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 f1oversteer.comSebastian Vettel admits he 'expected more' from Kimi Antonelli despite P5 comeback drive in BakuKimi Antonelli made a significant comeback in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, finishing in fifth place after starting from sixteenth. This performance earned him 10 points in the championship, although it followed a costly mistake during qualifying. His teammate George Russell took pole position, highlighting the competitive nature of the race.
Sebastian Vettel, who has previously praised Antonelli's performance this season, expressed that he expected the young driver to navigate through the field more easily. Despite acknowledging Antonelli's maturity and the pressure he has handled, Vettel felt that the comeback drive did not meet the high expectations set for him, especially given the tight competition seen during the race.
f1oversteer.comSun 27 Sep · 11:00 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
via Motorsport.comRed Bull impressed by Isack Hadjar's F1 returnIsack Hadjar made a strong return to Formula 1 with Red Bull Racing after recovering from a wrist injury. His performance at the challenging Baku City Circuit particularly impressed the team.
Motorsport.com+ 1 moreSun 27 Sep · 10:10 UTC.webp&w=1200&q=70)
via Formula1.comHow the faster Hadjar helped Verstappen to second place in BakuMax Verstappen secured second place in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, aided by his teammate Isack Hadjar. After starting from eighth on the grid, Verstappen showcased his pace, which was hindered during qualifying due to engine issues and yellow flags.
During the race, Verstappen moved into third place before the team instructed Hadjar to allow him to pass. This strategic move enabled Verstappen to chase down the race leader, George Russell, after he had already overtaken Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.
Formula1.comSun 27 Sep · 08:05 UTC
via gpfans.comVerstappen urges F1 to avoid Qatar and Abu Dhabi racesMax Verstappen has expressed concerns over safety in the Middle East, stating that Formula 1 should not hold races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi if the regional security situation does not improve. The four-time world champion emphasised the importance of prioritising safety for all involved in the sport.newsonf1.com+ 1 moreSun 27 Sep · 06:34 UTC
via f1oversteer.comIsack Hadjar reveals the one rule he gave himself ahead of F1 return at the Azerbaijan Grand PrixIsack Hadjar made a successful return to Formula 1 at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, finishing on the podium after an eight-week hiatus. He drove the Red Bull RB22 and demonstrated competitive performance, particularly against Max Verstappen during the race.
Ahead of the race, Hadjar established a personal rule to avoid touching any walls, which he attributed to his cautious approach following a wrist injury. He expressed satisfaction with his performance, focusing on securing a solid result rather than aggressively battling for position.f1oversteer.comSun 27 Sep · 06:00 UTC
via PlanetF1Azerbaijan GP conclusions: Russell back in the game, Colapinto ban demand, untelevised Hamilton radioLewis Hamilton's untelevised team radio during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix has come under scrutiny after he called for a ban on Lando Norris following a racing incident. This demand has sparked discussions about the implications of such requests in Formula 1, particularly regarding driver conduct and team dynamics.
In the same race, George Russell secured his third victory of the 2026 season, holding off Max Verstappen, who finished second. Isack Hadjar achieved a notable third place, marking Red Bull's first double podium finish since 2024. The race highlighted the ongoing competitive tensions within the sport, especially as Hamilton's comments add to the narrative surrounding driver accountability and the enforcement of racing standards.
PlanetF1Sun 27 Sep · 05:04 UTC
via f1technical.net"I never lost that faith in myself," claims Russell after his dominant showing in BakuGeorge Russell secured his first Formula 1 victory since Austria by winning the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on 27 September 2026. Starting from pole position, Russell maintained control for most of the race, but faced significant pressure from Max Verstappen after two Safety Car periods brought the field closer together. Despite a tense final few laps, where he even clipped the wall, Russell managed to fend off Verstappen's challenge and crossed the finish line first.
After the race, Russell expressed his pride in the hard work he and his engineering team put in to overcome earlier season difficulties. He highlighted his recent form, having achieved three podiums in the last four races, and conveyed confidence in his ability to compete for victories consistently. Looking ahead, Russell mentioned upcoming upgrades for Mercedes, which he hopes will enhance their performance in future races.
f1technical.netSat 26 Sep · 22:00 UTC
via Motorsport.comIsack Hadjar earns "team-mate points" after "exceptional comeback" in Baku, says Alex BrundleIsack Hadjar received acclaim for his impressive comeback drive, finishing third at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix after recovering from a wrist injury. His performance was highlighted by F1 TV pundit Alex Brundle, who noted Hadjar's ability to follow team orders and maintain pace, contributing to a strong result for Red Bull Racing alongside Max Verstappen.
