George RussellIsack HadjarLiam LawsonMartin Brundle 
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 AutosportGeorge Russell wins Azerbaijan Grand Prix ahead of VerstappenGeorge Russell secured a commanding victory at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, leading from pole position to the chequered flag. The Mercedes driver managed to fend off Max Verstappen, despite the challenges posed by two safety cars during the race.
Autosport+ 1 moreSat 26 Sep · 12:49 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.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 RacingNews365George Russell handed heavy backing in major Azerbaijan victory chanceGeorge Russell has emerged as the leading contender to win the Azerbaijan Grand Prix after securing pole position with a significant margin of eight-tenths of a second. In a recent poll, he garnered 39.3% of the votes from RacingNews365 readers, indicating strong support for his chances in the race.
Kimi Antonelli, currently leading the championship, is positioned second in the poll with 16.4% of the votes, despite starting from 16th on the grid. Other notable drivers include Max Verstappen with 11.6%, Charles Leclerc with 9.3%, and Lewis Hamilton with 5.6%. The poll reflects the competitive landscape ahead of the race, with various drivers facing challenges based on their qualifying positions.RacingNews365Sat 26 Sep · 10:30 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 RaceFansVerstappen and Antonelli still a threat for victory despite qualifying setbacks – Russell | Formula 1George Russell has identified Max Verstappen and Andrea Kimi Antonelli as significant threats for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, despite both drivers qualifying outside the top positions. Antonelli, who crashed in the first round of qualifying, will start in 16th place, while Verstappen qualified eighth after being impeded by Lando Norris's off-track incident during his final lap.
Russell noted that Antonelli's recent performance, winning the Italian Grand Prix from 19th place, showcases his capability to overcome qualifying setbacks. Verstappen's strong showing in practice further solidifies his status as a contender, making both drivers potential challengers for victory in the race.
RaceFansSat 26 Sep · 08:14 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 gpfans.comAmended F1 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix starting grid with all late penalties applied by the FIAThe starting grid for the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix has been finalised, with George Russell of Mercedes taking pole position after a strong qualifying performance. His teammate, Kimi Antonelli, who leads the championship, will start much further back in P16 due to a crash in Q2, potentially impacting his 81-point lead in the standings.
Charles Leclerc qualified second for Ferrari, while several drivers faced penalties that altered their starting positions. Carlos Sainz dropped from P9 to P14 for failing to slow under yellow flags, and both Aston Martin drivers, Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso, received significant penalties for exceeding power unit component limits, starting from the back of the grid.
gpfans.comSat 26 Sep · 05:30 UTC
via RacingNews365George Russell shines with dominant Azerbaijan GP winGeorge Russell secured a commanding victory at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, showcasing his potential as Mercedes begins to unlock his best performance. His pole position was marked by the largest margin since the Canadian Grand Prix in 2023.RacingNews365+ 1 moreSat 26 Sep · 05:15 UTC
via f1chronicle.comLando Norris Says Watching McLaren’s 1.5 Second Baku Deficit Felt Like a Knife in the HeartLando Norris expressed disappointment after McLaren finished 1.5 seconds behind the fastest time set by George Russell during the opening practice for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The team encountered issues with the floorboard of their upgraded MCL40, which required a temporary fix using cable ties, leading to lost track time for both Norris and his teammate Oscar Piastri.
Despite the challenges, McLaren's Chief Technical Officer Rob Marshall indicated that the new components installed on the car showed potential, although they still need to be optimised. Norris highlighted the need for improved pace, stating that comfort in the car means little without competitive lap times, as the team prepares for the next practice session.
f1chronicle.comFri 25 Sep · 21:04 UTC
via f1chronicle.comGeorge Russell Storms To Dominant Pole In BakuGeorge Russell achieved a commanding pole position at the Baku City Circuit, clocking a time of 1:42.526, which was over eight tenths faster than Charles Leclerc in second place. Oscar Piastri finished closely behind Leclerc, just one thousandth of a second off. Russell's performance was marked by his consistent use of the same set of Soft tyres throughout the session, allowing him to extract maximum performance.
In the lead-up to qualifying, track conditions evolved significantly, with lower temperatures and wind affecting car stability. Max Verstappen led the third practice session, while Russell and Lewis Hamilton also showed strong pace. The Pirelli Pole Position Award was presented to Russell by MotoGP champion Casey Stoner, highlighting the significance of his achievement in a competitive qualifying session.f1chronicle.comFri 25 Sep · 20:40 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 racer.com'Shocked' Russell credits thumping pole to growing confidenceGeorge Russell expressed surprise at his commanding pole position at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, attributing his success to growing confidence in his Mercedes car. He dominated qualifying with a margin of 0.837 seconds, the largest of the season, and topped two of the three practice sessions leading up to the event.
