George RussellMax VerstappenDavid CoulthardBob SaidLewis Hamilton 
via Motorsport WeekLewis Hamilton deplores crucial F1 ‘pain in the ass’ after qualifying woeLewis Hamilton expressed frustration after qualifying P6 for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, citing issues with the tyres and team execution. He noted that despite finishing in the top five during Free Practice, he struggled to find pace during the qualifying session, finishing 1.3 seconds behind polesitter George Russell.
Hamilton highlighted the challenges of the narrow Baku circuit and the unpredictability it brings. He mentioned that while he had received a tow earlier in the weekend, he was unable to replicate that advantage in Q3, which contributed to his disappointing qualifying result.
Motorsport WeekFri 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 espn.comVerstappen expresses frustration after Baku qualifyingMax Verstappen revealed he told Red Bull to 'p*** off' following a disappointing qualifying session for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. He described the experience as a 'disaster', resulting in him starting from eighth on the grid.
espn.com+ 1 moreFri 25 Sep · 17:00 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 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 gpfans.comF1 star Lewis Hamilton issues grid penalty verdict ahead of Azerbaijan Grand PrixLewis Hamilton has stated that he does not anticipate needing to take an engine penalty for exceeding his power unit component limits this season. Despite being at the upper limit of all components, he believes that his recent retirement in Madrid has reduced the wear on his parts, effectively giving him an advantage in terms of component usage.
Hamilton's current standing is third in the 2026 drivers' championship, trailing Kimi Antonelli by 101 points. He acknowledged that while he feels confident about avoiding penalties, performance changes throughout the season could influence future decisions regarding his power unit components.
gpfans.comFri 25 Sep · 16:05 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
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 WeekOscar Piastri makes McLaren ‘no hope’ concession after Mercedes F1 trouncingOscar Piastri admitted that McLaren had no chance of beating George Russell for pole position during the qualifying session at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Piastri will start the race in third place, behind Russell and Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, while his teammate Lando Norris qualified fifth. This marks the sixth time this season that Piastri has out-qualified Norris.
Despite a challenging start to the weekend, McLaren discovered additional pace during qualifying. Piastri expressed satisfaction with the team's performance, noting the difficulties posed by windy conditions on the track. He highlighted the unpredictability of the car's balance due to gusts, which made qualifying particularly challenging.Motorsport WeekFri 25 Sep · 14:38 UTC
via Motorsport.comIsack Hadjar bullish: If I hadn't missed three races, I'd be second on the gridIsack Hadjar, driving for Red Bull Racing, qualified fourth for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix but expressed confidence that he could have secured second place if he had not missed the previous three races due to a wrist injury. His qualifying time was just 0.137 seconds slower than Charles Leclerc, who took second, while Hadjar outperformed Max Verstappen, who qualified eighth.
Hadjar described his approach during the comeback as cautious, aiming to avoid risks while gradually building confidence. He acknowledged improvements in his car's handling since his last race in Hungary, but admitted that Mercedes still had a significant speed advantage, particularly in straight-line performance. This qualifying result marks Hadjar's best performance since the season opener in Melbourne.
Motorsport.comFri 25 Sep · 14:36 UTC
via RacingNews365Furious Max Verstappen 'completely done' after latest Red Bull problemMax Verstappen expressed his anger after a battery issue hindered his performance during qualifying for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, resulting in an eighth-place finish. He had been competitive earlier in the session but faced difficulties in Q3, which he attributed to the car's failure to charge properly and other mechanical problems.
Verstappen, who had shown strong pace throughout the weekend, felt that the changes made to the car did not yield positive results. He was particularly frustrated with the inability to push effectively due to the battery not being fully charged, leading to a disappointing qualifying session that left him significantly behind his teammate Isack Hadjar.RacingNews365Fri 25 Sep · 14:30 UTC
via F1iKimi Antonelli criticises his Baku qualifying errorKimi Antonelli described his early exit from qualifying for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix as a 'very stupid' mistake. The incident has left him starting towards the back of the grid for the race.F1i+ 1 moreFri 25 Sep · 14:14 UTC
via Motorsport.com1 videoGeorge Russell's "biggest threat" in Azerbaijan GP: Max Verstappen or Kimi Antonelli?George Russell, driving for Mercedes, has qualified in pole position for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix and considers Max Verstappen his biggest threat in the race. Kimi Antonelli, his teammate, crashed during qualifying, which left him starting in 16th place despite having shown strong pace earlier in the season. Russell acknowledged Antonelli's potential for a comeback, referencing his impressive recovery from 19th to first in Monza.
Verstappen faced difficulties in qualifying, finishing 8th due to issues with his internal combustion engine. Russell, currently 81 points behind Antonelli in the drivers' championship, expressed a renewed sense of confidence and excitement as he prepares for the race, despite the pressure of needing to improve his season performance.Motorsport.comFri 25 Sep · 14:52 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
via f1oversteer.comArvid Lindblad shares why he now ‘respects’ Max Verstappen more than F1 ‘idol’ Lewis HamiltonArvid Lindblad, a driver for Racing Bulls, has expressed that he now holds Max Verstappen in higher regard than his childhood idol, Lewis Hamilton. Lindblad, who grew up watching Hamilton dominate Formula 1, has shifted his admiration towards Verstappen, particularly appreciating his race management skills and overall performance as he embarks on his own F1 career.
Having made his F1 debut in 2026 after a rapid rise through the ranks, Lindblad has already shown promise with points finishes in eight of his last nine races. He acknowledges the challenges of transitioning to F1 and sees Verstappen and Charles Leclerc as key figures from whom he can learn to enhance his skills on the track.f1oversteer.comFri 25 Sep · 11:30 UTC
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