Carlos PaceCharles LeclercLewis HamiltonMartin Brundle 
via grandprix.comMcLaren keeps options open for Max VerstappenZak Brown stated that McLaren's discussions with Max Verstappen have shifted his view of the reigning champion. He emphasised that the possibility of a future collaboration remains open.grandprix.com+ 1 moreSat 26 Sep · 11:36 UTC
via RacingNews365Charles Leclerc swings 'right hook' claim after huge George Russell defeatCharles Leclerc expressed disappointment after qualifying for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where he finished second, significantly behind pole-sitter George Russell. Leclerc's lap time of 1:43.363 left him over eight tenths of a second adrift of Russell, who secured pole with a time of 1:42.526.
Despite feeling that his Ferrari was performing better than earlier in the weekend, Leclerc acknowledged the substantial gap to Russell. He highlighted the challenges of finding the right tyre window and noted that both Ferrari and McLaren struggled during practice sessions. Leclerc identified areas for improvement, particularly in Sector 2, where Russell excelled.
RacingNews365Sat 26 Sep · 09:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comLewis Hamilton snubbed as Flavio Briatore names the two F1 drivers who are ‘better than the rest’Flavio Briatore has declared that Max Verstappen and Kimi Antonelli are the two best drivers currently in Formula 1, overlooking seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton. In an interview, Briatore emphasised that while Hamilton has had significant success, he believes he is no longer at the top of the grid, pointing to the exceptional abilities of Verstappen and Antonelli.
Briatore also discussed the importance of having a competitive car to achieve success in F1. He acknowledged that while Verstappen has shown remarkable results with Red Bull, he cannot win without a top-performing vehicle. Additionally, Briatore reflected on his decision to sign Franco Colapinto for Alpine, noting the driver's impressive progress and the necessary support for talent to flourish.
f1oversteer.comSat 26 Sep · 09:00 UTC
via gpfans.comCharles Leclerc calls out Ferrari bias as F1 star opens up on Lewis Hamilton fightCharles Leclerc has expressed frustration over what he perceives as media bias against Ferrari, particularly regarding his on-track battles with teammate Lewis Hamilton. He believes that the scrutiny of their incidents has been excessive and unfair, especially in comparison to similar situations involving other teams. Leclerc stated that both he and Hamilton have had moments where they crossed the line, but he enjoys the competitive nature of racing against Hamilton.
Leclerc highlighted that discussions around their racing incidents often lead to incorrect conclusions, and he feels that the focus on Ferrari's actions is disproportionate. He emphasized the importance of communication between the two drivers to ensure they can compete effectively while prioritising the team's success. Despite the challenges, Leclerc remains committed to fighting for Ferrari and appreciates the thrill of competing against one of the best in the sport.
gpfans.comSat 26 Sep · 06:58 UTC
via Motorsport WeekCharles Leclerc pins hopes on crucial Ferrari trait to challenge in BakuCharles Leclerc is optimistic about Ferrari's race pace as he prepares for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, having secured a surprising second place on the grid despite the team's struggles in free practice. He noted that while the car felt better during qualifying, the significant gap to George Russell remains a concern, particularly regarding straight-line speed and tyre management.
Leclerc highlighted the unpredictability of the car this weekend, which has hindered his ability to take risks on the tight Baku circuit. He remains hopeful that the SF-26 will show its strengths during the race, as it often performs better than in qualifying. Leclerc is determined to give his best effort to challenge for victory against Russell.
Motorsport WeekSat 26 Sep · 05:00 UTC
via gpfans.comF1 News Today: Lewis Hamilton in turmoil as F1 star hit with double FIA punishmentLewis Hamilton and Ferrari are experiencing significant challenges at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, with Hamilton lagging behind Mercedes by over 1.3 seconds. This follows a promising period before the summer break, where Hamilton was seen as a contender for the championship against Kimi Antonelli.
In qualifying, George Russell dominated by taking pole position, while Charles Leclerc and Oscar Piastri qualified second and third, respectively. Additionally, Carlos Sainz faced a setback with a grid penalty, and Max Verstappen expressed frustration after qualifying eighth, despite having shown strong performance in practice.gpfans.comSat 26 Sep · 04:45 UTC
via RaceFansOn This Day: Hamilton scores 100th F1 win as Norris throws away his first | BriefOn 26 September 2021, Lewis Hamilton achieved his 100th Formula 1 victory, capitalising on Lando Norris's decision to remain on slick tyres during a rain shower. This strategic error allowed Hamilton to take the lead and secure the win, marking a significant milestone in his career.
Norris's misjudgment cost him his first grand prix win, while Max Verstappen, who had incurred a power unit change penalty, managed to race from 20th to finish in second place. Hamilton's victory also enabled him to reclaim the lead in the championship standings, intensifying the competition for the title.
RaceFansFri 25 Sep · 23:01 UTC
via Motorsport.comOscar Piastri: I need a tow bar to hook onto Mercedes to fight for Baku winOscar Piastri qualified third for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, but he expressed doubts about his ability to compete with George Russell of Mercedes, who was significantly faster. Piastri's qualifying time was just 0.001 seconds behind Charles Leclerc, but he lagged 0.838 seconds behind Russell, prompting him to jokingly suggest he needed a tow bar to keep up.