Despite acknowledging the impact of teammate Andrea Kimi Antonelli's crash in Q1, Russell has shown impressive form since the midseason break, consistently qualifying at the front. Mercedes deputy principal Bradley Lord praised Russell's performance, noting his composed approach throughout the weekend. Russell himself feels a surge of confidence, which he believes is crucial for maintaining performance on the track.
racer.comFri 25 Sep · 18:18 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 RacingNews365Liam Lawson pins Baku struggles on 'frustrating' area: 'We’re a lot worse now'Liam Lawson expressed frustration over his qualifying performance for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where he will start from 12th position. He attributed his struggles to the Racing Bulls' lack of straight-line speed, which hindered his ability to compete for a top 10 spot alongside teammate Arvid Lindblad.
Despite the disappointing qualifying result, Lawson remains optimistic about the race, stating that he would love to score points. He acknowledged that while the team has made progress with the car, they are currently at a disadvantage compared to other teams with more powerful engines, particularly on tracks with long straights.RacingNews365Fri 25 Sep · 18:15 UTC
via PlanetF1Lawson reveals drivers ‘respected’ rules after ‘dangerous’ Hamilton near-missLiam Lawson reported that Formula 1 drivers adhered to the rules during qualifying at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, following a dangerous near-miss with Lewis Hamilton in practice. Lawson, who qualified 12th, had a close encounter with Hamilton, who was on an out-lap, while Lawson was attempting a flying lap. The incident prompted discussions among drivers and a warning from F1 race director Rui Marques about managing traffic gaps on the track.
During a driver briefing, Lawson noted that everyone understood the necessary gaps to avoid similar incidents, and he felt that the drivers respected these guidelines during qualifying. Despite his P12 finish, Lawson expressed frustration with the car's performance, particularly on straights, and acknowledged the challenges faced compared to other teams. Meanwhile, George Russell achieved pole position with a significant margin.
PlanetF1Fri 25 Sep · 18:00 UTC
via RacingNews365The 10 biggest F1 pole margins across the last decadeGeorge Russell achieved a remarkable pole position at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, finishing 0.837 seconds ahead of Charles Leclerc. This performance places him fourth in the list of the biggest pole margins in Formula 1 over the last decade, a notable feat given the typically close competition on street circuits.
The top three biggest pole margins are held by Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, with Verstappen's 1.244 seconds at the 2023 Canadian Grand Prix being the largest. Hamilton's performances at the Styrian and Italian Grands Prix in 2020 and 2017, respectively, also feature prominently in this list, showcasing the dominance of these drivers in qualifying sessions.RacingNews365Fri 25 Sep · 17:30 UTC
via f1oversteer.comGeorge Russell just silenced Jacques Villeneuve's 'never seen' claim with Azerbaijan Grand Prix poleGeorge Russell dominated qualifying for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, securing pole position and silencing previous doubts expressed by Jacques Villeneuve about his performance. Russell's impressive lap time was significantly faster than his competitors, particularly benefiting from teammate Kimi Antonelli's crash in Q1, which left Antonelli starting from P16.
With this strong qualifying performance, Russell has a chance to close the gap in the championship standings, potentially reducing Antonelli's lead to 56 points if he wins the race. The outcome of the Grand Prix is crucial for Russell, as it could mark a pivotal moment in his title pursuit against Antonelli.f1oversteer.comFri 25 Sep · 17:00 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 espn.comRussell on pole: 'Biggest margin in whole career'George Russell expressed his surprise after achieving pole position for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix with a margin of 0.837 seconds over Ferrari's Charles Leclerc. This gap marks the largest in Formula 1 qualifying since Max Verstappen's pole at the 2023 Canadian Grand Prix. Russell noted that this was the biggest margin of his career across all racing series, including Formula 2 and GP3.
Russell, currently second in the drivers' championship, highlighted his growing confidence with the car and the progress made since the summer break. Despite his strong performance, he downplayed the significance of Antonelli's crash, acknowledging that mistakes are part of any championship campaign. He remains focused on continuing to improve and compete for the title.
espn.comFri 25 Sep · 16:16 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