Charles LeclercMax VerstappenBob SaidCarlos PaceLewis Hamilton 
via gpfans.comUntelevised Red Bull F1 radio reveals captivating Max Verstappen team orders to Isack HadjarDuring the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Isack Hadjar received team orders from Red Bull not to overtake his teammate Max Verstappen, despite being faster on the track. This decision was communicated via untelevised radio exchanges, where Hadjar expressed his willingness to push for an attack on Oscar Piastri but was ultimately instructed to maintain his position behind Verstappen.
The strategy proved effective for Red Bull, as Verstappen managed to secure a better position after a safety car period, allowing him to challenge for the lead. The decision to keep Hadjar behind Verstappen, although controversial, resulted in a successful double podium for the team, highlighting the complexities of team dynamics in Formula 1.
gpfans.comMon 28 Sep · 16:44 UTC
via Motorsport.comWhy Mercedes thought Max Verstappen was "on some sort of massive bungee cord" in Azerbaijan GPDuring the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, George Russell initially created a significant lead over Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar, but the deployment of a safety car changed the race dynamics. After the safety car, Verstappen managed to close the gap and challenged Russell, leading to a nail-biting finish where only 0.196 seconds separated them at the line.
Mercedes deputy team principal Bradley Lord remarked on Verstappen's ability to catch up, likening it to being on a 'massive bungee cord'. Despite Russell's superior speed in the second sector, Verstappen's straight-line speed allowed him to stay close. The race highlighted the intense competition and strategic nuances of Formula 1, with Russell managing to maintain his lead despite the pressure.
Motorsport.comMon 28 Sep · 16:30 UTC
via thejudge13.comVerstappen warns Mercedes upgrade could change Red Bull’s picture againMax Verstappen expressed caution regarding Red Bull's competitive position following their recent success at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Despite finishing on the podium alongside teammate Isack Hadjar, Verstappen warned that Mercedes' upcoming upgrades could shift the competitive landscape, making it difficult for Red Bull to maintain their advantage.
Verstappen acknowledged that while the RB22 showed improved balance in Baku, there are still underlying issues that need addressing. He emphasised the importance of maximising opportunities each weekend and highlighted the need for ongoing development to ensure Red Bull remains competitive against rivals like Mercedes.
thejudge13.comMon 28 Sep · 15:07 UTC
via AutosportWhat made Red Bull so fast in the Azerbaijan GP after Verstappen’s qualifying issueRed Bull Racing achieved a significant milestone by securing a double podium at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, with Max Verstappen finishing second and Isack Hadjar in third. This marked the team's first double podium in nearly two and a half years, showcasing their strong performance despite Verstappen's earlier qualifying issues that left him eighth on the grid.
Team principal Laurent Mekies attributed their success to the powerful Red Bull-Ford power unit and effective energy management strategies. He noted that while they faced challenges with their power units, the team managed to close the performance gap with competitors. Looking ahead, Mekies acknowledged that Red Bull would not introduce further major updates this season, while also noting the competitive landscape with Mercedes set to release upgrades soon.
AutosportMon 28 Sep · 13:54 UTC
via CrashUnheard Lewis Hamilton Ferrari team radio hints at more strategy frictionDuring the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, an unbroadcast team radio exchange revealed Lewis Hamilton's frustration with Ferrari's strategy decisions. Hamilton was confused about why he was not instructed to pit during a safety car period following a crash involving Alex Albon, leading to tensions between him and the team.
Hamilton finished the race in sixth place, 22.382 seconds behind the leader, while his teammate Charles Leclerc secured fourth. This incident adds to Hamilton's previous frustrations with Ferrari's handling of race strategies, particularly during recent races at Zandvoort and Monza.
CrashMon 28 Sep · 12:55 UTCvia CrashUnheard Lewis Hamilton Ferrari team radio hints at more strategy frictionDuring the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, an unbroadcast team radio exchange revealed Lewis Hamilton's frustration with Ferrari's strategy decisions. Hamilton was confused about why he was not instructed to pit during a safety car period following a crash involving Alex Albon, leading to tensions between him and the team.
Hamilton finished the race in sixth place, 22.382 seconds behind the leader, while his teammate Charles Leclerc secured fourth. This incident adds to Hamilton's previous frustrations with Ferrari's handling of race strategies, particularly during recent races at Zandvoort and Monza.CrashMon 28 Sep · 12:55 UTC
via PlanetF1Lewis Hamilton defends George Russell after Baku restartLewis Hamilton has come to the defence of George Russell following scrutiny over his management of the chaotic restart during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The incident has sparked discussions among drivers and the FIA regarding the handling of such situations.
