George RussellMax VerstappenDavid CoulthardBob SaidLewis Hamilton 
via Formula1.com'Less pressure on me than there is him' – Russell on titleGeorge Russell expressed that he feels less pressure in the ongoing Drivers' Championship compared to his teammate Kimi Antonelli. After winning the Grand Prix in Baku, Russell reduced Antonelli's lead to 66 points, having previously trailed by 81 points. Antonelli's crash during qualifying significantly impacted his performance, allowing Russell to capitalize on the situation and secure a crucial victory.
Russell reflected on his recent form, stating that he did not consider himself a contender for the title until now. He noted that despite a challenging start to the season, his performance has improved significantly. The article draws parallels to last season's championship battle, suggesting that Russell's current deficit is not insurmountable, especially if he continues to perform well.
Formula1.comMon 28 Sep · 13:02 UTC
via CrashUnheard Lewis Hamilton Ferrari team radio hints at more strategy frictionDuring the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, an unbroadcast team radio exchange revealed Lewis Hamilton's frustration with Ferrari's strategy decisions. Hamilton was confused about why he was not instructed to pit during a safety car period following a crash involving Alex Albon, leading to tensions between him and the team.
Hamilton finished the race in sixth place, 22.382 seconds behind the leader, while his teammate Charles Leclerc secured fourth. This incident adds to Hamilton's previous frustrations with Ferrari's handling of race strategies, particularly during recent races at Zandvoort and Monza.
CrashMon 28 Sep · 12:55 UTCvia CrashUnheard Lewis Hamilton Ferrari team radio hints at more strategy frictionDuring the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, an unbroadcast team radio exchange revealed Lewis Hamilton's frustration with Ferrari's strategy decisions. Hamilton was confused about why he was not instructed to pit during a safety car period following a crash involving Alex Albon, leading to tensions between him and the team.
Hamilton finished the race in sixth place, 22.382 seconds behind the leader, while his teammate Charles Leclerc secured fourth. This incident adds to Hamilton's previous frustrations with Ferrari's handling of race strategies, particularly during recent races at Zandvoort and Monza.CrashMon 28 Sep · 12:55 UTC
via PlanetF1Lewis Hamilton defends George Russell after Baku restartLewis Hamilton has come to the defence of George Russell following scrutiny over his management of the chaotic restart during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The incident has sparked discussions among drivers and the FIA regarding the handling of such situations.
PlanetF1Mon 28 Sep · 12:12 UTC
via f1technical.net"There was little opportunity to relax at any stage of the race," claims Mercedes ...George Russell secured a commanding victory at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, converting his pole position into a win despite facing pressure from Max Verstappen in the closing laps. The race featured two Safety Car periods that challenged Russell's lead, but he managed to hold on for the win, marking an important return to the top step of the podium for him and Mercedes.
Kimi Antonelli also had a notable performance, recovering from a difficult qualifying session that left him in P16. He climbed through the field to finish fifth, showcasing his determination and skill. Mercedes Trackside Engineering Director Andrew Shovlin praised both drivers for their performances, highlighting the team's strong pace throughout the weekend and their ability to maximize opportunities during the race.
f1technical.netMon 28 Sep · 11:00 UTC
via PlanetF1‘Was no one watching?’ – New untelevised Lewis Hamilton team radio after Azerbaijan GPUntelevised team radio from the Azerbaijan Grand Prix revealed Lewis Hamilton's confusion regarding Ferrari's response to a safety car deployment after Alex Albon's crash. Hamilton questioned why Ferrari had not anticipated the incident, expressing his bemusement during a conversation with his race engineer Carlo Santi.
Despite finishing sixth, Hamilton's performance was hindered by a lack of communication from the pit wall, which has been a recurring issue. He has not achieved a podium finish since the British Grand Prix in July, and his frustration was evident as he navigated the race without timely updates from his team.PlanetF1Mon 28 Sep · 10:10 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 CrashHamilton and Verstappen disagree on Middle East racesLewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen have expressed contrasting views regarding Formula 1's races in the Middle East, specifically in Qatar and Abu Dhabi. Verstappen has countered Hamilton's stance, highlighting the importance of the region in the sport.Crash+ 1 moreMon 28 Sep · 08:26 UTC
via racer.comRussell, Verstappen, Hadjar find Norris call for Colapinto race ban 'too harsh'Lando Norris has suggested that Franco Colapinto should be banned from racing following a crash during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, which he deemed dangerous. However, fellow drivers George Russell, Max Verstappen, and Isack Hadjar have expressed that this punishment is too severe, arguing that the incident stemmed from a minor mistake exacerbated by challenging track conditions.
