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via AutosportVerstappen says Baku was Red Bull's best chance to winMax Verstappen believes that the Azerbaijan Grand Prix was Red Bull Racing's best opportunity to secure a victory in the 2026 Formula 1 season. He attributed his poor starting position to an issue with the internal combustion engine.
+ 1 moreSat 26 Sep · 06:54 UTC
via Motorsport.com"Great job messing it up" – Why Max Verstappen feels Baku was Red Bull's best chance to winMax Verstappen stated that the Azerbaijan Grand Prix was Red Bull's best chance to secure a victory in 2026, especially before Mercedes' upcoming upgrade in Malaysia. He expressed disappointment over an engine issue that affected his qualifying performance, resulting in a starting position of eighth instead of a potential front-row spot.
Despite acknowledging Mercedes' current speed and their expected improvements, Verstappen remains determined to fight for a podium finish. He reflected on the challenges faced throughout the season, highlighting his frustration with the team's setbacks while also recognising his passion for the sport.
Sat 26 Sep · 06:53 UTC
via newsonf1.comHadjar admits he deliberately held back in BakuIsack Hadjar revealed that he intentionally held back during the Baku qualifying session, prioritising his recovery from a wrist injury. Despite this, he managed to secure a P4 position, finishing ahead of Max Verstappen, who encountered technical issues. Hadjar expressed that while the result was encouraging, it did not reflect his full potential as he aimed to avoid any mistakes that could jeopardise his recovery.
In his comments, Hadjar acknowledged that he felt Verstappen had outperformed him throughout the weekend. He noted that his absence from the previous races hindered his ability to compete for a front-row position. Hadjar reported that his wrist was coping well, and he completed extensive simulator laps to prepare for the race, indicating his confidence in fighting for a strong position if he starts from fourth.
via Motorsport.comFernando Alonso's only goal in no-hope Baku: Save parts for F1's triple-headerFernando Alonso is participating in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix with Aston Martin, where he aims to finish the race without errors. Given the team's struggles with Honda's engine performance, Alonso is prioritising the preservation of car parts for the upcoming triple-header of races in Malaysia and Singapore.
Despite qualifying significantly behind the leaders, Alonso noted improvements in the car's setup and expressed optimism about future races. He and teammate Lance Stroll have taken engine penalties, which has affected their grid positions. Alonso is focused on making the most of the less competitive weekends to prepare for more promising circuits.Sat 26 Sep · 06:29 UTC
via RacingNews365Christian Horner drops 'nightmare' claim about Helmut Marko and Max Verstappen signingChristian Horner has made claims in his new book that Helmut Marko was initially hesitant to bring Max Verstappen into the Red Bull team, citing concerns about Verstappen's father, Jos. Horner describes Marko as a difficult character, labelling him as abrasive and disloyal, and expressed disappointment over Marko's cold treatment of him following his dismissal from Red Bull.
Horner reflects on his relationship with Marko, noting that while Marko had once given him his start at Red Bull, their dynamic changed, particularly after the death of team founder Dietrich Mateschitz. Despite Marko's early scepticism, Verstappen went on to achieve significant success, becoming a four-time world champion.
Sat 26 Sep · 06:15 UTC
via RacingNews365Max Verstappen expects grid penalty after Baku issuesMax Verstappen has confirmed that he will face a grid penalty later this season due to an engine issue encountered during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. However, Red Bull's Laurent Mekies has expressed uncertainty about the immediate implications of the engine change.+ 5 moreSat 26 Sep · 04:30 UTC
via racer.comPiastri's third in Baku signals McLaren's progressOscar Piastri secured third place in qualifying for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, indicating positive development for McLaren's performance. Team principal Andrea Stella noted that Piastri is adapting well to the MCL40, despite Lando Norris facing challenges during the session.
+ 2 moreFri 25 Sep · 18:46 UTC
via RacingNews365Lewis Hamilton 'pain in the ass' as George Russell sets three-year highGeorge Russell achieved a stunning pole position for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, taking advantage of a significant mistake by Kimi Antonelli, who crashed at the first corner during Q1. This pole position marks the largest margin since Max Verstappen's performance at the 2023 Canadian Grand Prix, showcasing Russell's impressive speed and skill.
Both Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen were left frustrated after the qualifying session. Verstappen faced engine problems, while Hamilton struggled with tyre issues, which contributed to their disappointing results. Antonelli's crash not only affected his own qualifying but also opened the door for Russell's remarkable performance.Fri 25 Sep · 16:30 UTC
via Formula1.comOscar Piastri to start from second row in BakuOscar Piastri will begin the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix from the second row after a strong performance in qualifying. McLaren's improved pace was highlighted during the session, contributing to Piastri's competitive starting position.
