Andrea Kimi AntonelliMax VerstappenSergio Pérez 
via Formula1.comGeorge Russell tops Practice 3 at Baku Grand PrixGeorge Russell led the third practice session at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, outperforming his Mercedes teammate Kimi Antonelli. The session indicated that Mercedes could be the team to beat this weekend.
Formula1.com+ 1 moreThu 24 Sep · 17:02 UTC
via f1oversteer.comJock Clear has seen a ‘Michael Schumacher-esque’ trait in Kimi Antonelli even Max Verstappen lackedJock Clear, a long-time Ferrari performance engineer, has expressed admiration for Andrea Kimi Antonelli, likening his ability to engage fans to that of Michael Schumacher. Antonelli, who is currently leading the 2026 Formula 1 standings with eight wins, has captured the hearts of Ferrari supporters, particularly after his victory at Monza, making him the first Italian to win there since 1966.
Clear noted that Antonelli's impressive performance this season, including his ability to avoid major mistakes, sets him apart from his competitors, including George Russell. Despite facing some reliability issues, Antonelli's consistent results have positioned him as a strong contender for the championship, potentially making him the youngest F1 champion in history.
f1oversteer.comThu 24 Sep · 16:00 UTC
via Formula1.comGeorge Russell tops FP2 in Baku ahead of team-mateGeorge Russell set the fastest time during the second practice session for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix at the Baku City Circuit. He was followed closely by Mercedes team-mate Kimi Antonelli and Red Bull's Max Verstappen.Formula1.com+ 1 moreThu 24 Sep · 13:21 UTC
via Formula1.comGeorge Russell leads Kimi Antonelli in FP2 in BakuGeorge Russell of Mercedes topped the second practice session for the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, finishing ahead of championship leader Kimi Antonelli. Russell's performance in Baku showcased his team's strong form ahead of the race weekend.Formula1.com+ 1 moreThu 24 Sep · 11:49 UTC
via Motorsport.comWhat Kimi Antonelli has learned from Max VerstappenKimi Antonelli, the 20-year-old Mercedes driver, has been learning valuable lessons from Max Verstappen, who has praised Antonelli's impressive performances this season. With eight wins under his belt, Antonelli leads his teammate George Russell significantly in the championship standings. Verstappen, currently sixth in the standings, has encouraged Antonelli to maintain his current approach as he continues to develop his skills.
Antonelli has specifically noted Verstappen's exceptional racecraft, particularly his ability to read situations and position his car effectively. He reflected on a recent race in Madrid, where he learned the importance of maintaining track position and the potential to capitalize on opportunities, as demonstrated by Verstappen. Antonelli's observations of Verstappen's adaptability and performance under pressure have further inspired him in his own racing career.
Motorsport.comThu 24 Sep · 11:15 UTC
via grandprix.comAlonso proposes longer, gentler electric boost for F1Fernando Alonso has proposed a change to the 2026 Formula 1 cars, advocating for a reduction in peak electrical output to allow for longer use of battery power on straights. He believes this adjustment would enable drivers to maintain speed more effectively towards corners, contrasting with the current model that requires drivers to lift and coast before braking.
Max Verstappen supports Alonso's view but warns that simply reducing electrical output could lead to a decrease in overall power unless compensated by an increase in combustion engine contribution. Both drivers acknowledge that any changes would require consensus and testing before being implemented in the regulations.grandprix.comThu 24 Sep · 10:47 UTC
via espn.comGeorge Russell leads opening practice in BakuGeorge Russell topped the first practice session for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, finishing ahead of Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc. Meanwhile, Russell's teammate Kimi Antonelli faced reliability issues that forced him to end his session early.
f1technical.net+ 1 moreThu 24 Sep · 10:10 UTC
via PlanetF1George Russell leads Azerbaijan Grand Prix FP2 sessionGeorge Russell of Mercedes topped the second practice session for the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku, following an early red flag. Max Verstappen expressed frustration over ongoing issues affecting his performance during the session.
PlanetF1+ 1 moreThu 24 Sep · 09:37 UTC.jpg%3Fwidth%3D480&w=128&q=70)
Wikimedia Commons · Steffen Prößdorf · CC BY-SA 4.0Verstappen targets Nurburgring, Spa endurance racesMax Verstappen has announced his intention to participate in major endurance races at the Nurburgring and Spa in 2027, as the Formula 1 calendar will not clash with these events. He expressed his desire to return to the Nordschleife after a previous race and highlighted Spa as another appealing option, although he remains uncertain about competing in Le Mans due to its demanding preparation requirements.
Lando Norris is also getting involved in endurance racing, having recently driven McLaren's new prototype for the World Endurance Championship. However, other F1 drivers like Nico Hulkenberg and Fernando Alonso have expressed skepticism about adding endurance races to their schedules, citing the busy calendar as a significant barrier to participation.newsonf1.comThu 24 Sep · 06:48 UTC
via RacingNews365Fernando Alonso casts doubt over dream Max Verstappen partnershipFernando Alonso has expressed skepticism about teaming up with Max Verstappen for the 2027 24 Hours of Le Mans. Although both drivers have previously shown interest in collaborating, Alonso believes it is unrealistic at this time due to Verstappen's busy racing schedule.
While Alonso is open to the possibility of a future partnership, he does not foresee it happening next year. He emphasized that the decision would depend on Verstappen's availability, as he participates in numerous races throughout the year.
