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via Formula1.comBortoleto confused by 'weird' Baku form after Q1 exitGabriel Bortoleto and Nico Hulkenberg of Audi faced a disappointing qualifying session at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, both failing to advance past Q1. Bortoleto finished in 17th place while Hulkenberg was 18th, marking a stark contrast to their usual performance this season. Despite the introduction of a significant upgrade package, the team struggled with grip and pace throughout the weekend.
Bortoleto expressed his confusion over the car's performance, noting that while the upgrades seemed effective, they did not translate into improved results. Hulkenberg attributed his exit to a yellow flag that disrupted his qualifying run, but he remains confident that the team can optimise the new upgrades in the coming weeks. Both drivers acknowledged the challenging conditions in Baku, which may have impacted their performance.
Sat 26 Sep · 05:59 UTC
via Motorsport.comWilliams’ long-awaited F1 upgrade is delivering in Baku – but was Q3 an “overachievement”?Williams Racing has celebrated its best qualifying result of the 2026 season at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, with Carlos Sainz achieving 9th place in qualifying. This improvement comes after the introduction of a new chassis that has addressed the car's previous weight issues, allowing for better performance on the track.
Despite the positive outcome, both Sainz and Alexander Albon expressed caution regarding the upgrade's potential, noting that the car's handling remains a concern. Albon highlighted the need for further aerodynamic improvements as they prepare for the upcoming races in Malaysia and Singapore, which feature different track characteristics.
Fri 25 Sep · 18:36 UTC
via the-race.comSainz loses Williams's best grid slot of 2026Carlos Sainz, driving for Williams, has been handed a five-place grid penalty for failing to heed yellow flags during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix qualifying session. This penalty means Sainz will start from 14th position, denying Williams its best grid slot of the year, which was previously held by Alex Albon in 11th place. The stewards determined that Sainz did not adequately reduce his speed in the relevant yellow-flag sector, despite receiving warnings from his team.
In addition to Sainz's penalty, Sergio Perez of Cadillac also faced a three-position penalty for impeding McLaren's Oscar Piastri. However, due to engine component penalties affecting Aston Martin drivers, Perez will only drop one position, starting from 20th. The penalties highlight the strict enforcement of yellow flag regulations and traffic management during qualifying sessions in Formula 1.
Fri 25 Sep · 15:44 UTC
via the-race.comArvid Lindblad criticises his performance at BakuArvid Lindblad has expressed frustration with his performance during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, stating he has been 'trying to be too special'. The rookie plans to adjust his approach following a critical self-assessment.+ 1 moreFri 25 Sep · 14:41 UTC
via RaceFansCarlos Sainz receives grid penalty for Azerbaijan GPCarlos Sainz has been handed a five-place grid penalty for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix after breaching yellow flag regulations during qualifying. The penalty comes after Sainz achieved his best qualifying performance of the season with Williams.
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via f1oversteer.comArvid Lindblad shares why he now ‘respects’ Max Verstappen more than F1 ‘idol’ Lewis HamiltonArvid Lindblad, a driver for Racing Bulls, has expressed that he now holds Max Verstappen in higher regard than his childhood idol, Lewis Hamilton. Lindblad, who grew up watching Hamilton dominate Formula 1, has shifted his admiration towards Verstappen, particularly appreciating his race management skills and overall performance as he embarks on his own F1 career.
Having made his F1 debut in 2026 after a rapid rise through the ranks, Lindblad has already shown promise with points finishes in eight of his last nine races. He acknowledges the challenges of transitioning to F1 and sees Verstappen and Charles Leclerc as key figures from whom he can learn to enhance his skills on the track.
Fri 25 Sep · 11:30 UTC
via f1chronicle.comCarlos Sainz’s Underrated Record at the Azerbaijan Grand PrixCarlos Sainz Jr. had a remarkable performance at the 2025 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, qualifying second and finishing third, marking a significant achievement for Williams. This result was their first front-row start since 2021 and showcased Sainz's skill in navigating the challenging Baku circuit, despite the team's struggles with car handling in previous races.