Brundle and 1996 champion Damon Hill both commended Hadjar's resilience and the team's overall strength. With Hadjar and Verstappen now positioned sixth and eighth in the drivers' championship, Red Bull sits fourth in the constructors' standings, bolstered by points scored by Liam Lawson during Hadjar's absence.Motorsport.comSat 26 Sep · 21:35 UTC
via f1chronicle.comGeorge Russell keeps the Red Bulls at bay to conquer BakuGeorge Russell secured victory at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, narrowly beating Max Verstappen by just one tenth of a second. Isack Hadjar, Verstappen's teammate, finished in third place, marking a successful race for Red Bull as they confirmed Hadjar's seat through to 2027. Russell managed to maintain his lead despite pressure from Verstappen after two Safety Car periods, showcasing strong pace throughout the race.
The race saw a strategic use of tyre compounds, with Russell and Verstappen starting on the Soft compound and Hadjar opting for an alternative strategy. Kimi Antonelli, who finished fifth, continues to lead the FIA Formula One World Championship standings. Russell's victory has significantly narrowed the points gap to Antonelli, highlighting the competitive nature of the championship as teams and drivers adapt to the challenging Baku circuit.
f1chronicle.comSat 26 Sep · 20:49 UTC
via RacingNews365Russell survives Verstappen charge as Colapinto causes crash chaosGeorge Russell secured victory at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, narrowly beating Max Verstappen by 0.196 seconds. This win places Russell 66 points behind Kimi Antonelli, who made a remarkable recovery from 16th on the grid to finish fifth.
The race was relatively calm until an incident involving Alex Albon brought out the safety car. The restart led to chaos as Franco Colapinto collided with Pierre Gasly and Lando Norris, prompting Norris to call for a race ban for Colapinto.
RacingNews365Sat 26 Sep · 19:42 UTC
via f1oversteer.comIsack Hadjar team orders at Azerbaijan GP show Liam Lawson was right all along about Red BullAt the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Isack Hadjar and Max Verstappen secured Red Bull's first double podium in two and a half years. Hadjar demonstrated his commitment to team orders by allowing Verstappen to pass him early in the race, despite having a slight pace advantage. However, when Verstappen struggled to overtake Oscar Piastri, Hadjar's willingness to follow orders was put to the test as he later requested to race against his teammate.
The race highlighted the dynamics within Red Bull, where Verstappen's dominance often limits his teammates' opportunities to compete on equal terms. Hadjar's performance and subsequent contract renewal suggest he is prepared to embrace a supportive role in exchange for driving a competitive car. This situation echoes Liam Lawson's earlier comments about the challenges faced by Verstappen's teammates, who must adapt to the team's structure that prioritises Verstappen's success.f1oversteer.comSat 26 Sep · 19:00 UTC
via racer.comVerstappen doubts victory was possible despite historic close finishMax Verstappen expressed doubts about his chances of winning the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, despite finishing just 0.196 seconds behind George Russell. He started the race from eighth position due to engine issues and yellow flags during qualifying, but managed to climb to third early on, aided by a team order to pass teammate Isack Hadjar. However, he struggled to overtake Oscar Piastri during the opening laps and only managed to pass him after the first safety car restart on lap 36.
Verstappen reflected on his performance, stating that even with a better qualifying position, he believed it would have been difficult to overtake Russell due to his pace. He highlighted the effectiveness of the soft tires during the final laps, which allowed him to push hard, but ultimately felt that the race result would not have changed significantly. The race marked a successful outing for Red Bull Racing, achieving a double podium finish.
racer.comSat 26 Sep · 17:28 UTC
via BBC SportRussell faultless while Hadjar excellent on return - driver ratingsGeorge Russell dominated the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, securing his third victory of the season by leading the race from start to finish. Max Verstappen finished closely behind in second place, while Isack Hadjar made a strong return from injury to claim third. Kimi Antonelli, Russell's Mercedes teammate, managed to recover from a poor qualifying position to finish fifth, but his championship lead was cut significantly.
Russell's performance was highlighted by a stunning qualifying lap that put him on pole by over eight tenths of a second. Despite pressure from Verstappen towards the end of the race, Russell maintained his lead. The race showcased impressive recoveries from several drivers, including Antonelli and Hadjar, while others faced challenges that affected their results.
BBC SportSat 26 Sep · 17:04 UTC
via F1iVerstappen doubts better grid spot could have denied RussellMax Verstappen finished second in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, acknowledging that George Russell had superior pace throughout the race. Despite starting from eighth due to qualifying troubles, Verstappen managed to climb through the field but found it challenging to overtake Oscar Piastri and ultimately could not threaten Russell's lead.
