via grandprix.comHadjar plays it safe while wrist recoversIsack Hadjar qualified fourth for the Baku Grand Prix, prioritising his recovery from a wrist injury over maximum performance. He consciously left some speed in reserve to avoid the risk of aggravating his injury, especially given the challenging nature of the street circuit. Hadjar acknowledged that he was still regaining his confidence after missing two months of racing.
Despite qualifying ahead of his teammate Max Verstappen, Hadjar noted that Verstappen's performance was hindered by a technical issue. He completed extensive simulator laps to aid his recovery, but still experienced some discomfort. Hadjar is focused on safely navigating the opening lap and hopes to compete effectively while maintaining the caution he has adopted during his recovery.grandprix.comSat 26 Sep · 11:35 UTC
via Motorsport WeekRed Bull confirms major Max Verstappen change ahead of Azerbaijan GPAhead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Red Bull Racing has replaced four key power unit components for Max Verstappen, including the internal combustion engine and turbocharger. Verstappen had demonstrated strong pace during practice sessions but faced power deployment issues during qualifying, resulting in an eighth-place start on the grid.
The replacements were made from Verstappen's allocated pool of power unit elements, meaning he will not incur a grid penalty. This strategic move aims to enhance his performance in the race, following a qualifying session where he struggled to match the speed of his competitors.
Motorsport WeekSat 26 Sep · 10:42 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.comTimo Glock saw Laurent Mekies’ real feelings after ‘frustrated’ Max Verstappen rued Red Bull issueMax Verstappen expressed frustration after a battery issue hindered his qualifying performance at the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, leaving him in P8 on the grid. Despite showing strong pace in practice and Q1, the problem arose during Q3, significantly impacting his speed and lap time.
Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies acknowledged that the battery issue ruined Verstappen's chances for a better starting position. Timo Glock observed Mekies' tense demeanor while discussing the situation, raising concerns about potential challenges for Verstappen in the race following a promising start to the weekend.
f1oversteer.comSat 26 Sep · 07:00 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 AutosportVerstappen says Baku was Red Bull's best chance to winMax Verstappen believes that the Azerbaijan Grand Prix was Red Bull Racing's best opportunity to secure a victory in the 2026 Formula 1 season. He attributed his poor starting position to an issue with the internal combustion engine.
Autosport+ 1 moreSat 26 Sep · 06:54 UTC
via Motorsport.com"Great job messing it up" – Why Max Verstappen feels Baku was Red Bull's best chance to winMax Verstappen stated that the Azerbaijan Grand Prix was Red Bull's best chance to secure a victory in 2026, especially before Mercedes' upcoming upgrade in Malaysia. He expressed disappointment over an engine issue that affected his qualifying performance, resulting in a starting position of eighth instead of a potential front-row spot.
Despite acknowledging Mercedes' current speed and their expected improvements, Verstappen remains determined to fight for a podium finish. He reflected on the challenges faced throughout the season, highlighting his frustration with the team's setbacks while also recognising his passion for the sport.
Motorsport.comSat 26 Sep · 06:53 UTC
via newsonf1.comHadjar admits he deliberately held back in BakuIsack Hadjar revealed that he intentionally held back during the Baku qualifying session, prioritising his recovery from a wrist injury. Despite this, he managed to secure a P4 position, finishing ahead of Max Verstappen, who encountered technical issues. Hadjar expressed that while the result was encouraging, it did not reflect his full potential as he aimed to avoid any mistakes that could jeopardise his recovery.
In his comments, Hadjar acknowledged that he felt Verstappen had outperformed him throughout the weekend. He noted that his absence from the previous races hindered his ability to compete for a front-row position. Hadjar reported that his wrist was coping well, and he completed extensive simulator laps to prepare for the race, indicating his confidence in fighting for a strong position if he starts from fourth.newsonf1.comSat 26 Sep · 06:46 UTC
via RacingNews365Christian Horner drops 'nightmare' claim about Helmut Marko and Max Verstappen signingChristian Horner has made claims in his new book that Helmut Marko was initially hesitant to bring Max Verstappen into the Red Bull team, citing concerns about Verstappen's father, Jos. Horner describes Marko as a difficult character, labelling him as abrasive and disloyal, and expressed disappointment over Marko's cold treatment of him following his dismissal from Red Bull.
