Charles LeclercValtteri Bottas 
via gpfans.comCharles Leclerc calls for Ferrari upgrades to competeCharles Leclerc has urged Ferrari to implement upgrades to enhance their competitiveness against Red Bull Racing. He highlighted that the team's challenges extend beyond engine performance, indicating a need for broader improvements.
gpfans.com+ 2 moreWed 30 Sep · 07:45 UTC
via f1oversteer.comLewis Hamilton disagrees with Charles Leclerc about Ferrari SF-26 after ‘unsatisfactory’ Baku blowLewis Hamilton expressed his disagreement with Charles Leclerc regarding the setup of the Ferrari SF-26 during the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Despite Leclerc qualifying in P2, he struggled with race pace, ultimately finishing in P4, while Hamilton qualified P6 after switching to a different bargeboard configuration that he felt provided better stability.
The race saw Hamilton's frustrations with the car's handling lead him to abandon the low-drag bargeboards in favour of a more stable three-part version. However, this change did not yield the desired results, as Hamilton was unable to outperform Leclerc, who maintained a faster pace throughout the race, finishing significantly ahead.
f1oversteer.comTue 29 Sep · 11:00 UTC
via RacingNews365Pirelli faces challenges at Bahrain Grand Prix in MalaysiaPirelli is preparing for unique challenges at the Bahrain Grand Prix, which will take place in Malaysia for the first time in nine years. Charles Leclerc recorded the fastest time during the second free practice session at Sepang International Circuit.
RacingNews365+ 2 moreTue 29 Sep · 09:30 UTC
via f1oversteer.comRUMOURCharles Leclerc ‘angered’ Fred Vasseur with one revelation in Baku as tensions rise at FerrariFerrari team principal Fred Vasseur expressed frustration with Charles Leclerc after the driver revealed he used the ADUO2 engine during the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Leclerc's admission came after he finished in P4, trailing significantly behind race winner George Russell and the Red Bull drivers. Vasseur was particularly displeased as the team had not intended to disclose the engine specification, especially given their performance issues.
The situation has contributed to rising tensions within Ferrari, with both Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton reportedly growing frustrated with Vasseur's management style. There are suggestions that Vasseur's position may be in jeopardy, with potential replacements including Christian Horner, Antonello Coletta, and Jerome d’Ambrosio being considered as Ferrari looks to improve its standing in the championship.f1oversteer.comTue 29 Sep · 07:00 UTC
via RacingNews365Red Bull at odds with Verstappen over possible penalty as Leclerc airs Ferrari secret - RacingNews365 ReviewRed Bull Racing is currently at odds with driver Max Verstappen regarding a possible grid penalty, as they await the results of a technical analysis. The outcome of this analysis will determine whether Verstappen will face any penalties later in the season.
In a separate incident, Charles Leclerc shared a secret about Ferrari during an interview, which led to an embarrassing moment for a Ferrari press officer. Additionally, Aston Martin confirmed that they will not be making any significant upgrades to their car for the remainder of the season.RacingNews365Mon 28 Sep · 20:00 UTC
via F1iBottas blames confused systems for Baku crashValtteri Bottas has attributed his crash during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend to a 'confused' systems glitch in his Cadillac car. The incident left Bottas questioning the reliability of the vehicle's technology.
F1i+ 1 moreMon 28 Sep · 16:26 UTC
via Motorsport.comHow was Valtteri Bottas so much slower than Sergio Perez in the Azerbaijan GP?In the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Valtteri Bottas experienced a significant performance gap compared to his teammate Sergio Perez, being outqualified by over a second and falling far behind during the race. Bottas struggled with pace, losing time consistently and ultimately crashing due to a technical issue shortly before the finish.
Sergio Perez, on the other hand, managed to extract maximum performance from his car, competing closely with faster vehicles despite lacking straight-line speed. He expressed pride in his aggressive driving style throughout the race, while Bottas's difficulties continued, marking a third consecutive race without leading his teammate.
Motorsport.comMon 28 Sep · 14:45 UTC
via PlanetF1Valtteri Bottas explains Azerbaijan Grand Prix strugglesValtteri Bottas has shared his thoughts on his disappointing performance at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, attributing it to damper degradation affecting his Cadillac's ride quality. He noted that the car 'got a bit confused,' which contributed to his retirement from the race.
PlanetF1+ 1 moreMon 28 Sep · 11:32 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 more
thejudge13.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 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 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 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 RaceFansBottas reveals “big super-clip” led to last-lap crash: “The system got confused” | Formula 1Valtteri Bottas, driving for Cadillac, revealed that a technical issue caused his crash during the last lap of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. He explained that he had experienced a significant loss of control after going off at turn one earlier in the lap, leading to confusion in the car's systems.
Bottas stated that only the front brakes were functioning properly, which contributed to the incident at turn 15. The crash is currently being investigated by the stewards, and Cadillac team principal Marcin Budkowski acknowledged the situation surrounding Bottas's car.
RaceFansSat 26 Sep · 15:22 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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