Franco ColapintoGeorge RussellLando Norris 
via Formula1.comAntonelli believes Russell has ‘got the momentum’Kimi Antonelli has expressed his belief that George Russell has gained significant momentum following his recent victory at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Despite maintaining a 66-point lead in the drivers' standings, Antonelli acknowledges the challenge Russell poses, especially after his strong performance in Baku where he secured pole position and ultimately won the race.
Looking ahead to the Bahrain Grand Prix, Antonelli is optimistic about the upgrades Mercedes will introduce, which he hopes will enhance the car's grip and downforce. He is eager to test his skills on the Sepang circuit, noting the importance of improving in areas such as managing long corners. Antonelli remains focused on achieving the best results and is excited about the opportunities that lie ahead.
Formula1.comThu 1 Oct · 10:19 UTC
via racer.comColapinto: Drivers need to help prevent online hate, not fuel itFranco Colapinto has highlighted the responsibility of Formula 1 drivers to help prevent online hate rather than contribute to it. He referenced a recent incident where Lando Norris suggested Colapinto should be banned for causing a collision, which led to significant backlash against both drivers. Colapinto expressed understanding for Norris' comments, acknowledging the emotional context in which they were made, and noted that both drivers received online abuse as a result.
Colapinto pointed out that online harassment is a widespread issue affecting many athletes, not just high-profile incidents. He urged drivers to work together to address the problem and improve the situation for everyone involved. Colapinto also mentioned that while he tries to avoid social media, he is aware of the negative impact it can have on drivers and believes that sensitivity in communication is crucial.
racer.comThu 1 Oct · 10:14 UTC
via f1oversteer.comMax Verstappen says George Russell needs big turnaroundMax Verstappen has stated that George Russell requires a significant improvement to catch his teammate Kimi Antonelli in the 2026 Formula One title race, with Russell currently 66 points behind. Meanwhile, Mercedes chief Bradley Lord has expressed concerns about Russell's ability to close the gap as the season progresses.
f1oversteer.com+ 1 moreThu 1 Oct · 10:00 UTC
via CrashArvid Lindblad to start from the back at Bahrain Grand PrixThe FIA has confirmed that Arvid Lindblad will start from the back of the grid at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia due to a series of power unit penalties. The Racing Bulls driver is one of three competitors facing grid penalties for the race.
Crash+ 5 moreThu 1 Oct · 09:16 UTC
via RacingNews365Franco Colapinto and Isack Hadjar face grid penaltiesFranco Colapinto and Isack Hadjar have both been handed grid penalties for the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. Colapinto will incur a five-place drop due to a new engine, while Hadjar is also set for a grid penalty, although the specifics have yet to be confirmed.
RacingNews365+ 3 moreThu 1 Oct · 08:50 UTC
via Formula1.comGasly insists Alpine must ‘look ahead’ after Baku collisionPierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto of Alpine have moved past their collision during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where Colapinto's mistake led to both drivers retiring from the race. Gasly expressed the need for the team to focus on the Constructors' Championship and work together to improve their standings, particularly as they aim for fifth place in the championship.
Colapinto acknowledged the importance of teamwork in overcoming the incident and highlighted that difficult moments can strengthen their bond. Both drivers are optimistic about their performance in the upcoming Bahrain Grand Prix, with Gasly noting their strong pace and Colapinto emphasizing the need to learn from past mistakes to avoid similar issues in the future.Formula1.comThu 1 Oct · 08:45 UTC
via f1oversteer.comLando Norris apologises to Franco Colapinto after BakuLando Norris has publicly and privately apologised to Franco Colapinto following critical comments made after the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Norris expressed regret for his remarks that called for a race ban for Colapinto, acknowledging the backlash and the impact on both drivers.f1oversteer.com+ 3 moreThu 1 Oct · 07:00 UTC
via the-race.comIsack Hadjar and Franco Colapinto face grid penaltiesIsack Hadjar from Red Bull Racing has received a five-place grid penalty for using a new power unit element beyond his allocation at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. Franco Colapinto from Alpine has been handed a 15-place penalty due to a collision he caused.
the-race.com+ 5 moreThu 1 Oct · 06:42 UTCvia the-race.comLindblad, Hadjar and Colapinto face grid penalties in MalaysiaArvid Lindblad, Isack Hadjar, and Franco Colapinto will all receive grid penalties for the Formula 1 race in Malaysia due to power unit changes. Lindblad will start from the back of the grid after incurring a 30-place penalty, while Hadjar and Colapinto also face sanctions.the-race.com+ 2 moreThu 1 Oct · 06:42 UTC
via RacingNews365RUMOURFranco Colapinto addresses Alpine benching speculation after Flavio Briatore angerFranco Colapinto has addressed speculation regarding his potential benching for the Bahrain Grand Prix, clarifying that the situation surrounding his crash at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix did not jeopardise his seat. Despite Flavio Briatore's anger following the incident, Colapinto confirmed he was back in the simulator preparing for the race in Malaysia shortly after the crash.