Throughout his career at Baku, Sainz has consistently demonstrated his ability to perform well, with five top-10 finishes in seven races. His best result came in 2023 when he finished fifth with Ferrari, and he has maintained a solid average finishing position at the track. Sainz's recent podium finish is a testament to his talent and resilience, contributing to Williams' hopes for a resurgence in performance.
Fri 25 Sep · 11:03 UTC
via CrashSainz impressed by Williams' Baku upgrade performanceCarlos Sainz praised Williams' significant upgrade for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, noting it exceeded expectations and allowed him to showcase his pace. Williams team principal James Vowles also commended the team's efforts in delivering the upgrade.
+ 3 moreFri 25 Sep · 07:53 UTC
via Motorsport.comDavid Coulthard warns "heads will roll" if Williams FW48 upgrade failsDavid Coulthard has issued a stark warning regarding the Williams FW48 upgrade, stating that significant consequences could follow if it fails to improve the team's performance. The Grove-based team has struggled throughout the season, currently sitting ninth in the constructors' championship with only 11 points, largely due to the car's overweight issues.
The upgrade, described by team principal James Vowles as nearly a B-spec car, is aimed at enhancing performance at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Coulthard, drawing comparisons to Aston Martin's previous upgrades, believes that the changes should yield a notable improvement. However, he cautioned that if the expected results do not materialise, there could be serious repercussions for the team.Thu 24 Sep · 17:10 UTCvia Motorsport.comDavid Coulthard warns "heads will roll" if Williams FW48 upgrade failsDavid Coulthard has issued a stark warning regarding the Williams FW48 upgrade, stating that significant consequences could follow if it fails to improve the team's performance. The Grove-based team has struggled throughout the season, currently sitting ninth in the constructors' championship with only 11 points, largely due to the car's overweight issues.
The upgrade, described by team principal James Vowles as nearly a B-spec car, is aimed at enhancing performance at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Coulthard, drawing comparisons to Aston Martin's previous upgrades, believes that the changes should yield a notable improvement. However, he cautioned that if the expected results do not materialise, there could be serious repercussions for the team.Thu 24 Sep · 17:10 UTC
via f1oversteer.comLiam Lawson's data implicated in Arvid Lindblad's crashJolyon Palmer suggested that Liam Lawson's data misled Arvid Lindblad, contributing to the latter's crash during the second practice session in Azerbaijan. Lindblad's session ended early after he made contact with the barriers, resulting in red flags.+ 1 moreThu 24 Sep · 17:00 UTC
via CrashSergio Perez receives grid penalty for Azerbaijan incidentThe FIA has imposed a grid penalty on Sergio Perez following an incident during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix qualifying where he impeded Oscar Piastri. The decision comes after a stewards' investigation into the matter.+ 2 moreThu 24 Sep · 16:25 UTC
via RacingNews365Arvid Lindblad becomes first Baku casualty with costly red flagArvid Lindblad, driving for Racing Bulls, became the first casualty of the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix after crashing during Free Practice 2. The incident took place at the narrow Castle section, where Lindblad ran wide at Turn 8 and hit the wall, resulting in a red flag for the session.
Lindblad had shown promising pace, finishing eighth in Free Practice 1, but his crash ended his session prematurely. He expressed regret to his team, noting that he had clipped the wall by a small margin, and the team will assess any potential internal damage to the car after the session.
Thu 24 Sep · 12:28 UTC
via RacingNews365Audi confirms Hulkenberg and Bortoleto for 2027Audi has officially confirmed that Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto will be part of their Formula 1 line-up for the 2027 season. Mattia Binotto stated that both drivers were already under contract, which eliminated the need for a new announcement.+ 1 moreThu 24 Sep · 12:10 UTC
via RacingNews365Carlos Sainz Williams on fire as multiple F1 drivers suffer brake issuesDuring the first practice session for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Carlos Sainz faced significant brake issues when the rear brakes of his Williams caught fire as he returned to the garage. This incident was part of a larger trend, as multiple drivers reported brake problems in the opening minutes of the session.