Despite a challenging weekend for McLaren, including a brake issue that required unconventional fixes, Piastri was pleased with his qualifying result. He acknowledged that while Mercedes appeared to have a clear advantage, he believed McLaren could still contend with the other teams in the race, especially with Lando Norris starting fifth.
Motorsport.comFri 25 Sep · 23:00 UTC
via f1chronicle.comLando Norris Says Watching McLaren’s 1.5 Second Baku Deficit Felt Like a Knife in the HeartLando Norris expressed disappointment after McLaren finished 1.5 seconds behind the fastest time set by George Russell during the opening practice for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The team encountered issues with the floorboard of their upgraded MCL40, which required a temporary fix using cable ties, leading to lost track time for both Norris and his teammate Oscar Piastri.
Despite the challenges, McLaren's Chief Technical Officer Rob Marshall indicated that the new components installed on the car showed potential, although they still need to be optimised. Norris highlighted the need for improved pace, stating that comfort in the car means little without competitive lap times, as the team prepares for the next practice session.
f1chronicle.comFri 25 Sep · 21:04 UTC
via gpfans.comLewis Hamilton and Ferrari in turmoil after Mercedes humiliation at Azerbaijan Grand PrixLewis Hamilton and Ferrari faced a disappointing qualifying session at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, with Hamilton finishing sixth and over 1.3 seconds behind pole position. Despite upgrades to the car, Ferrari's performance fell short, leaving Hamilton feeling dejected and questioning the team's strategy.
The struggles of Ferrari continue as they have not won a drivers' championship since 2007, highlighting ongoing issues within the team. Hamilton's hopes of competing for the title have diminished significantly, and the team appears to be in turmoil as they grapple with their performance and strategy.gpfans.comFri 25 Sep · 18:58 UTC
via F1iAzerbaijan GP: Friday's action in picturesDuring the qualifying session for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, George Russell achieved a commanding pole position, showcasing impressive speed. He was joined on the front row by Charles Leclerc and Oscar Piastri, who qualified second and third respectively.
Conversely, Kimi Antonelli's qualifying ended prematurely due to a crash, while Max Verstappen described his performance as a disaster, failing to secure a spot near the front. This qualifying session marks a significant moment in the 2026 Formula 1 World Championship.
F1iFri 25 Sep · 18:15 UTC
via PlanetF1Lawson reveals drivers ‘respected’ rules after ‘dangerous’ Hamilton near-missLiam Lawson reported that Formula 1 drivers adhered to the rules during qualifying at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, following a dangerous near-miss with Lewis Hamilton in practice. Lawson, who qualified 12th, had a close encounter with Hamilton, who was on an out-lap, while Lawson was attempting a flying lap. The incident prompted discussions among drivers and a warning from F1 race director Rui Marques about managing traffic gaps on the track.
During a driver briefing, Lawson noted that everyone understood the necessary gaps to avoid similar incidents, and he felt that the drivers respected these guidelines during qualifying. Despite his P12 finish, Lawson expressed frustration with the car's performance, particularly on straights, and acknowledged the challenges faced compared to other teams. Meanwhile, George Russell achieved pole position with a significant margin.
PlanetF1Fri 25 Sep · 18:00 UTC
via Motorsport WeekLewis Hamilton deplores crucial F1 ‘pain in the ass’ after qualifying woeLewis Hamilton expressed frustration after qualifying P6 for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, citing issues with the tyres and team execution. He noted that despite finishing in the top five during Free Practice, he struggled to find pace during the qualifying session, finishing 1.3 seconds behind polesitter George Russell.
Hamilton highlighted the challenges of the narrow Baku circuit and the unpredictability it brings. He mentioned that while he had received a tow earlier in the weekend, he was unable to replicate that advantage in Q3, which contributed to his disappointing qualifying result.Motorsport WeekFri 25 Sep · 18:00 UTC
via F1iPiastri ‘surprised’ by Baku P3 qualifying paceOscar Piastri qualified third for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, surprising himself with the pace after a subdued practice session for McLaren. Piastri briefly held second place during qualifying, while Lando Norris finished fifth after a costly lock-up on his final attempt. George Russell took pole position, with Charles Leclerc just ahead of Piastri by a narrow margin.
Piastri remarked on McLaren's tendency to find extra performance during qualifying, contrasting with their practice struggles. Norris, while pleased with his driving, pointed out underlying car issues that limited his performance. Both drivers are now looking to convert their qualifying positions into a strong race performance, despite uncertainties about their race pace.F1iFri 25 Sep · 17:02 UTC
via f1oversteer.comCharles Leclerc blames Ferrari’s F1 car for destroying his ‘strength’ at the Azerbaijan Grand PrixCharles Leclerc has attributed his disappointing performance during qualifying for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix to the unpredictability of his Ferrari SF-26. Despite qualifying in second place, he was significantly outpaced by George Russell, who took pole position by a margin of eight and a half tenths of a second.
