Championship is not a guarantee of victory, stating it is 'not over until it’s over' ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Meanwhile, George Russell has expressed his determination to continue fighting for the championship, aiming to win every race.+ 2 moreWed 23 Sep · 14:51 UTC
via BBC SportKimi Antonelli reflects on fears from rookie seasonKimi Antonelli has acknowledged that his fear of crashing impacted his performance during his rookie season with Mercedes in 2025. The championship leader revealed that a crash in 2024 lingered in his mind, affecting his confidence as he continues to adapt to Formula 1.
+ 1 moreWed 23 Sep · 14:26 UTC
via Formula1.comGrosjean on why Mercedes' support has been key for AntonelliRomain Grosjean highlighted the significant role Mercedes has played in Kimi Antonelli's impressive 2026 season, helping him unlock new performance levels. Antonelli, who had a challenging rookie year, has capitalised on Mercedes' support to dominate the early races and currently leads the Drivers' Championship.
Grosjean praised Antonelli's talent and the team's unwavering backing, which has fostered his confidence. He noted that despite facing difficulties, such as a poor start to the season, Mercedes provided crucial support that allowed Antonelli to thrive, showcasing his potential to become the youngest-ever World Champion.Wed 23 Sep · 14:03 UTC
via RaceFansRussell praises Antonelli's driving style for 2026George Russell has stated that Andrea Kimi Antonelli's driving style is ideally suited for the Formula 1 cars expected in 2026. Russell's comments suggest that Antonelli's approach could lead to significant success in the upcoming season.
+ 1 moreWed 23 Sep · 11:27 UTC
via Motorsport.comJamie Chadwick warns Kimi Antonelli of title pressureJamie Chadwick has cautioned Kimi Antonelli that the pressure of competing for the Formula 1 championship will increase as the season progresses. Despite this, former F1 driver Jolyon Palmer noted that Antonelli is currently displaying no signs of feeling the strain as he approaches his first title.Wed 23 Sep · 10:16 UTC
via newsonf1.comWolff absent as Antonelli enters gruelling title runToto Wolff will not attend the upcoming race in Baku as the Formula 1 championship enters a challenging phase, with a tight schedule ahead. Bradley Lord will take over Wolff's trackside duties during this period. Meanwhile, Isack Hadjar is set to return to the Red Bull team after recovering from a wrist injury, while Liam Lawson will revert to Racing Bulls after a successful stint alongside Max Verstappen.
Kimi Antonelli is currently leading the championship with an 81-point advantage and is focused on maintaining his lead through the demanding upcoming races. He expressed confidence in his physical readiness for the challenges ahead. Despite Mercedes not having made significant upgrades since May, further developments are anticipated in the coming races, and Antonelli's performance is expected to remain strong as he aims for his first title.
via PlanetF1Azerbaijan GP predictions: Leclerc no Antonelli, Russell desperation bites, rookie breakthroughThe Azerbaijan Grand Prix is set for this weekend, with George Russell needing a win to keep his championship hopes alive, as he trails Kimi Antonelli by 88 points. Russell's desperation may lead to risky driving, especially in the challenging Baku circuit, which has seen multiple crashes in previous years.
Charles Leclerc is likely to face a grid penalty due to engine issues, making a strong performance unlikely. Meanwhile, Pierre Gasly is looking to replicate his previous pole position success, and rookie Arvid Lindblad is expected to perform well, potentially finishing in the top five.Wed 23 Sep · 04:54 UTC
via RacingNews365Red Bull confirm Azerbaijan GP line-up change as Kimi Antonelli label questioned - RacingNews365 ReviewRed Bull Racing has officially confirmed that Isack Hadjar will return to the team for the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix. This decision comes as part of a line-up change where Hadjar will take the place of Liam Lawson for this race weekend.
In related news, Kimi Antonelli's status as a potential 'generational talent' has been debated, with comparisons made to Lewis Hamilton's career. The discussions highlight the expectations placed on young drivers in Formula 1 and the benchmarks set by established stars.Tue 22 Sep · 20:00 UTCPage 3 of 26