Horner reflects on his relationship with Marko, noting that while Marko had once given him his start at Red Bull, their dynamic changed, particularly after the death of team founder Dietrich Mateschitz. Despite Marko's early scepticism, Verstappen went on to achieve significant success, becoming a four-time world champion.RacingNews365Sat 26 Sep · 06:15 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 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 f1oversteer.comIsack Hadjar has just shown exactly why Red Bull chose him over Liam Lawson for 2027Isack Hadjar's qualifying performance at the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix demonstrated why Red Bull chose him over Liam Lawson for the 2027 season. He secured a P4 starting position, showcasing his skills after an eight-week hiatus due to a wrist injury, while teammate Max Verstappen faced difficulties, qualifying P8.
George Russell claimed pole position, significantly outpacing Charles Leclerc in P2. Hadjar's strong return to form is crucial as he aims to maintain his championship standing, currently sitting in P8, with Lawson closely trailing him by 12 points.f1oversteer.comFri 25 Sep · 20:00 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 espn.comVerstappen expresses frustration after Baku qualifyingMax Verstappen revealed he told Red Bull to 'p*** off' following a disappointing qualifying session for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. He described the experience as a 'disaster', resulting in him starting from eighth on the grid.
espn.com+ 1 moreFri 25 Sep · 17:00 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 F1iVerstappen calls Baku qualifying a disasterMax Verstappen expressed frustration over his qualifying performance in Baku, citing multiple errors that hindered his chances of starting alongside George Russell on the front row. The Red Bull Racing driver described the session as a 'disaster' following a dramatic finish.F1i+ 1 moreFri 25 Sep · 15:42 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.comIsack Hadjar bullish: If I hadn't missed three races, I'd be second on the gridIsack Hadjar, driving for Red Bull Racing, qualified fourth for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix but expressed confidence that he could have secured second place if he had not missed the previous three races due to a wrist injury. His qualifying time was just 0.137 seconds slower than Charles Leclerc, who took second, while Hadjar outperformed Max Verstappen, who qualified eighth.
Hadjar described his approach during the comeback as cautious, aiming to avoid risks while gradually building confidence. He acknowledged improvements in his car's handling since his last race in Hungary, but admitted that Mercedes still had a significant speed advantage, particularly in straight-line performance. This qualifying result marks Hadjar's best performance since the season opener in Melbourne.Motorsport.comFri 25 Sep · 14:36 UTC
via RacingNews365Furious Max Verstappen 'completely done' after latest Red Bull problemMax Verstappen expressed his anger after a battery issue hindered his performance during qualifying for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, resulting in an eighth-place finish. He had been competitive earlier in the session but faced difficulties in Q3, which he attributed to the car's failure to charge properly and other mechanical problems.
Verstappen, who had shown strong pace throughout the weekend, felt that the changes made to the car did not yield positive results. He was particularly frustrated with the inability to push effectively due to the battery not being fully charged, leading to a disappointing qualifying session that left him significantly behind his teammate Isack Hadjar.RacingNews365Fri 25 Sep · 14:30 UTC
via Motorsport.com1 videoGeorge Russell's "biggest threat" in Azerbaijan GP: Max Verstappen or Kimi Antonelli?George Russell, driving for Mercedes, has qualified in pole position for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix and considers Max Verstappen his biggest threat in the race. Kimi Antonelli, his teammate, crashed during qualifying, which left him starting in 16th place despite having shown strong pace earlier in the season. Russell acknowledged Antonelli's potential for a comeback, referencing his impressive recovery from 19th to first in Monza.
Verstappen faced difficulties in qualifying, finishing 8th due to issues with his internal combustion engine. Russell, currently 81 points behind Antonelli in the drivers' championship, expressed a renewed sense of confidence and excitement as he prepares for the race, despite the pressure of needing to improve his season performance.Motorsport.comFri 25 Sep · 14:52 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 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