Colapinto acknowledged the gravity of his mistake during the restart at Baku, which resulted in a collision that eliminated his teammate Pierre Gasly and others. He expressed remorse for the incident and stated that conversations with Briatore have been constructive. Colapinto remains optimistic about the upcoming race and is focused on moving forward with the support of his team.RacingNews365Thu 1 Oct · 06:00 UTC
via Motorsport.comKimi Antonelli has "spooked himself" amid F1 title pressure, says Naomi SchiffNaomi Schiff has expressed concerns about Kimi Antonelli's mental state as he leads the Formula 1 championship. She noted that Antonelli seems to be feeling the pressure, which was evident during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix where he finished fifth after starting from 16th, while his teammate George Russell won the race.
Schiff highlighted that Antonelli needs to overcome this psychological hurdle to avoid jeopardising his championship lead. Despite a challenging race, he still maintains a 66-point advantage over Russell, but Schiff warns that if Antonelli continues to feel 'spooked,' it could affect his performance in the remaining races.
Motorsport.comWed 30 Sep · 20:20 UTC
via Motorsport.comGeorge Russell details F1 drivers' Langkawi boys' trip ahead of Bahrain GP in MalaysiaGeorge Russell, a driver for Mercedes, has shared insights about a recent trip to Langkawi, Malaysia, which he took with six other Formula 1 drivers ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix. The trip featured activities such as go-karting and sightseeing, with Russell expressing his admiration for the island's beauty and the friendliness of its people. He noted that the itinerary was influenced by Mercedes' title partner, Petronas.
In addition to Russell, Kimi Antonelli, his teammate, arrived in Malaysia early but chose to explore Kuala Lumpur and visit a water park. Antonelli currently leads the championship standings by 66 points, following Russell's victory at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The trip served as a unique way for the drivers to bond and prepare for the upcoming race.Motorsport.comWed 30 Sep · 19:56 UTC
via Motorsport.comF1 pundit says drivers are "complicit" if they stay silent on fan abuseFormula 1 broadcaster Will Buxton has stated that drivers who do not publicly denounce toxic online abuse from their supporters are 'complicit' in its continuation. His comments follow backlash faced by Lando Norris after he suggested that Franco Colapinto should be banned from racing due to a crash at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, which resulted in multiple drivers retiring from the race.
Buxton emphasised the responsibility of public figures, particularly athletes, to address abusive rhetoric from their fanbases. He noted that while Colapinto had previously condemned such behaviour, he had not done so recently, and called for drivers to take a stand against their fans' abusive comments to demonstrate their commitment to ending such conduct.Motorsport.comWed 30 Sep · 16:04 UTC
via Motorsport.comAlex Brundle questions McLaren F1 upgrade after Azerbaijan GP disappointmentF1 TV pundit Alex Brundle has raised concerns about McLaren's recent upgrade package following a disappointing performance at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Despite the team arriving with significant upgrades, both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri faced incidents that left them without points, prompting Brundle to question the structural integrity of the new components.
Brundle highlighted that while the zero points finish may not reflect the upgrades' potential, the physical fragility of the parts is alarming. He warned that if the upgrades cannot withstand the rigours of racing, they may end up being discarded, which would be a significant setback for the reigning champions.Motorsport.comWed 30 Sep · 14:16 UTC
via Motorsport.comMercedes braced for tougher strategy calls as George Russell closes on Kimi AntonelliMercedes Formula 1 team is preparing for more challenging strategy decisions as George Russell narrows the championship gap to his teammate Kimi Antonelli. Following a dominant victory in Baku, Russell has reduced Antonelli's lead from 81 to 66 points, prompting team principal Toto Wolff to emphasise the importance of equitable treatment for both drivers in race strategies.
With eight races remaining in the season, Russell's resurgence has shifted the dynamics within the team. Wolff noted that the team must carefully evaluate strategy calls to ensure both drivers have equal opportunities, especially as they aim to maintain a competitive edge over their rivals. Additionally, Mercedes has introduced a special livery for the W17 to celebrate the return of the Malaysian Grand Prix.Motorsport.comWed 30 Sep · 12:47 UTC
via RacingNews365George Russell comments on Mercedes' Bahrain upgradeGeorge Russell provided his initial thoughts on Mercedes' substantial upgrade package for the W17 at the Bahrain Grand Prix. He noted that while the changes are significant, their impact may be obscured by ongoing tyre issues.RacingNews365+ 6 moreWed 30 Sep · 11:40 UTC
via F1iToto Wolff perplexed by Mercedes' Sepang upgrade strugglesMercedes team principal Toto Wolff expressed confusion over the team's performance following their latest upgrades at the Malaysian Grand Prix. Despite expectations of a three-tenths improvement, Wolff noted that the W17 car instead lost five-tenths due to increased drag and poor handling in low-speed corners.
