via racer.comVerstappen takes charge in third F1 practice session at BakuMax Verstappen secured the fastest time in the third practice session for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, narrowly beating George Russell and Lewis Hamilton. Despite gusty conditions, Verstappen managed a session-best time of 1m 43.922s, showcasing competitive performance throughout the hour.
Russell initially led the session before Verstappen's late effort, while Hamilton's strong slipstreaming helped him achieve a high speed of 320kph. Other notable performances included Kimi Antonelli in fourth and Pierre Gasly in sixth, while Sergio Perez struggled, finishing 16th. The session was marked by challenging wind conditions that affected several drivers.
racer.comFri 25 Sep · 11:15 UTC
via RacingNews365The evidence behind Max Verstappen being a real Mercedes Baku pole threatMax Verstappen enters the Azerbaijan Grand Prix qualifying as a strong contender after finishing first in the final practice session. Despite not having secured a pole position in the 2026 season, his recent performances indicate he is closing in on that goal, having qualified third in Spain and sixth in Italy.
Red Bull has introduced a significant aerodynamic upgrade for this race, which includes a redesigned floor and diffuser aimed at enhancing downforce. Team principal Laurent Mekies has stated that this will be the team's final major development for the season as they shift focus to the 2027 car. With Baku's unique track characteristics favouring Red Bull, Verstappen's chances of achieving his first pole of the season look promising.
RacingNews365Fri 25 Sep · 11:10 UTC
via Formula1.comVerstappen beats Russell and Hamilton in Azerbaijan FP3Max Verstappen secured the fastest time in Free Practice 3 for the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, clocking a lap of 1 minute 43.922 seconds. He edged out George Russell and Lewis Hamilton, who finished second and third respectively, as drivers pushed their limits on the challenging Baku circuit.
The session saw several drivers struggle with the windy conditions, leading to multiple incidents, including Lance Stroll damaging his Aston Martin after hitting the wall. Despite the challenges, Verstappen's performance placed him in a strong position ahead of the qualifying session later in the day.
Formula1.comFri 25 Sep · 10:01 UTC
via the-race.comWhat happened in F1 2026 Azerbaijan GP final practiceIn the final practice session for the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Max Verstappen of Red Bull emerged as the fastest driver, clocking a time of 1m43.922s. He edged out Mercedes' George Russell, who was just 0.099 seconds slower, while Lewis Hamilton claimed third place, 0.111 seconds off Verstappen's pace. Kimi Antonelli and Charles Leclerc completed the top five, showcasing a competitive session.
The session was marked by tight competition, with only half a second separating positions 10th to 17th. Oscar Piastri led the McLaren team in seventh, while Fernando Alonso struggled in 20th place. Lance Stroll experienced a notable incident when he clipped the pitwall, adding to the drama of the session. Overall, the practice highlighted the close racing expected for the upcoming Grand Prix.
the-race.comFri 25 Sep · 09:59 UTC
via F1iMax Verstappen leads final practice at Azerbaijan Grand PrixMax Verstappen topped the timing boards during Free Practice 3 at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, benefiting from Red Bull's final major upgrade package of the season. The session took place on Friday in Baku, ahead of the race weekend.
F1i+ 1 moreFri 25 Sep · 09:47 UTC
via Motorsport WeekMax Verstappen denies George Russell clean sweep in F1 Baku FP3Max Verstappen claimed the fastest time in Free Practice 3 at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, narrowly beating George Russell by 0.099 seconds. This victory prevented Russell from achieving a clean sweep of the practice sessions, as he had dominated the earlier sessions with a Mercedes 1-2 finish alongside teammate Kimi Antonelli.
The final practice session was marked by chaotic conditions, with several drivers struggling with grip and making mistakes. Verstappen's late push saw him rise to the top of the leaderboard, while Hamilton and Antonelli also showed strong performances. The session set the stage for a competitive qualifying ahead.
Motorsport WeekFri 25 Sep · 09:43 UTC
via PlanetF1Verstappen fastest in Baku as tow drops quali clue and Stroll crashesMax Verstappen topped the timesheets in the third practice session for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, clocking a lap of 1:43.922 to outpace George Russell by a narrow margin. Lewis Hamilton also showed competitive pace, finishing third, just 0.111 seconds off Verstappen's best time. The session saw a slow start, with only a handful of drivers setting times early on, but it picked up as the drivers switched to soft tyres for qualifying simulations.
Lance Stroll's session ended prematurely after he crashed into the wall, adding to Aston Martin's woes as they already face significant grid penalties. Kimi Antonelli and Carlos Sainz faced their own challenges, with Antonelli reporting handling issues and Sainz being noted for investigation by the stewards. Overall, the session was marked by close competition among the top teams as they prepared for qualifying.
