Charles LeclercDavid CoulthardMax Verstappen 
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 CrashCharles Leclerc reveals the sport Ferrari has banned him from doing outside of F1Charles Leclerc disclosed that Ferrari has prohibited him from skydiving during the Formula 1 season, a decision made after the team expressed their discontent with his previous skydiving activities. He also mentioned that he avoids skiing while racing is ongoing, highlighting the team's concerns about safety during the season.
Leclerc's comments came during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where he responded to Isack Hadjar's situation regarding his own injury. Hadjar confirmed he faces no restrictions from Red Bull after recovering from a hand injury sustained while boxing. Leclerc's remarks reflect the balance drivers must maintain between their personal interests and the team's expectations regarding safety.
CrashWed 23 Sep · 16:02 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 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 Motorsport.comJames Hinchcliffe explains why Ferrari is "happy" with Lewis Hamilton-Charles Leclerc rivalryJames Hinchcliffe has expressed that Ferrari is pleased to manage the growing rivalry between Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc. He believes that this competitive dynamic is what Ferrari anticipated when they signed Hamilton, especially after his struggles in the previous season. Hamilton has shown significant improvement in 2026, achieving a podium and a victory, which has elevated his position in the drivers' standings.
Hinchcliffe pointed out that having two strong drivers like Hamilton and Leclerc can enhance team performance, despite the potential for difficult decisions down the line. He emphasized that Ferrari's management, led by Fred Vasseur, is likely satisfied with the current situation, as it aligns with their expectations for Hamilton's role within the team.Motorsport.comWed 23 Sep · 14:00 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 gpfans.comRUMOURAston Martin 'approach made' for shock Charles Leclerc swoop from FerrariAston Martin reportedly made an approach to sign Charles Leclerc from Ferrari, but the 28-year-old declined the offer in favour of a new contract with Ferrari that will keep him with the team until at least 2030. This approach came during a tumultuous time for Aston Martin, which had recently changed team principals, although it remains unclear which of their current drivers would have been replaced.
Leclerc's manager, Nicolas Todt, has been active in exploring opportunities for Leclerc, including discussions with Mercedes and McLaren. Despite these talks, Leclerc has reaffirmed his commitment to Ferrari, expressing confidence in the team's direction and leadership under Fred Vasseur. He remains focused on his goal of winning a world championship with Ferrari.gpfans.comWed 23 Sep · 11:29 UTC
via grandprix.comLeclerc considers driver management after racingCharles Leclerc has expressed interest in a future role guiding young drivers alongside his manager, Nicolas Todt. While he envisions this possibility after his racing career, he emphasises that his current priority is competing for Ferrari and pursuing a Formula 1 title.
In a recent interview, Leclerc confirmed that he has already spoken with Todt about the potential of working together in driver management. However, he remains fully committed to his racing duties, with the next race in Baku on the horizon, indicating that mentoring young racers will have to wait until he concludes his own racing ambitions.grandprix.comWed 23 Sep · 09:41 UTC
via PlanetF1Max Verstappen at Le Mans? F1 calendar reveals growing GT potentialMax Verstappen is keen to return to GT racing, especially after a strong performance at the Nürburgring 24 Hours, where he nearly won. The 2027 Formula 1 calendar offers him opportunities to participate in several endurance races, including the iconic Le Mans 24 Hours, which takes place shortly after the Monaco Grand Prix.
Verstappen's potential 2027 racing calendar includes events like the Rolex 24 At Daytona and the Bathurst 12 Hour. He has previously shown interest in these races, and with the schedule allowing for these outings, he is likely to pursue them. His involvement in GT racing could be significant, especially with his team running a Mercedes-AMG GT3.
PlanetF1Wed 23 Sep · 07:04 UTC
via PlanetF1Azerbaijan GP predictions: Leclerc no Antonelli, Russell desperation bites, rookie breakthroughThe Azerbaijan Grand Prix is set for this weekend, with George Russell needing a win to keep his championship hopes alive, as he trails Kimi Antonelli by 88 points. Russell's desperation may lead to risky driving, especially in the challenging Baku circuit, which has seen multiple crashes in previous years.
