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via RaceFansGeorge Russell secures pole for Azerbaijan Grand PrixGeorge Russell will start the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix from pole position for Mercedes. The starting grid has been adjusted due to penalties affecting several drivers.
+ 2 moreFri 25 Sep · 13:07 UTC
via f1oversteer.comGeorge Russell takes pole position in BakuGeorge Russell secured pole position for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix with a remarkable lap time, finishing 0.837 seconds ahead of Ferrari's Charles Leclerc. The session saw championship leader Kimi Antonelli crash out in Q1, forcing him to start from 16th place.
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 CrashZak Brown keeps future options open for Max VerstappenZak Brown, the CEO of McLaren Racing, stated that the door remains 'wide open' for Max Verstappen to potentially join the team in the future. Brown expressed his admiration for Verstappen following their discussions last summer, despite the Dutch driver being contracted to Red Bull until the end of 2030.
+ 5 moreFri 25 Sep · 09:21 UTC
via gpfans.comGeorge Russell secures pole position in BakuGeorge Russell achieved pole position for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, providing him with a significant opportunity to reduce Kimi Antonelli's championship lead. This comes after Russell's Mercedes team-mate crashed out during the qualifying session.
+ 2 moreFri 25 Sep · 06:30 UTC
via RacingNews365Oscar 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.
+ 2 moreFri 25 Sep · 04:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comAlex Brundle disagrees with Oscar Piastri about his ‘main issue’ amid drubbing by Lando NorrisOscar Piastri is facing challenges in the 2026 season, particularly in his performance compared to teammate Lando Norris. Despite Piastri's belief that race pace is his main issue, Alex Brundle argues that his qualifying struggles are the root cause of his difficulties, as he consistently starts behind Norris.
Brundle highlighted that Piastri's qualifying record, with Norris leading 9-1, significantly hampers his chances on race day. As they head into the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, qualifying will be critical for Piastri to close the gap and improve his standing against Norris.
Thu 24 Sep · 20:00 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 UTC
via CrashLando Norris calls McLaren's Baku pace a 'knife in heart'Lando Norris expressed disappointment over McLaren's performance at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, describing the team's deficit to the front runners as feeling like 'a little knife in the heart'. After finishing 14th in the opening practice session, Norris noted that the team was 'miles off' the pace compared to competitors like Mercedes.+ 6 moreThu 24 Sep · 13:49 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 f1oversteer.comAudi inspired McLaren for Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri’s ‘dramatically revised’ Baku upgradeMcLaren is set to introduce a new sidepod upgrade for Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri at the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, drawing inspiration from Audi's design. The team has focused on enhancing the MCL40's performance, particularly for low-downforce circuits like Baku, where they aim to improve top speed and aerodynamic efficiency.
The upgrades include a significant redesign of the sidepods and inlets, moving towards a more aggressive aerodynamic philosophy. McLaren has incorporated elements from rival teams, including Mercedes and Ferrari, to create a steeper slope for the sidepods and a larger inlet opening. These changes are expected to modify airflow and enhance downforce in medium-speed corners, while also reducing drag on the straights.Thu 24 Sep · 07:00 UTC
via PlanetF1Oscar Piastri experiments emerge in search for McLaren MCL40 breakthroughOscar Piastri is actively experimenting with the McLaren MCL40 in search of a breakthrough during the 2026 Formula 1 season. He has acknowledged the team's increased engineering support as they work to improve his performance, which has been challenging under the new regulations.
Despite struggling compared to his teammate Lando Norris, who has achieved two race wins, Piastri remains optimistic about making progress. He has noted that while the path to improvement is not straightforward, he feels supported by McLaren's efforts and is committed to finding effective solutions to enhance his performance on the track.
Wed 23 Sep · 18:47 UTC
via Motorsport.comJolyon Palmer suggests Oscar Piastri needs F1 reset in blunt Lando Norris comparisonJolyon Palmer has suggested that Oscar Piastri may need a winter reset following a challenging 2026 season with McLaren. Piastri's recent performance has been inconsistent, particularly in comparison to his teammate Lando Norris, who has been performing strongly, including securing pole position at the Spanish Grand Prix. Piastri currently sits seventh in the drivers' standings with 120 points, while Norris is fourth with 186 points.