Isack Hadjar, returning to Red Bull after an injury, noted severe pulling on his brakes, while Oscar Piastri from McLaren expressed concerns about extreme vibrations. Alex Albon, Sainz's teammate, also mentioned unusual brake behaviour, highlighting a troubling start for the Williams team.Thu 24 Sep · 08:58 UTC
via Motorsport WeekCarlos Sainz suggests F1 rule tweak amid VSC ‘unfairness’Carlos Sainz has voiced concerns over the fairness of the current Virtual Safety Car (VSC) rules in Formula 1, particularly following Lando Norris's loss of victory in Madrid due to a VSC. Sainz, who is a director of the Grand Prix Driver's Association, believes that the timing of VSCs can unfairly benefit certain drivers while disadvantaging others, especially when it comes to pit stops.
Sainz suggested that changes could be made to improve the situation, such as extending the duration of VSCs or closing the pit lane during these periods. He emphasised that the rules should not drastically alter race outcomes and expressed hope that if more drivers share their views, the sport might consider revising the VSC regulations.
Wed 23 Sep · 15:30 UTC
via f1oversteer.comFernando Alonso unhappy that Spain’s F1 commentator is ‘protecting’ Carlos SainzFernando Alonso expressed his dissatisfaction with Spanish F1 commentator Antonio Lobato, claiming he is biased in favour of Carlos Sainz. This criticism follows a collision between the two drivers during the Spanish Grand Prix, where Alonso suffered front-wing damage and Sainz received a penalty for his actions. Alonso's frustrations led him to boycott interviews with DAZN, the broadcaster that employs Lobato, for several months.
After the race, Alonso spoke to DAZN for the first time in months, but journalist Julianne Cerasoli suggested this was merely to criticise Sainz. The tension between Alonso and Sainz has escalated as they now compete in different teams, with Alonso's Aston Martin and Sainz's Williams facing off on the grid. Despite their past relationship, Alonso's perception of bias from Lobato has strained his willingness to engage with Spanish media.Tue 22 Sep · 14:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comCarlos Sainz labels 2026 Williams 'the worst car I've ever had' because it has 'no strengths'Carlos Sainz has expressed his frustration with the 2026 Williams FW48, calling it the worst car he has ever driven in his career. He highlighted the car's lack of strengths and numerous weaknesses, which have contributed to Williams' struggles this season, currently sitting in P9 in the constructors' standings with only 11 points.
Despite his dissatisfaction, Sainz remains hopeful for improvements with an upcoming upgrade for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. He emphasized the importance of verifying the effectiveness of the new upgrade and its correlation with the team's future car developments, as he aims to compete more effectively in the coming seasons.Tue 22 Sep · 08:00 UTC
via Motorsport.comSainz advises Williams junior Green to embrace risksCarlos Sainz has encouraged 13-year-old Will Green, a junior driver for Williams, to take risks as he transitions from karting to single-seaters. Sainz emphasised the importance of pushing limits rather than focusing solely on consistency in his racing development.+ 1 moreMon 21 Sep · 14:42 UTC
via Motorsport.comGabriel Bortoleto opens up on Fernando Alonso's personality away from F1 camerasGabriel Bortoleto, an Audi Formula 1 driver, has shared insights about his manager, Fernando Alonso, stating that Alonso's personality remains consistent both on and off the camera. Bortoleto appreciates Alonso's straightforwardness and sense of humour, noting that his sarcasm is often entertaining and genuine.
In his second season in Formula 1, Bortoleto reflects on his journey since debuting in 2025. He recalls Alonso's praise for him as the best rookie of his generation after a strong performance at the Hungarian Grand Prix. Currently, Bortoleto is ranked 14th in the championship standings, ahead of his teammate Nico Hulkenberg.Mon 21 Sep · 10:40 UTCPage 3 of 13