RacingNews365Thu 24 Sep · 06:00 UTC
via thejudge13.comRed Bull announces driver decision for 2027Red Bull Racing has confirmed that Isack Hadjar will continue with the team for the 2027 Formula 1 season, partnering with Max Verstappen. This decision comes after Hadjar's impressive performance in 2026, where he achieved seven consecutive top-six finishes and a podium at the Monaco Grand Prix. Red Bull's CEO, Laurent Mekies, expressed confidence in Hadjar's abilities and his integration into the team, making the contract extension a straightforward choice.
Hadjar's announcement coincides with his return from a wrist injury that sidelined him for three races. He has completed rehabilitation and is set to compete in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The young French driver expressed excitement about continuing with Red Bull, highlighting the team's ambition and the privilege of racing alongside a four-time World Champion like Verstappen. Hadjar focused on his performance on track rather than contract negotiations, indicating his commitment to proving himself.
thejudge13.comWed 23 Sep · 18:36 UTC
via PlanetF1The Final Sector: Will Imola replace Abu Dhabi? Antonelli’s meteoric riseThe latest episode of the PlanetF1 podcast, titled 'The Final Sector', explores the potential conclusion of the Formula 1 2026 season, debating whether it will take place in Imola or Abu Dhabi. Hosts Mat Coch and Thomas Maher share insights from the paddock and discuss the newly released F1 2027 calendar, highlighting the timing of its announcement despite ongoing uncertainties regarding the current season's end.
Additionally, the episode features a focus on the impressive rise of Kimi Antonelli, drawing comparisons to renowned drivers like Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel. The hosts also preview the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix, providing listeners with a comprehensive overview of the current F1 landscape.PlanetF1Wed 23 Sep · 17:02 UTC
via CrashMax Verstappen’s “unknown quantity” highlighted by F1 rival in title chaseAndrea Kimi Antonelli, the current leader in the Formula 1 championship, has described Max Verstappen as an 'unknown quantity' ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Antonelli, who has a significant 81-point lead over his Mercedes teammate George Russell, is on track to potentially become the youngest world champion in F1 history after securing eight victories in the first 14 races of the season.
Despite Verstappen's struggles this year, Antonelli acknowledged the Dutch driver's exceptional ability to read race situations and find opportunities. As Antonelli prepares for the upcoming race, he remains focused on maintaining his performance and not underestimating the competition, emphasizing that the championship is not decided until the final race.
CrashWed 23 Sep · 16:28 UTC
via gpfans.comHow F1 drivers' WhatsApp group reacted to Monaco sprint announcementSergio Perez revealed that he found out about the 2027 Monaco Grand Prix sprint race through a busy WhatsApp group chat among drivers. The announcement raised eyebrows due to Monaco's reputation as a challenging track for overtaking, leading to discussions about the potential impact of the sprint race format on the weekend's dynamics.
Oscar Piastri and George Russell also shared their thoughts during a press conference, with Piastri expressing initial surprise but understanding the reasoning behind two qualifying sessions. Russell supported the decision, stating that the introduction of sprint races adds excitement to the overall weekend experience, even if the actual race may not be the most thrilling.
gpfans.comWed 23 Sep · 16:28 UTC.webp&w=1200&q=70)
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.Formula1.comWed 23 Sep · 16:27 UTC
via RacingNews365Max Verstappen onboard of Baku City Circuit lapThe Baku City Circuit is known for its unique layout, featuring a long straight that provides significant overtaking opportunities, particularly at Turn 1. The circuit's narrow sections, especially in the castle area, present a challenging test for drivers navigating the tight confines of Baku's old town.
Max Verstappen showcases the circuit in the official F1 25 video game, updated for the 2026 season. This onboard lap highlights the extremes of the track, combining high-speed sections with tight corners, making it one of the most exciting street circuits on the Formula 1 calendar.RacingNews365Wed 23 Sep · 16:05 UTC
via Motorsport WeekMax Verstappen makes Le Mans decision amid 2027 F1 calendar gapMax Verstappen has confirmed he will not make his Le Mans debut in 2027, despite the Formula 1 calendar allowing for participation in the race. He stated that while he enjoys endurance racing, Le Mans is not currently on his agenda, focusing instead on returning to the Nürburgring and possibly competing at Spa.
Verstappen's recent experiences in endurance racing have included multiple outings at the Nürburgring, where he has expressed a strong desire to improve upon past performances. As he prepares for the upcoming races, he remains committed to his Formula 1 career, currently sitting sixth in the drivers' standings.
Motorsport WeekWed 23 Sep · 16:00 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.
AutosportWed 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.f1oversteer.comWed 23 Sep · 15:00 UTC
via Motorsport.comVerstappen indifferent to Monaco Sprint race announcementMax Verstappen expressed his lack of concern regarding the announcement of the Sprint race at the Monaco Grand Prix, stating he feels 'no emotion attached to it.' The Red Bull Racing driver has previously voiced his disdain for the Sprint format in Formula 1.Motorsport.com+ 1 moreWed 23 Sep · 14:39 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.
BBC Sport+ 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.Formula1.comWed 23 Sep · 14:03 UTC
via gpfans.comMax Verstappen and Kelly Piquet toast baby joy: 'Fantastic mate!'Max Verstappen and Kelly Piquet celebrated the birth of a new family member, Otto Suarez Piquet, born to NASCAR driver Daniel Suarez and Kelly's sister, Julia. The couple announced their pregnancy in April, and Otto's arrival adds to the family's growing collection of children.
Max, who is a proud father to his daughter Lily, shared his joy on social media, calling it a fantastic time for Daniel. Kelly also expressed her eagerness to spoil her new nephew, highlighting the strong family ties within the motorsport community, as both families have a rich racing heritage.gpfans.comWed 23 Sep · 12:57 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.
RaceFans+ 1 moreWed 23 Sep · 11:27 UTC