Palmer pointed out that Piastri had a promising half-season in 2025 but has struggled to maintain that form in 2026. He noted that Piastri has been unable to match Norris's consistency and suggested that a reset could help Piastri regain his competitive edge. Palmer also referenced Piastri's previous success in lower racing categories, indicating that he has the potential to perform at a higher level.Wed 23 Sep · 16:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comOscar Piastri and George Russell agree on the issue with modern F1 amid difficult 2026 seasonsOscar Piastri and George Russell have expressed their shared concerns regarding the challenges posed by modern Formula 1, particularly during the 2026 season. Despite a significant points gap, both drivers are facing difficulties adapting to new technical regulations, which they attribute largely to limited testing opportunities compared to other sports.
In a recent press conference ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Russell highlighted the need for more practice time, while Piastri acknowledged the complexities of finding quick solutions to their issues. Both drivers remain optimistic about making progress, emphasizing their confidence in their skills and the support from their teams as they navigate these challenges.Wed 23 Sep · 16:00 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 Formula1.comPiastri insists he’s ‘making progress’ despite setbacksOscar Piastri has expressed optimism about his progress with McLaren despite facing challenges in the 2026 season. He acknowledged the team's support and their ongoing efforts to improve performance, stating that they are not standing still in their development. Piastri noted that while he has struggled to match his teammate Lando Norris, who has had recent success, he feels they are exploring different solutions to enhance his performance.
Piastri highlighted the difficulties posed by the new generation of cars, which do not align with his previous racing style. He emphasized the need for constant adaptation and the importance of having a well-thought-out approach to improvements. As he prepares for the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Piastri reflected on his mixed experiences at the track, hoping for a better outcome this year compared to the previous season.
Wed 23 Sep · 13:31 UTC
via f1chronicle.comOscar Piastri Searches for Answers After an ‘Anonymous’ Weekend Leaves Him Trailing Lando NorrisOscar Piastri is searching for clarity regarding his performance after a disappointing outing at the Spanish Grand Prix, where he finished in eighth place. His teammate, Lando Norris, secured pole position and has significantly outperformed Piastri this season, leading to a 66-point gap in the championship standings.
Despite a challenging season, pundits believe Piastri still possesses the potential to win, especially at the Baku City Circuit, where he previously triumphed. However, concerns have been raised about his consistency and ability to match Norris's improvements, leading to speculation about a potential reset for Piastri as the season progresses.Tue 22 Sep · 21:46 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/Piastri%20Madrid.webp)
via Formula1.comHow can Piastri recover from ‘anonymous’ Madrid weekend?Oscar Piastri is facing difficulties following a disappointing performance in the 2025 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where he qualified ninth and crashed during the race. His teammate, Lando Norris, has significantly outperformed him, leading to a 66-point gap in the standings. Analysts James Hinchcliffe and Jolyon Palmer discussed Piastri's struggles and the need for him to close the performance gap with Norris, especially after a season where he initially showed promise.
Despite the challenges, Palmer noted that Piastri's lack of pressure from the championship fight could provide him with the opportunity to improve. He highlighted that while Piastri has shown potential in the past, his consistency has been lacking compared to Norris. As the team prepares for the upcoming races, there are hopes that Piastri can regain his form and deliver strong performances, particularly at circuits where he has previously succeeded.Tue 22 Sep · 13:10 UTC
via RacingNews365McLaren call on Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri to execute three 'essentials' in BakuMcLaren has outlined three key requirements for Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri as they prepare for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The team is set to implement a major aerodynamic upgrade to enhance the performance of their MCL40 cars, particularly focusing on airflow around the floor and rear tyres to improve balance on the circuit's long straights.
Rob Marshall, McLaren's chief technical officer, emphasised the unique challenges posed by Baku's layout, which combines the longest straight in Formula 1 with tight corners. He stressed the importance of energy, tyre, and brake management, as well as the need for confidence and precision from the drivers to navigate the demanding street circuit successfully.Tue 22 Sep · 10:55 UTCPage 4 of 16