Russell, who won the race, emphasized that race bans should be reserved for intentional reckless behaviour, while Verstappen highlighted the importance of accountability from Colapinto. Hadjar pointed out that the bumpy track and difficulties in warming up tires contributed to the crash's severity. Colapinto has received a five-place grid penalty for the upcoming Malaysian Grand Prix.
racer.comMon 28 Sep · 08:10 UTC
via f1technical.net"It was undoubtedly his best race with us so far," claims Mekies as he hails Red ...Red Bull Team Principal Laurent Mekies commended the team's performance at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, describing it as their best weekend of the season. Max Verstappen recovered from an eighth-place start to finish second, while Isack Hadjar, returning from injury, secured third place, marking a significant turnaround for the team after earlier struggles this season.
Mekies highlighted the progress made by Red Bull, noting their competitiveness against Mercedes. He praised both drivers for their teamwork and performance, particularly emphasizing Hadjar's impressive return. The double podium reflects a major improvement for Red Bull, showcasing the effectiveness of their recent upgrades and the collective effort of the team.f1technical.netMon 28 Sep · 07:00 UTC
via gpfans.comMax Verstappen F1 nightmare as Red Bull boss reveals 'huge problem'Max Verstappen has raised concerns about his car's performance, describing it as 'degrading' during races. Red Bull's leadership, including Laurent Mekies and Pierre Wache, have confirmed these issues, with Wache admitting he lacks confidence in a full fix before the next season. The team is shifting focus to 2027, marking the upgrade for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix as their last significant package for the year.
Despite these challenges, Red Bull managed to secure a double podium in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, with Verstappen finishing second, just behind George Russell. This result allowed Red Bull to close the gap to McLaren in the constructors' championship, reducing their deficit from 76 points to 43 points. However, the team acknowledges that significant work remains to be done to improve their car's performance.
gpfans.comMon 28 Sep · 06:57 UTC
via gpfans.comRUMOURLewis Hamilton faces criticism amid Ferrari strugglesLewis Hamilton has been accused of sulking and blaming Ferrari engineers for his own mistakes following a challenging weekend for the team. Italian media reports suggest that Hamilton's mood has darkened as the pressure mounts on team principal Frederic Vasseur and the Scuderia.newsonf1.com+ 1 moreMon 28 Sep · 06:29 UTC
via PlanetF1Winners and losers from the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand PrixGeorge Russell delivered a standout performance at the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, winning the race and reigniting his championship hopes. He dominated the weekend, showcasing his speed and resilience, particularly after overcoming challenges earlier in the season. Russell expressed pride in his team's efforts and his growing confidence with the car, despite being significantly behind in the championship standings.
Conversely, Franco Colapinto faced severe backlash after crashing into teammate Lando Norris, jeopardising Alpine's points in the Constructors' Championship. Colapinto took full responsibility for his mistake, which could have costly implications for the team. His actions have drawn the ire of team principal Flavio Briatore, who is contemplating potential disciplinary measures, while the situation has escalated tensions among fans on social media.PlanetF1Mon 28 Sep · 06:29 UTC
via gpfans.comF1 News Today: Lewis Hamilton 'concern' revealed as government minister weighs in on Baku controversyLewis Hamilton has expressed concern following a disappointing race weekend at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where he finished in fourth place. After starting the second half of the season second in the standings, Hamilton's title hopes have diminished significantly, now trailing championship leader Kimi Antonelli by 103 points.
Ferrari also struggled during the race, with Charles Leclerc finishing sixth. The situation has drawn attention from various quarters, including a government minister who made remarks regarding Lando Norris amid ongoing controversies in Formula 1. The overall performance of Ferrari has raised questions about their competitiveness this season.gpfans.comMon 28 Sep · 05:30 UTC
via f1chronicle.comGeorge Russell Claims First Grand Slam of His Career With Baku Win That Slashes Antonelli’s Title LeadGeorge Russell secured his first career Grand Slam by winning the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, leading every lap and finishing just 0.196 seconds ahead of Max Verstappen. This victory reduced Kimi Antonelli's championship lead from 81 points to 66, with eight races remaining in the season. Russell expressed that he feels more like himself again after a challenging stretch, crediting his team for their support during tough times.
Antonelli, who had a difficult weekend, crashed in qualifying and started from 16th position, ultimately finishing fifth. Despite this setback, he still maintains a significant lead in the championship standings. Russell's win has revitalised the title race, and he remains determined to win every remaining race this season.
f1chronicle.comSun 27 Sep · 20:25 UTC
via f1technical.netHamilton opens up on his mysterious tyre issues in BakuLewis Hamilton revealed that Ferrari faced significant challenges with tyre performance during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where he finished in sixth place. Both Hamilton and his teammate Charles Leclerc were unable to extract consistent performance from their tyres, which hindered their ability to compete effectively against other teams.