F1i+ 7 moreWed 30 Sep · 10:43 UTC
via PlanetF1Verstappen warns Mercedes upgrade may shift competitionMax Verstappen expressed caution regarding the impact of Mercedes' significant upgrades ahead of the Sepang practice session. Despite dominating the first practice, Verstappen acknowledged that the changes could alter the competitive landscape in Formula 1.
PlanetF1+ 1 moreWed 30 Sep · 10:00 UTC
via RacingNews365George Russell reveals real source of 2026 pressure amid Kimi Antonelli crushingGeorge Russell is facing significant pressure as he aims for the 2026 Formula One championship, currently sitting 81 points behind his teammate Kimi Antonelli, who has dominated the season with eight wins. Russell has acknowledged that his performance has not been strong enough, attributing his position in the standings to reliability issues and a lack of consistency.
Despite the challenges, Russell insists he is not feeling pressure from the championship race itself but rather from his own performance goals. He remains committed to fighting for victories in every race and is focused on improving his performance rather than dwelling on the championship gap. Mercedes is continuing to work with him to enhance his competitiveness under the current regulations.RacingNews365Wed 30 Sep · 10:00 UTC
via PlanetF1Antonelli fires warning to Russell after ‘grandmother’ Baku driveKimi Antonelli has issued a warning to his Mercedes teammate George Russell following a disappointing performance at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where he finished fifth after crashing in qualifying. Antonelli admitted to driving conservatively during the race, likening his approach to that of his grandmother, and expressed his intent to return to form at the upcoming Bahrain Grand Prix.
Despite his struggles in Baku, Antonelli still holds a significant lead in the Drivers' Championship, although Russell's victory has narrowed the gap to 66 points. Antonelli is determined to regain his competitive edge and re-establish his dominance in the championship as he prepares for the next race.PlanetF1Wed 30 Sep · 09:05 UTC
via the-race.comHow Russell usurped Ocon at MercedesThe article discusses the pivotal moment when George Russell overtook Esteban Ocon as Mercedes' preferred driver, particularly highlighting Ocon's missed opportunities and Russell's impressive performances. Ocon's near chance to race for Mercedes in 2019 and his subsequent struggles to secure a seat are contrasted with Russell's rapid rise through the ranks, culminating in his announcement as Lewis Hamilton's teammate in 2021.
It also examines the decisions made by Toto Wolff regarding the driver line-up, emphasizing the importance of driver compatibility with Hamilton. Ocon's time at Force India and his eventual relegation to a third driver role at Mercedes are noted, along with Wolff's concerns about Ocon's potential pairing with Hamilton, which ultimately influenced the team's decisions regarding their driver contracts.the-race.comWed 30 Sep · 09:00 UTC
via f1technical.netRussell and Verstappen reveal why Baku’s final laps were so much funGeorge Russell and Max Verstappen expressed their enjoyment of the final laps during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, highlighting the intensity and excitement of the race. Russell, who secured victory, noted that the closing stages felt like a qualifying session, with both drivers pushing their limits on the Baku circuit.
The race featured two Safety Car periods that brought Verstappen closer to Russell, creating a thrilling battle. Both drivers appreciated the lack of tyre management required in the final stint, allowing them to race at full pace. Verstappen acknowledged the challenges of the Baku circuit, where proximity to the barriers added to the excitement.
f1technical.netWed 30 Sep · 06:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comDavid Coulthard is sure Lando Norris was a ‘better world champion for McLaren’ than Oscar PiastriDavid Coulthard has expressed his belief that Lando Norris was a more suitable world champion for McLaren than Oscar Piastri, following Norris's victory in the 2025 season. Norris secured the title by 13 points after a competitive season, during which he made a significant comeback from a 34-point deficit. Coulthard highlighted that Norris's longer tenure in Formula 1 and his British nationality contribute to his marketability, making him a better fit for the team.
Coulthard noted that while Norris has established himself as McLaren's lead driver, Piastri has struggled this season, finishing ahead of Norris only three times. He suggested that the reduced presence of Mark Webber in Piastri's management might be impacting his performance. Despite the competitive nature of their relationship, Coulthard believes that having strong drivers like Norris and Piastri is beneficial for McLaren, even if it leads to uncomfortable dynamics.f1oversteer.comTue 29 Sep · 17:00 UTC
via Formula1.comWhere does Russell’s Baku win rank in the closest F1 finishes?George Russell secured a narrow victory at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, finishing just 0.196 seconds ahead of Max Verstappen. This margin is significant as it places Russell's win among the closest finishes in Formula 1 history, although it falls short of making the top 10 by a mere 0.014 seconds.
The article details the closest finishes in F1, highlighting races from various years, including the 2002 Austrian Grand Prix and the 1971 Italian Grand Prix. These races showcase the intense competition and narrow margins that can occur in Formula 1, with Russell's recent win adding to the legacy of thrilling finishes in the sport.Formula1.comTue 29 Sep · 15:42 UTC