PlanetF1Mon 28 Sep · 12:12 UTC
via PlanetF1‘Was no one watching?’ – New untelevised Lewis Hamilton team radio after Azerbaijan GPUntelevised team radio from the Azerbaijan Grand Prix revealed Lewis Hamilton's confusion regarding Ferrari's response to a safety car deployment after Alex Albon's crash. Hamilton questioned why Ferrari had not anticipated the incident, expressing his bemusement during a conversation with his race engineer Carlo Santi.
Despite finishing sixth, Hamilton's performance was hindered by a lack of communication from the pit wall, which has been a recurring issue. He has not achieved a podium finish since the British Grand Prix in July, and his frustration was evident as he navigated the race without timely updates from his team.PlanetF1Mon 28 Sep · 10:10 UTC
via Motorsport WeekRed Bull issues Isack Hadjar radio praise during ‘outstanding’ F1 returnIsack Hadjar made a remarkable return to Formula 1 at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, finishing in third place after missing three races due to a wrist injury. His performance was highlighted by his strong qualifying position of fourth and his ability to work strategically alongside teammate Max Verstappen, which impressed Red Bull Team Principal Laurent Mekies.
Mekies commended Hadjar for his composure and discipline during the race, particularly in his communication with the team. He noted that Hadjar's calmness and emotional control contributed significantly to the team's overall strategy, allowing for effective teamwork. Red Bull's decision to extend Hadjar's contract until 2027 reflects their confidence in his potential, which he demonstrated by repaying their faith with a strong performance in Baku.
Motorsport WeekMon 28 Sep · 10:00 UTC
via thejudge13.comVeteran Italian F1 journalist backs Hamilton for Ferrari team leader roleFrom High Spirits to Paddock Frustration The Lewis Hamilton we see in the paddock after the summer break is not the same happy-go-lucky, super-positive chap who was there earlier in the season. After a year where he was welcomed by his new Ferrari teammate, Charles Leclerc, the seven-time champion appeared to be enjoying himself much ... Read morethejudge13.comMon 28 Sep · 09:49 UTC
via Motorsport WeekLeclerc appears to reveal Ferrari engine secretCharles Leclerc seemingly disclosed sensitive information about Ferrari's engine after the Formula 1 race in Azerbaijan. The moment was captured by Sky Italy, where Leclerc remarked, 'I thought you knew!'Motorsport Week+ 1 moreMon 28 Sep · 09:15 UTC
via CrashHamilton and Verstappen disagree on Middle East racesLewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen have expressed contrasting views regarding Formula 1's races in the Middle East, specifically in Qatar and Abu Dhabi. Verstappen has countered Hamilton's stance, highlighting the importance of the region in the sport.Crash+ 1 moreMon 28 Sep · 08:26 UTC
via F1iLeclerc urges Ferrari to react to Red Bull and McLaren surgeCharles Leclerc expressed concern over Ferrari's performance after finishing fourth in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, highlighting that the team's SF-26 lacked the necessary pace to compete with Red Bull and McLaren. He noted that rivals had made significant upgrades, while Ferrari had not, which put them at a disadvantage.
Leclerc acknowledged that the development gap was becoming increasingly urgent, as every upgrade must count due to budget caps and testing restrictions. He confirmed that Ferrari has developments planned but was cautious about their potential impact, stressing the need for the team to respond quickly to regain lost ground.
F1iMon 28 Sep · 07:12 UTC
via f1technical.net"It was undoubtedly his best race with us so far," claims Mekies as he hails Red ...Red Bull Team Principal Laurent Mekies commended the team's performance at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, describing it as their best weekend of the season. Max Verstappen recovered from an eighth-place start to finish second, while Isack Hadjar, returning from injury, secured third place, marking a significant turnaround for the team after earlier struggles this season.
Mekies highlighted the progress made by Red Bull, noting their competitiveness against Mercedes. He praised both drivers for their teamwork and performance, particularly emphasizing Hadjar's impressive return. The double podium reflects a major improvement for Red Bull, showcasing the effectiveness of their recent upgrades and the collective effort of the team.
f1technical.netMon 28 Sep · 07:00 UTC
via gpfans.comMax Verstappen F1 nightmare as Red Bull boss reveals 'huge problem'Max Verstappen has raised concerns about his car's performance, describing it as 'degrading' during races. Red Bull's leadership, including Laurent Mekies and Pierre Wache, have confirmed these issues, with Wache admitting he lacks confidence in a full fix before the next season. The team is shifting focus to 2027, marking the upgrade for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix as their last significant package for the year.