Hamilton noted that the grip levels of the tyres were inconsistent, making it difficult to maintain competitive lap times. He expressed surprise at the team's struggles throughout the weekend and emphasised that the issues should not reflect Ferrari's overall competitiveness at other circuits. The team plans to analyse data to improve tyre management for future races.f1technical.netSun 27 Sep · 18:00 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 PlanetF1Lando Norris ‘race ban’ theory under Verstappen, Hadjar and Russell scrutinyLando Norris has called for a race ban for Franco Colapinto following a multi-car collision at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, which resulted in Norris retiring from the race. Norris believes that Colapinto's actions were careless and deserving of a ban, stating that such incidents cost teams significant amounts of money.
However, his request has faced criticism from fellow drivers George Russell, Max Verstappen, and Isack Hadjar, who feel that a race ban is too severe for what they consider a small mistake. Colapinto received a 10-second penalty for causing the collision, which has been converted into a five-place grid drop for his next race.PlanetF1Sun 27 Sep · 13:04 UTC
via RacingNews365Max Verstappen denies George Russell super-rare F1 achievement only Lewis Hamilton holdsDuring the Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend, George Russell came close to achieving a Super Grand Chelem, a rare feat only accomplished by Lewis Hamilton. Russell dominated the early sessions, topping Free Practice 1 and 2, securing pole position, and winning the race while also setting the fastest lap. However, he fell short of the Super Grand Chelem after Max Verstappen outpaced him in Free Practice 3.
Verstappen's performance in Free Practice 3, where he clocked a time of 1:43.922, prevented Russell from joining the exclusive club of drivers who have topped every session, qualified first, led every lap, and set the fastest lap in a race. Hamilton remains the only driver to have achieved this since the current qualifying format was introduced in 2006.
RacingNews365Sun 27 Sep · 11:10 UTC
via Motorsport WeekMotorsport Week’s 2026 F1 Azerbaijan GP Driver RatingsGeorge Russell achieved his first victory of the 2026 season at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, showcasing a dominant performance throughout the race weekend. He started from pole position and maintained control despite pressure from Max Verstappen, who finished just a tenth of a second behind him at the chequered flag. Isack Hadjar made a strong comeback to secure third place after recovering from a wrist injury that had sidelined him for three races.
Kimi Antonelli managed to limit damage by finishing fifth after starting from P16 due to a qualifying incident. Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton struggled with pace, finishing fourth and sixth respectively. Arvid Lindblad and Esteban Ocon also scored points, while Oliver Bearman ended his point-less streak by finishing ninth. Liam Lawson faced difficulties after a collision with his teammate Lindblad.
Motorsport WeekSun 27 Sep · 11:01 UTC.webp&w=1200&q=70)
via Formula1.comHow the faster Hadjar helped Verstappen to second place in BakuMax Verstappen secured second place in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, aided by his teammate Isack Hadjar. After starting from eighth on the grid, Verstappen showcased his pace, which was hindered during qualifying due to engine issues and yellow flags.
During the race, Verstappen moved into third place before the team instructed Hadjar to allow him to pass. This strategic move enabled Verstappen to chase down the race leader, George Russell, after he had already overtaken Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.Formula1.comSun 27 Sep · 08:05 UTC
via f1oversteer.comFerrari responds to Lewis Hamilton's recent criticismFerrari has addressed Lewis Hamilton's critical comments regarding the team, which he made as his title challenge faltered. Insiders from Ferrari have suggested that Hamilton is deflecting blame onto the engineers for his own mistakes.
f1oversteer.comSun 27 Sep · 08:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comOliver Bearman just confirmed Lewis Hamilton is right about Ferrari engine after Haas struggleOliver Bearman, driving for Haas, confirmed Lewis Hamilton's concerns regarding the performance of Ferrari's engine after a challenging race in Azerbaijan. Despite being faster on the lap, Bearman struggled to defend against Red Bull's Arvid Lindblad, who he described as a 'missile' on the straights, highlighting the significant speed deficit of the Ferrari engine.
Hamilton has also expressed frustration with the power of his Mercedes engine, noting it has become a recurring issue this season. He previously mentioned losing time on the straights and criticized the recent engine upgrade for not delivering the expected improvements. While Ferrari's engine has shown reliability, teams like Haas and Cadillac are left wanting more performance.f1oversteer.comSun 27 Sep · 07:00 UTC
via Motorsport.comMercedes did not expect Monza repeat from AntonelliMercedes deputy team principal Bradley Lord stated that Kimi Antonelli was never expected to replicate his previous performance from Monza during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. George Russell secured victory at the Baku City Circuit, converting his pole position into a win for Mercedes.
Motorsport.com+ 1 moreSun 27 Sep · 06:55 UTC