Leclerc noted that he struggled to maintain his usual precision and risk-taking ability due to the car's inconsistent behaviour, particularly in the tight and twisting sectors of the Baku City Circuit. He acknowledged that while Ferrari's straight-line speed had improved, the overall performance of the car hindered his strengths during qualifying.f1oversteer.comFri 25 Sep · 16:30 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.RacingNews365Fri 25 Sep · 16:30 UTC
via CrashLewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc’s “strange” Ferrari dynamic questioned by Jacques VilleneuveJacques Villeneuve has expressed concerns about the dynamic between Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc at Ferrari, labelling it as 'strange' and filled with tension. This comes after a notable clash between the two drivers during the Italian Grand Prix, where Ferrari has opted to maintain equal status for both drivers despite potential risks to their championship chances.
Villeneuve highlighted that both Hamilton and Leclerc exhibit a fierce desire to outperform each other, which he believes could undermine team cohesion. Former driver Juan Pablo Montoya echoed these sentiments, suggesting that another incident between the two is likely. Leclerc, on the other hand, acknowledged the scrutiny Ferrari faces and expressed his enjoyment in competing against Hamilton, viewing it as a significant challenge.
CrashFri 25 Sep · 16:09 UTC
via gpfans.comF1 star Lewis Hamilton issues grid penalty verdict ahead of Azerbaijan Grand PrixLewis Hamilton has stated that he does not anticipate needing to take an engine penalty for exceeding his power unit component limits this season. Despite being at the upper limit of all components, he believes that his recent retirement in Madrid has reduced the wear on his parts, effectively giving him an advantage in terms of component usage.
Hamilton's current standing is third in the 2026 drivers' championship, trailing Kimi Antonelli by 101 points. He acknowledged that while he feels confident about avoiding penalties, performance changes throughout the season could influence future decisions regarding his power unit components.gpfans.comFri 25 Sep · 16:05 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.
Formula1.com+ 1 moreFri 25 Sep · 15:01 UTC
via Motorsport WeekOscar Piastri makes McLaren ‘no hope’ concession after Mercedes F1 trouncingOscar Piastri admitted that McLaren had no chance of beating George Russell for pole position during the qualifying session at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Piastri will start the race in third place, behind Russell and Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, while his teammate Lando Norris qualified fifth. This marks the sixth time this season that Piastri has out-qualified Norris.
Despite a challenging start to the weekend, McLaren discovered additional pace during qualifying. Piastri expressed satisfaction with the team's performance, noting the difficulties posed by windy conditions on the track. He highlighted the unpredictability of the car's balance due to gusts, which made qualifying particularly challenging.Motorsport WeekFri 25 Sep · 14:38 UTC
via Motorsport WeekGeorge Russell capitalises on Antonelli shunt with dominant F1 Baku poleGeorge Russell achieved a commanding pole position for the Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, marking his fifth pole of the season. He finished with a time of 1:42.526, significantly ahead of Charles Leclerc, who was 0.837 seconds slower. This performance comes after a strong qualifying session where Russell capitalised on Kimi Antonelli's early crash, which left Antonelli starting from P16.
The qualifying session saw various ups and downs, including Max Verstappen's disappointing eighth-place finish despite his earlier pace in Free Practice 3. Oscar Piastri's strong performance secured him third on the grid, while Isack Hadjar impressed with a fourth-place finish. The session was marked by multiple yellow flags and competitive times as drivers battled for the best positions on the grid.Motorsport WeekFri 25 Sep · 13:35 UTC
via gpfans.comMartin Brundle will MISS the Azerbaijan Grand Prix - and this is whyMartin Brundle will not participate in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, as confirmed by GPFans. His absence is part of a contractual agreement with Sky Sports F1, which limits him to 16 out of 24 races in a season. Due to the cancellation of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, the 2026 season now has 23 scheduled races.
This will mark the fourth race Brundle has missed this season, following the Chinese, Japanese, and Dutch Grands Prix. In his absence, Sky Sports will feature Natalie Pinkham as presenter, with Jamie Chadwick and Jacques Villeneuve providing punditry. David Croft and Karun Chandhok will handle commentary duties during the event.gpfans.comFri 25 Sep · 12:11 UTC
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.f1oversteer.comFri 25 Sep · 11:30 UTC
via racer.comVerstappen takes charge in third F1 practice session at BakuMax Verstappen secured the fastest time in the third practice session for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, narrowly beating George Russell and Lewis Hamilton. Despite gusty conditions, Verstappen managed a session-best time of 1m 43.922s, showcasing competitive performance throughout the hour.
Russell initially led the session before Verstappen's late effort, while Hamilton's strong slipstreaming helped him achieve a high speed of 320kph. Other notable performances included Kimi Antonelli in fourth and Pierre Gasly in sixth, while Sergio Perez struggled, finishing 16th. The session was marked by challenging wind conditions that affected several drivers.
racer.comFri 25 Sep · 11:15 UTC