Verstappen noted that even with a better starting position, Russell's performance would likely have kept him ahead. The race was influenced by two safety cars, which allowed Verstappen to switch to softer tyres, enhancing his performance in the final laps. However, he concluded that Russell's pace would have made it difficult to secure a victory regardless of his starting position.
F1iSat 26 Sep · 16:09 UTC
via RacingNews365Isack Hadjar discovers podium fate after Azerbaijan GP investigationIsack Hadjar has retained his third-place finish at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix following a stewards' investigation into a practice start infringement. The French driver, who had missed the previous three races due to a wrist injury, was found to have failed to follow race director instructions during reconnaissance laps but was given a warning instead of a reprimand due to mitigating circumstances.
In related news, Carlos Sainz was allowed to keep his 10th place finish after being found to have followed incorrect instructions from his team. Valtteri Bottas escaped penalty after a crash, while Gabriel Bortoleto received a 10-second time penalty for overtaking under yellow flags, dropping him from 13th to 15th.RacingNews365Sat 26 Sep · 16:00 UTC
via CrashGeorge Russell and Max Verstappen land Ferrari dig in cooldown room after Azerbaijan GPGeorge Russell and Max Verstappen shared their thoughts on Ferrari's performance after the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, highlighting the team's lack of competitiveness. Russell secured his third victory of the season, narrowly beating Verstappen, while Ferrari's drivers, Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, finished fourth and sixth respectively, unable to challenge for the podium.
In the cooldown room, Russell noted that Ferrari's pace was not impressive, with Verstappen agreeing that they were slow on the straights. Despite Leclerc's strong qualifying position, he lost ground early in the race and could not keep up with the frontrunners. Russell and Verstappen dominated the race, finishing well ahead of the rest of the field.
CrashSat 26 Sep · 14:53 UTC
via f1oversteer.comJacques Villeneuve criticises Oscar Piastri's errorJacques Villeneuve has labelled Oscar Piastri's double lock-up during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix as a 'rookie mistake'. The incident caused Piastri to drop to the back of the field in Baku.f1oversteer.com+ 1 moreSat 26 Sep · 14:14 UTC
via f1oversteer.comJolyon Palmer mocks Isack Hadjar for being ‘the best guy in the world’ vs Max Verstappen in BakuDuring the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Jolyon Palmer mocked Isack Hadjar for being overly compliant with Max Verstappen, suggesting he should have fought harder for position. Both Red Bull drivers ended up on the podium, marking their first joint podium since the 2024 Chinese Grand Prix, with Hadjar praised for his pace after returning from injury.
Palmer highlighted Hadjar's reluctance to challenge Verstappen during the race, questioning whether the Red Bull team was hesitant to ask Verstappen to concede his position. Despite Palmer's criticism, both drivers performed well, with Verstappen narrowly missing out on victory after two safety car periods.f1oversteer.comSat 26 Sep · 14:00 UTC
via Formula1.comVerstappen wins fan vote after narrowly missing Baku victoryMax Verstappen was voted Driver of the Day after a thrilling performance at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where he narrowly missed victory, finishing just 0.196 seconds behind George Russell. Despite starting from eighth position, Verstappen showcased his skill and determination, engaging in a fierce battle with Russell in the race's closing stages.
This marks the sixth time Verstappen has earned this accolade in 2026, reflecting his consistent performance throughout the season. The voting results showed strong support for other drivers as well, with Isack Hadjar, Kimi Antonelli, and George Russell also receiving notable percentages of the votes.Formula1.comSat 26 Sep · 13:34 UTC
via f1technical.netRussell seals excellent weekend with Azerbaijani victoryGeorge Russell dominated the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, leading from the start to secure victory on 26 September 2026. Max Verstappen finished closely behind in second place, just 0.1 seconds off the pace, while Isack Hadjar, making his return to Formula 1, completed the podium in third. Russell's performance was marked by consistent pace and strategic tyre management, allowing him to maintain a significant lead throughout the race.
The race saw several incidents, including retirements from Lance Stroll and Pierre Gasly. Oscar Piastri, who initially held second place, struggled with tyre issues and ultimately dropped to 15th after a lockup. The event featured two safety car periods, which added to the drama, but Russell's late restart allowed him to fend off Verstappen's challenge, securing a well-deserved win.f1technical.netSat 26 Sep · 12:54 UTC
via RacingNews365George Russell's lead erased by safety car in BakuGeorge Russell's advantage during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix was nullified when a safety car was deployed. The incident added to the drama of the race, which also saw Franco Colapinto involved in a significant incident for Alpine.RacingNews365Sat 26 Sep · 12:09 UTC
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