+ 1 moreFri 25 Sep · 16:20 UTC
via Motorsport WeekRed Bull admits Max Verstappen issue cannot be fixedRed Bull Racing team principal Laurent Mekies has acknowledged that the team is unable to resolve a persistent issue affecting Max Verstappen's car. The problem is expected to remain unresolved until at least 2027.
+ 1 moreFri 25 Sep · 16:00 UTC
via F1iVerstappen calls Baku qualifying a disasterMax Verstappen expressed frustration over his qualifying performance in Baku, citing multiple errors that hindered his chances of starting alongside George Russell on the front row. The Red Bull Racing driver described the session as a 'disaster' following a dramatic finish.
+ 1 moreFri 25 Sep · 15:42 UTC
via AutosportMax Verstappen forced into engine change in BakuMax Verstappen has had to make a late engine change for the Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku. The Red Bull driver experienced an engine problem that disrupted his plans after a strong performance in final practice.+ 2 moreFri 25 Sep · 15:38 UTC
via the-race.comWinners and losers from F1 Azerbaijan GP qualifyingGeorge Russell dominated the qualifying session for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, achieving pole position with a significant margin of 0.837 seconds. His teammate Kimi Antonelli faced difficulties, qualifying 16th after a collision with the barrier, while Max Verstappen struggled with engine problems, finishing 8th. Isack Hadjar impressed with a 4th place finish, just missing out on the front row, while Audi's performance was disappointing, with both drivers exiting in Q1.
Carlos Sainz's 9th place marked a notable achievement for Williams, who had both cars in Q3 for the first time this season. Esteban Ocon expressed frustration after qualifying 14th, hindered by yellow flags. Alpine had a strong showing with Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto qualifying 7th and 10th, respectively. Sergio Perez's qualifying session ended in disappointment, as he finished 20th after a series of misfortunes.
Fri 25 Sep · 15:05 UTC
via Formula1.comLeclerc lacks confidence in Ferrari ahead of Baku raceCharles Leclerc expressed concerns about the unpredictability of his Ferrari car, which affected his confidence during qualifying for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Despite securing a front-row grid slot, Leclerc noted the significant gap to pole position and felt unable to drive with his usual commitment.+ 1 moreFri 25 Sep · 15:01 UTC
via Motorsport.comIsack Hadjar bullish: If I hadn't missed three races, I'd be second on the gridIsack Hadjar, driving for Red Bull Racing, qualified fourth for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix but expressed confidence that he could have secured second place if he had not missed the previous three races due to a wrist injury. His qualifying time was just 0.137 seconds slower than Charles Leclerc, who took second, while Hadjar outperformed Max Verstappen, who qualified eighth.
Hadjar described his approach during the comeback as cautious, aiming to avoid risks while gradually building confidence. He acknowledged improvements in his car's handling since his last race in Hungary, but admitted that Mercedes still had a significant speed advantage, particularly in straight-line performance. This qualifying result marks Hadjar's best performance since the season opener in Melbourne.Fri 25 Sep · 14:36 UTC
via RacingNews365Furious Max Verstappen 'completely done' after latest Red Bull problemMax Verstappen expressed his anger after a battery issue hindered his performance during qualifying for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, resulting in an eighth-place finish. He had been competitive earlier in the session but faced difficulties in Q3, which he attributed to the car's failure to charge properly and other mechanical problems.
Verstappen, who had shown strong pace throughout the weekend, felt that the changes made to the car did not yield positive results. He was particularly frustrated with the inability to push effectively due to the battery not being fully charged, leading to a disappointing qualifying session that left him significantly behind his teammate Isack Hadjar.Fri 25 Sep · 14:30 UTC
via F1iKimi Antonelli criticises his Baku qualifying errorKimi Antonelli described his early exit from qualifying for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix as a 'very stupid' mistake. The incident has left him starting towards the back of the grid for the race.+ 1 moreFri 25 Sep · 14:14 UTC
via PlanetF1Alonso and Stroll start from the back in AzerbaijanFernando Alonso and Lance Stroll of Aston Martin will start from the back of the grid at the 2026 Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix due to multiple power unit component changes. The full starting grid has been confirmed, with Charles Leclerc from Ferrari and George Russell from Mercedes occupying the front row.
+ 2 moreFri 25 Sep · 14:09 UTC
via RaceFansVerstappen calls Baku qualifying a disaster after issuesMax Verstappen described his qualifying session for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix as a 'disaster' after experiencing an engine problem that hindered his performance. The Red Bull driver will start from eighth on the grid, expressing disappointment with the team's qualifying issues.
+ 6 moreFri 25 Sep · 14:01 UTC
via RacingNews365Oscar Piastri concedes defeat to George RussellOscar Piastri admitted that McLaren had no chance of outpacing George Russell during qualifying for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Despite securing third on the grid, Piastri noted he was comfortably behind Russell's pace.+ 2 moreFri 25 Sep · 13:27 UTCPage 6 of 39