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via F1iGeorge Russell claims pressure is on Kimi AntonelliGeorge Russell stated that Kimi Antonelli is now under pressure in their title fight as the 2026 Formula 1 season progresses. Russell's recent victory in Azerbaijan has shifted the momentum in their battle for the championship.
+ 3 moreMon 28 Sep · 15:10 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.
Mon 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.
Mon 28 Sep · 11:00 UTC
via gpfans.comKimi Antonelli suffers car damage at Azerbaijan Grand PrixKimi Antonelli revealed that he experienced significant damage to his car during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, which hindered his performance. The Mercedes driver attributed his crash in qualifying to the wall, impacting his chances of a strong finish in the race.
Sun 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.
Sun 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.
Sun 27 Sep · 12:04 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.
+ 1 moreSun 27 Sep · 06:55 UTC
via grandprix.comKimi Antonelli drives cautiously to fifth in BakuKimi Antonelli described his approach during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix as driving 'like my grandmother' after recovering from a qualifying mistake to finish fifth. He expressed relief at completing the race in a 'damage-safe mode' after starting from 16th on the grid.
via espn.comRussell warns Antonelli: 'Pressure is on you'George Russell achieved a commanding victory at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, marking the most dominant performance of his career. He won the race after starting from pole position and narrowly held off Max Verstappen, finishing just 0.1 seconds ahead. This win allowed Russell to reduce Kimi Antonelli's championship lead to 66 points, as Antonelli struggled to recover from a poor qualifying performance that left him starting in 16th place.
Despite his fifth-place finish, Antonelli remains in control of the championship standings. He acknowledged that he drove conservatively during the race, aiming to secure points rather than take risks. Russell, on the other hand, expressed renewed confidence in his ability to compete for victories in the remaining races of the season, emphasizing his determination to win every race moving forward.
Sat 26 Sep · 17:40 UTC
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.Sat 26 Sep · 16:09 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.
Sat 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.Sat 26 Sep · 15:30 UTC
via Motorsport.comKimi Antonelli reflects on Baku race performanceKimi Antonelli described his driving style during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix as akin to 'driving like my grandmother' after finishing fifth. Despite the comeback from sixteenth place, Antonelli's lead in the drivers' championship has been reduced to 66 points.+ 4 moreSat 26 Sep · 15:04 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.+ 1 moreSat 26 Sep · 14:53 UTC
via BBC SportLando Norris faces backlash over Colapinto commentsLando Norris has faced significant backlash after calling for Franco Colapinto to be banned from Formula 1 following a multi-car incident at the Baku restart. The controversy has drawn responses from Argentine politicians, media figures, and fans, with Alpine also condemning online abuse directed at drivers.
+ 1 moreSat 26 Sep · 14:03 UTC
via RacingNews365George Russell claims third win in Azerbaijan Grand PrixGeorge Russell secured his third victory of the season at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, marking a significant achievement in his Formula 1 career. Following the win, Russell expressed that the title race is now at a 'crunch time' as he aims to close the gap on Kimi Antonelli's championship lead.
+ 1 moreSat 26 Sep · 13:04 UTC
via Motorsport WeekGeorge Russell wins Azerbaijan Grand Prix for MercedesGeorge Russell secured his first career Grand Slam by winning the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, leading every lap from pole position. The Mercedes driver held off a late challenge from Max Verstappen to claim victory at the Baku Street Circuit.
+ 3 moreSat 26 Sep · 13:03 UTC
via Motorsport.comGeorge Russell wins Azerbaijan Grand PrixGeorge Russell secured victory at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, marking his third win of the season. This result allowed him to reduce the gap in the Drivers' Championship to 66 points behind his Mercedes teammate Kimi Antonelli.+ 2 moreSat 26 Sep · 12:48 UTC
via PlanetF1George Russell wins Azerbaijan Grand Prix for MercedesGeorge Russell secured his third victory of the 2026 Formula 1 season at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, marking his first career grand slam by leading every lap. The win, which ended a seven-race drought, saw Russell finish narrowly ahead of Max Verstappen in second place.
+ 10 moreSat 26 Sep · 12:46 UTC
via f1oversteer.comGeorge Russell wins Azerbaijan Grand Prix ahead of VerstappenGeorge Russell secured victory at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, finishing just 0.196 seconds ahead of Max Verstappen. The race was marked by multiple crashes, including one involving Franco Colapinto that altered the race dynamics.+ 2 moreSat 26 Sep · 12:42 UTCPage 4 of 27