Despite these challenges, Red Bull managed to secure a double podium in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, with Verstappen finishing second, just behind George Russell. This result allowed Red Bull to close the gap to McLaren in the constructors' championship, reducing their deficit from 76 points to 43 points. However, the team acknowledges that significant work remains to be done to improve their car's performance.gpfans.comMon 28 Sep · 06:57 UTC
via gpfans.comRUMOURLewis Hamilton faces criticism amid Ferrari strugglesLewis Hamilton has been accused of sulking and blaming Ferrari engineers for his own mistakes following a challenging weekend for the team. Italian media reports suggest that Hamilton's mood has darkened as the pressure mounts on team principal Frederic Vasseur and the Scuderia.newsonf1.com+ 1 moreMon 28 Sep · 06:29 UTC
via gpfans.comF1 News Today: Lewis Hamilton 'concern' revealed as government minister weighs in on Baku controversyLewis Hamilton has expressed concern following a disappointing race weekend at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where he finished in fourth place. After starting the second half of the season second in the standings, Hamilton's title hopes have diminished significantly, now trailing championship leader Kimi Antonelli by 103 points.
Ferrari also struggled during the race, with Charles Leclerc finishing sixth. The situation has drawn attention from various quarters, including a government minister who made remarks regarding Lando Norris amid ongoing controversies in Formula 1. The overall performance of Ferrari has raised questions about their competitiveness this season.gpfans.comMon 28 Sep · 05:30 UTC
via f1oversteer.comLando Norris surprised by Oscar Piastri's paceLando Norris stated that McLaren were 'surprised' by Oscar Piastri's performance during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Team principal Andrea Stella acknowledged that McLaren must learn from their mistakes after a disappointing race.
f1oversteer.comSun 27 Sep · 19:00 UTC
via f1technical.netHamilton opens up on his mysterious tyre issues in BakuLewis Hamilton revealed that Ferrari faced significant challenges with tyre performance during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where he finished in sixth place. Both Hamilton and his teammate Charles Leclerc were unable to extract consistent performance from their tyres, which hindered their ability to compete effectively against other teams.
Hamilton noted that the grip levels of the tyres were inconsistent, making it difficult to maintain competitive lap times. He expressed surprise at the team's struggles throughout the weekend and emphasised that the issues should not reflect Ferrari's overall competitiveness at other circuits. The team plans to analyse data to improve tyre management for future races.f1technical.netSun 27 Sep · 18:00 UTC
via gpfans.comLeclerc and Hamilton's Ferrari relationship questionedCharles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton's relationship at Ferrari has come under scrutiny, with claims that their camaraderie is not genuine. Italian media have suggested that Hamilton is 'sulking' following a challenging weekend for the team.gpfans.com+ 1 moreSun 27 Sep · 16:45 UTC
via gpfans.comCharles Leclerc makes surprising admission on new Ferrari engine after penalty talk in BakuCharles Leclerc revealed he used an upgraded Ferrari power unit during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, despite previous discussions about potentially taking a grid penalty. This upgrade had not been available to him at the Spanish Grand Prix due to a crash at the Italian Grand Prix.
Leclerc's performance in Baku was disappointing as he qualified second but finished fourth, missing the podium. He noted that while the team struggled on the straights, the use of the new engine without penalties means his previous engine from Monza remains usable for future races.gpfans.comSun 27 Sep · 13:58 UTC
via RacingNews365Max Verstappen denies George Russell super-rare F1 achievement only Lewis Hamilton holdsDuring the Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend, George Russell came close to achieving a Super Grand Chelem, a rare feat only accomplished by Lewis Hamilton. Russell dominated the early sessions, topping Free Practice 1 and 2, securing pole position, and winning the race while also setting the fastest lap. However, he fell short of the Super Grand Chelem after Max Verstappen outpaced him in Free Practice 3.
Verstappen's performance in Free Practice 3, where he clocked a time of 1:43.922, prevented Russell from joining the exclusive club of drivers who have topped every session, qualified first, led every lap, and set the fastest lap in a race. Hamilton remains the only driver to have achieved this since the current qualifying format was introduced in 2006.
RacingNews365Sun 27 Sep · 11:10 UTC
via Motorsport WeekMotorsport Week’s 2026 F1 Azerbaijan GP Driver RatingsGeorge Russell achieved his first victory of the 2026 season at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, showcasing a dominant performance throughout the race weekend. He started from pole position and maintained control despite pressure from Max Verstappen, who finished just a tenth of a second behind him at the chequered flag. Isack Hadjar made a strong comeback to secure third place after recovering from a wrist injury that had sidelined him for three races.
Kimi Antonelli managed to limit damage by finishing fifth after starting from P16 due to a qualifying incident. Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton struggled with pace, finishing fourth and sixth respectively. Arvid Lindblad and Esteban Ocon also scored points, while Oliver Bearman ended his point-less streak by finishing ninth. Liam Lawson faced difficulties after a collision with his teammate Lindblad.Motorsport WeekSun 27 Sep · 11:01 UTC
via espn.comCharles Leclerc urges Ferrari to improve performanceCharles Leclerc has called for action from Ferrari after the team failed to secure a podium finish in the last five races. He acknowledged that Ferrari's rivals have made significant advancements, leaving the team behind in terms of chassis performance.
espn.com+ 1 moreSun 27 Sep · 10:40 UTC