Charles Leclerc is likely to face a grid penalty due to engine issues, making a strong performance unlikely. Meanwhile, Pierre Gasly is looking to replicate his previous pole position success, and rookie Arvid Lindblad is expected to perform well, potentially finishing in the top five.PlanetF1Wed 23 Sep · 04:54 UTC
via RacingNews365Max Verstappen hails former F1 rival: 'Destined for greater things'Max Verstappen has expressed admiration for former Formula 1 driver Robert Kubica, stating that he was 'destined for greater things' in the sport. Verstappen highlighted Kubica's talent and the unfortunate circumstances that hindered his career after a life-threatening crash in 2011, which prevented him from achieving his potential in F1.
Kubica made a return to F1 in 2019 with Williams but later transitioned to endurance racing, where he found success by winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans with Ferrari. Verstappen, who closely follows endurance racing, shared his happiness at seeing Kubica achieve this significant milestone.RacingNews365Wed 23 Sep · 04:30 UTC
via gpfans.comJenson Button's wife defends Charles Leclerc's actionsJenson Button's wife has come to the defence of Charles Leclerc following criticism from David Coulthard regarding Leclerc's behaviour off the track. The Ferrari driver has faced scrutiny for prioritising family commitments, prompting support from Button's wife.gpfans.com+ 1 moreTue 22 Sep · 21:27 UTC
via f1oversteer.comLaurent Mekies shares the 'doubts' that nearly stopped Max Verstappen extending his Red Bull contractMax Verstappen had serious doubts about his future with Red Bull, contemplating a move to another team or even retirement at the end of 2026. However, after discussions regarding the implications of new regulations and assurances about the team's competitiveness, he ultimately decided to extend his contract with Red Bull until 2030.
Laurent Mekies, Red Bull's team principal, highlighted that Verstappen's concerns were addressed through collaborative efforts with Formula 1 and the FIA. The changes in engine regulations, which will shift the balance towards more internal combustion engine dependency, played a crucial role in restoring Verstappen's confidence in the sport and his team.f1oversteer.comTue 22 Sep · 20:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comF1 teams must not help Honda after seeing them dominate the sport with Max VerstappenHonda is facing significant challenges in the 2026 Formula 1 season, particularly with their partnership with Aston Martin, which has led to discussions about potential replacements for their underperforming engine. Rival teams have previously provided financial assistance to Honda, fearing their exit from the sport, but there is now caution about offering too much support due to Honda's history of dominance with Max Verstappen from 2021 to 2024.
As the F1 landscape prepares for a shift in engine regulations favouring internal combustion engines starting in 2027, there are concerns that if Honda receives additional backing, they could quickly regain their competitive edge. This has led to a divided opinion among teams, with some advocating for caution to prevent Honda from leveraging any support to become a dominant force once again.f1oversteer.comTue 22 Sep · 18:00 UTC
via gpfans.comMax Verstappen makes decision on racing series switch despite success of father JosMax Verstappen has decided against switching to rally car racing, citing safety concerns as a new father. Despite his father's success in rallying, including winning the Belgian Rally Championship in 2025, Verstappen believes the risks associated with rallying are too high, especially given the potential for serious accidents.
Verstappen has committed to Formula 1, having signed a new contract with Red Bull last month. He has explored other racing formats, such as GT racing, but maintains that rallying is not a viable option for him at this stage in his life. His family generally supports his racing decisions but would likely intervene if he pursued rallying.gpfans.comTue 22 Sep · 16:27 UTC
via f1oversteer.comFerrari fear ‘complex’ Baku issue could add to Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc’s woesFerrari is apprehensive about the upcoming 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, particularly regarding potential tyre graining issues that could affect both Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton. Despite having a strong qualifying record in Baku, the team has never secured a victory at this circuit, and they are aware that finding the right car setup will be crucial for success.
The team is also concerned about the grip levels on Baku's city streets, which are rated low by Pirelli. With the softest tyre compounds being used for the race, Ferrari understands that managing tyre performance will be essential. Previous races have shown that any issues with tyre graining could further complicate their chances, especially given their struggles with straight-line speed compared to competitors like Mercedes.f1oversteer.comTue 22 Sep · 16:00 UTC
via AutosportRUMOURLeclerc confirms commitment to Ferrari amid interestCharles Leclerc has reaffirmed his commitment to Ferrari after signing a new contract with the team. The announcement comes amid speculation about other opportunities he considered before deciding to stay with Ferrari.