PlanetF1Fri 25 Sep · 09:39 UTC
via RacingNews365Max Verstappen threatens in 'kangaroo' Red Bull as Mercedes Baku dominance endsMax Verstappen secured the fastest time in the final practice session ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, clocking a 1m 43.922s. This performance marked a shift in momentum, as Mercedes had dominated earlier practices with George Russell and Lewis Hamilton finishing second and third respectively, but could not match Verstappen's pace in the final session.
The practice session began slowly, with drivers adjusting to track conditions after overnight repairs. Verstappen expressed frustration with his car's handling, describing it as 'jumping like a kangaroo.' Despite this, he managed to outperform his competitors, setting the stage for an exciting qualifying session ahead.RacingNews365Fri 25 Sep · 09:36 UTC
via f1oversteer.com‘Alarm bells’ ring at Ferrari after hearing what Oliver Bearman said about Baku engine failureFerrari are concerned for Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc after hearing what Haas’ Oliver Bearman said about his engine failure during FP2 at the Azerbaijan ...
f1oversteer.comFri 25 Sep · 07:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comFlavio Briatore tells Fred Vasseur what he must ‘make clear’ to Lewis Hamilton and Charles LeclercFlavio Briatore has urged Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur to clarify the responsibilities of Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc as they compete for the team's number one driver status. Briatore highlighted the need for Vasseur to remind both drivers that they must prioritise the team's success over personal rivalry, especially as Ferrari's performance has declined since the summer break.
Despite the tension, both Hamilton and Leclerc maintain that their relationship is friendly. Leclerc expressed the importance of communication between them, acknowledging that their actions are often scrutinised more than those of drivers from other teams. He emphasised their shared goal of winning as a team and restoring Ferrari's competitive edge.f1oversteer.comFri 25 Sep · 06:00 UTC
via RacingNews365Red Bull addresses car issues raised by Max VerstappenRed Bull Racing has introduced its final significant upgrade package for the RB22 in Baku, aiming to resolve long-standing car issues highlighted by Max Verstappen. Technical director Pierre Waché confirmed that the correlation from the upgrades is positive as the team shifts its focus for the remainder of the season.RacingNews365+ 1 moreFri 25 Sep · 06:00 UTC
via PlanetF1David Coulthard criticises Charles Leclerc's attitudeDavid Coulthard has expressed concern over Charles Leclerc's approach to Formula 1, suggesting he treats the sport like a 'picnic'. Coulthard's comments come after Leclerc was advised that his behaviour during race weekends is excessive.PlanetF1+ 1 moreFri 25 Sep · 04:52 UTC
via gpfans.comLewis Hamilton reposts bizarre AI video of rapping car ride with Max Verstappen and coLewis Hamilton recently shared a quirky AI-generated video on his Instagram, showcasing a car ride where he and Max Verstappen rap along to Migos' song 'Walk It Talk It'. The video also features Charles Leclerc and Kimi Antonelli, who are seen in the back seats, adding to the light-hearted nature of the clip.
The video is part of a collection from an account that creates similar AI content, swapping famous personalities into various scenarios. While Hamilton's engagement with AI has been noted, the video has sparked discussions about the environmental impact of such technology, contrasting with his advocacy for climate change.
gpfans.comThu 24 Sep · 21:30 UTC
via RacingNews365Liam Lawson returns to Racing Bulls for Azerbaijan GPLiam Lawson is set to return to Racing Bulls for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix after filling in for the injured Isack Hadjar. Racing Bulls boss Alan Permane praised Lawson's performances during his stint with the team.RacingNews365+ 1 moreThu 24 Sep · 18:15 UTC
via f1oversteer.comJock Clear has seen a ‘Michael Schumacher-esque’ trait in Kimi Antonelli even Max Verstappen lackedJock Clear, a long-time Ferrari performance engineer, has expressed admiration for Andrea Kimi Antonelli, likening his ability to engage fans to that of Michael Schumacher. Antonelli, who is currently leading the 2026 Formula 1 standings with eight wins, has captured the hearts of Ferrari supporters, particularly after his victory at Monza, making him the first Italian to win there since 1966.
Clear noted that Antonelli's impressive performance this season, including his ability to avoid major mistakes, sets him apart from his competitors, including George Russell. Despite facing some reliability issues, Antonelli's consistent results have positioned him as a strong contender for the championship, potentially making him the youngest F1 champion in history.f1oversteer.comThu 24 Sep · 16:00 UTC
via gpfans.comF1 stars reveal 'restrictions' on off-track activities after Hadjar boxing injuryFollowing Isack Hadjar's wrist injury, which caused him to miss three races, F1 drivers discussed the restrictions their teams impose on off-track activities. Hadjar clarified that Red Bull has not placed any restrictions on him, despite the injury occurring during a boxing workout.