Autosport+ 1 moreTue 22 Sep · 15:30 UTC
via gpfans.comBaffling Max Verstappen F1 issue cannot be fixed admit Red BullRed Bull Racing's team principal, Laurent Mekies, has admitted that they are struggling to resolve a long-standing performance issue with Max Verstappen's RB22 car. Throughout the 2026 season, Verstappen has expressed concerns about the car's performance degradation, particularly at the rear, leading him to describe it as 'a car made of paper.' Despite efforts to investigate the problem, Mekies confirmed that they have not yet found satisfactory answers.
The issue has been ongoing and appears to have carried over from previous Red Bull models, even after the regulatory changes implemented this year. Mekies noted that while they have made some progress in understanding the problem, a complete resolution is unlikely before 2027. He emphasised that they are actively working on the issue and hope to build a foundation for future improvements.gpfans.comTue 22 Sep · 08:45 UTC
via RacingNews365Juan Pablo Montoya suggests karting challenge for 2026Juan Pablo Montoya has proposed that the 2026 Formula 1 drivers participate in a karting challenge similar to one previously undertaken by Max Verstappen. Montoya believes this would be an entertaining spectacle for fans.RacingNews365+ 1 moreTue 22 Sep · 05:25 UTC
via f1technical.netNorris and Verstappen reveal how Antonelli needs to approach the final leg of the seasonAndrea Kimi Antonelli’s remarkable 2026 Formula 1 campaign has earned praise from two of the sport’s most experienced current drivers, with Max Verstappen and Lando Norris both impressed by the way the young Mercedes driver has handled his championship challenge.
f1technical.netMon 21 Sep · 18:00 UTC
Wikimedia Commons · Steffen Prößdorf, crop by Cerebral726 · CC BY-SA 4.0Max Verstappen makes firm position on following Lando Norris’ junior team pathMax Verstappen has stated he is not interested in following Lando Norris' path of starting a junior single-seater team. Norris recently announced the creation of LN4 Fusion, which will compete in various championships starting in 2027. Verstappen commended Norris for his initiative to support young drivers amid rising racing costs.
Instead of venturing into single-seaters, Verstappen prefers to focus on his endurance racing team, Verstappen Racing. He enjoys working with both established and young drivers, and his team is already involved in training numerous Formula 2, 3, and 4 drivers. Additionally, he is eyeing a potential entry into the 2027 24 Hours of Le Mans.Motorsport WeekMon 21 Sep · 16:00 UTC
via gpfans.comFerrari F1 star Charles Leclerc announces new plans: "I spoke about it with my manager"Charles Leclerc has announced his intention to pursue a role in driver management after his Formula 1 career. He stated that he has already spoken with his manager, Nicolas Todt, about the possibility of working together in this capacity once he retires from driving.
Despite his plans for the future, Leclerc emphasised that he remains fully committed to his current role with Ferrari and is focused on achieving success in the sport. He believes that transitioning to management could be a natural next step when he decides to retire from racing.gpfans.comMon 21 Sep · 15:19 UTC
via racer.comFerrari needs to get its act together in qualifying, Vasseur saysFerrari team principal Fred Vasseur has emphasised the need for improvement in qualifying performance, stating that the team has the potential for better results if they can enhance their pace during qualifying sessions. Despite Charles Leclerc demonstrating strong race pace at the Spanish Grand Prix, Ferrari has struggled to secure podium finishes since July, with Vasseur pinpointing weaknesses in the final stages of qualifying as a critical area for development.
Leclerc echoed Vasseur's sentiments, indicating that the car's performance in qualifying is generally lacking compared to its race pace. He specifically mentioned that the power unit's performance is a contributing factor to their struggles on Saturdays. Both Vasseur and Leclerc expressed a commitment to finding solutions to unlock more qualifying performance, with Vasseur optimistic about the team's ability to carry over current developments into next year's project.
racer.comMon 21 Sep · 14:05 UTC