Charles Leclerc and Alex Albon shared their experiences, revealing that while they have some restrictions, they often negotiate with their teams. Leclerc noted that activities like skydiving and skiing are discouraged, while Albon mentioned that bungee jumping is also considered risky.gpfans.comThu 24 Sep · 14:51 UTC
via gpfans.comF1 star set to be dogged by injury for 'a while' after heavy crashIsack Hadjar has revealed that he will continue to deal with a wrist injury that caused him to miss the last three races of the Formula 1 season. The French driver suffered a small fracture on the outside of his wrist and will return to racing at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix after being replaced by Liam Lawson, who scored 14 points in his absence.
During a press conference, Hadjar discussed the nature of his injury and the recovery process, stating that while he did not require surgery, the healing will take time. He has been able to test on the simulator without issues, but he acknowledged the challenges of training with his injury and expressed a desire to be more cautious in the future.gpfans.comThu 24 Sep · 13:52 UTC
via Formula1.comGeorge Russell tops FP2 in Baku ahead of team-mateGeorge Russell set the fastest time during the second practice session for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix at the Baku City Circuit. He was followed closely by Mercedes team-mate Kimi Antonelli and Red Bull's Max Verstappen.Formula1.com+ 1 moreThu 24 Sep · 13:21 UTC
via Motorsport.comRed Bull confirms Isack Hadjar's long-term contractRed Bull Racing has clarified that Isack Hadjar is on a long-term contract with the team. Team boss Laurent Mekies addressed previous confusion regarding the length of Hadjar's deal.
Motorsport.com+ 1 moreThu 24 Sep · 11:50 UTC
via Formula1.comGeorge Russell leads Kimi Antonelli in FP2 in BakuGeorge Russell of Mercedes topped the second practice session for the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, finishing ahead of championship leader Kimi Antonelli. Russell's performance in Baku showcased his team's strong form ahead of the race weekend.Formula1.com+ 1 moreThu 24 Sep · 11:49 UTC
via f1oversteer.comFerrari fans ‘don’t want to see’ what Charles Leclerc just did at the Azerbaijan Grand PrixFerrari fans are expressing frustration over Charles Leclerc's performance during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend, particularly after Free Practice 1 where he finished third. Despite showing promise in practice, fans are wary of the team's history of underperforming during actual races, leading to a cycle of hope and disappointment.
Comments from fans reflect their exasperation, with many stating they are tired of seeing Ferrari drivers perform well in practice only to falter in the race. The sentiment is that while Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton are among the best drivers, the team's inability to convert practice success into race results has left fans feeling disillusioned.f1oversteer.comThu 24 Sep · 11:30 UTC
via Motorsport.comWhat Kimi Antonelli has learned from Max VerstappenKimi Antonelli, the 20-year-old Mercedes driver, has been learning valuable lessons from Max Verstappen, who has praised Antonelli's impressive performances this season. With eight wins under his belt, Antonelli leads his teammate George Russell significantly in the championship standings. Verstappen, currently sixth in the standings, has encouraged Antonelli to maintain his current approach as he continues to develop his skills.
Antonelli has specifically noted Verstappen's exceptional racecraft, particularly his ability to read situations and position his car effectively. He reflected on a recent race in Madrid, where he learned the importance of maintaining track position and the potential to capitalize on opportunities, as demonstrated by Verstappen. Antonelli's observations of Verstappen's adaptability and performance under pressure have further inspired him in his own racing career.Motorsport.comThu 24 Sep · 11:15 UTC
via grandprix.comAlonso proposes longer, gentler electric boost for F1Fernando Alonso has proposed a change to the 2026 Formula 1 cars, advocating for a reduction in peak electrical output to allow for longer use of battery power on straights. He believes this adjustment would enable drivers to maintain speed more effectively towards corners, contrasting with the current model that requires drivers to lift and coast before braking.
Max Verstappen supports Alonso's view but warns that simply reducing electrical output could lead to a decrease in overall power unless compensated by an increase in combustion engine contribution. Both drivers acknowledge that any changes would require consensus and testing before being implemented in the regulations.grandprix.comThu 24 Sep · 10:47 UTC
via PlanetF1George Russell leads Azerbaijan Grand Prix FP2 sessionGeorge Russell of Mercedes topped the second practice session for the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku, following an early red flag. Max Verstappen expressed frustration over ongoing issues affecting his performance during the session.PlanetF1+ 1 moreThu 24 Sep · 09:37 UTC