George RussellMax VerstappenFranco ColapintoIsack HadjarLewis Hamilton 
via the-race.comF1's penalty points system has a big blindspotFranco Colapinto's recent crash during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix has highlighted significant flaws in Formula 1's penalty points system. After losing control of his Alpine and colliding with team-mate Pierre Gasly, which also took out Lando Norris, Colapinto received a 10-second penalty that he could not serve due to his retirement from the race. Instead, he will face a five-place grid penalty at the next race in Malaysia, a decision that has drawn mixed reactions from fellow drivers regarding its fairness and severity.
The incident has sparked a broader discussion among drivers about the effectiveness of the penalty points system, which was designed to deter repeat offenders. Currently, no penalty points have been issued for collisions this season, raising concerns that the system is not adequately addressing dangerous driving. Many believe that the absence of penalty points for such incidents represents a significant oversight, as it sets a concerning precedent for future races.
the-race.comSun 27 Sep · 15:01 UTC
via Motorsport WeekAlpine condemns online abuse after Colapinto incidentAlpine has issued a statement condemning the online abuse directed at drivers, media, and rival teams following the controversial collision involving Franco Colapinto and Lando Norris. The team highlighted the negative impact of such behaviour in the wake of the incident during the Baku race.
Motorsport Week+ 1 moreSun 27 Sep · 13:38 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 f1technical.netColapinto handed five-place grid penalty after Baku collisionFranco Colapinto has been handed a five-place grid penalty for the next Formula 1 race after being deemed predominantly responsible for a collision during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The incident occurred at Turn 1 on Lap 36, where Colapinto attempted to overtake teammate Pierre Gasly but braked too late, causing a crash that also involved Lando Norris, leading to all three drivers retiring from the race.
The FIA stewards investigated the incident and concluded that Colapinto was wholly to blame, rejecting the possibility of a more lenient penalty typically applied to first-corner incidents. As Colapinto retired from the race, he could not serve the usual 10-second time penalty, resulting in the conversion of his sanction to a five-place grid drop for his next race.
f1technical.netSun 27 Sep · 13:00 UTC
via espn.comNorris targeted with online abuse, called for banLando Norris has been targeted with significant online abuse after he urged Formula 1 to impose a ban on Franco Colapinto, following a collision that led to a three-car pile-up during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The incident forced Norris to retire from the race, prompting backlash from Colapinto's supporters on social media.
In response to the abuse, Colapinto's team, Alpine, issued a statement condemning the hate directed not only at Norris but also at other members of the Formula 1 community. They emphasised the need to address online abuse and promote healthy competition within the sport. Following the race, Norris's championship hopes appear diminished as he trails Kimi Antonelli by 116 points, while George Russell's victory has positioned him as Antonelli's primary title challenger.
espn.comSun 27 Sep · 12:20 UTCvia espn.comNorris targeted with online abuse, called for banLando Norris has been targeted with significant online abuse after he urged Formula 1 to impose a ban on Franco Colapinto, following a collision that led to a three-car pile-up during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The incident forced Norris to retire from the race, prompting backlash from Colapinto's supporters on social media.
In response to the abuse, Colapinto's team, Alpine, issued a statement condemning the hate directed not only at Norris but also at other members of the Formula 1 community. They emphasised the need to address online abuse and promote healthy competition within the sport. Following the race, Norris's championship hopes appear diminished as he trails Kimi Antonelli by 116 points, while George Russell's victory has positioned him as Antonelli's primary title challenger.espn.comSun 27 Sep · 12:20 UTC
via CrashAlpine issues statement as Lando Norris targeted by online abuse after Franco Colapinto remarksAlpine has publicly condemned the online abuse directed at Lando Norris following his call for Franco Colapinto to be banned from Formula 1. This came after Colapinto caused a significant crash during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, which eliminated both Norris and his teammate Pierre Gasly from the race.
The team emphasised the need to address the issue of online hate, stating that such behaviour is unacceptable regardless of the circumstances. Colapinto has acknowledged his mistake and will face a five-place grid penalty in the next race, while Alpine continues to advocate for a healthier sporting environment.
CrashSun 27 Sep · 11:47 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
via Motorsport.comRed Bull impressed by Isack Hadjar's F1 returnIsack Hadjar made a strong return to Formula 1 with Red Bull Racing after recovering from a wrist injury. His performance at the challenging Baku City Circuit particularly impressed the team.
Motorsport.com+ 1 moreSun 27 Sep · 10:10 UTC
via the-race.comGary Anderson: Alpine should handle Colapinto action, not the FIAGary Anderson argues that Alpine should take responsibility for Franco Colapinto's actions following his crash involving team-mate Pierre Gasly and Lando Norris at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Flavio Briatore, Alpine's team boss, has stated he will consider what course of action to take regarding Colapinto, who already faces a five-place grid penalty for the incident.
Anderson reflects on the importance of teams maintaining discipline among drivers and suggests that the responsibility for reprimands should lie with the team rather than the FIA. He also critiques Norris's demand for a race ban for Colapinto, noting that such incidents are common in racing and should be addressed internally by the team.the-race.comSun 27 Sep · 09:32 UTC
via CrashCould Alpine bench Franco Colapinto for Malaysia and who could replace him?Alpine is contemplating disciplinary action against Franco Colapinto following a significant crash during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where he took out both his teammate Pierre Gasly and McLaren's Lando Norris. Flavio Briatore, Alpine's chief, expressed his disappointment and indicated that the team would reflect on the situation to determine appropriate measures, which could range from a warning to benching Colapinto for the upcoming race in Malaysia.
If Alpine decides to replace Colapinto, their options are limited to reserve drivers Paul Aron and Kush Maini, with Aron likely being the preferred choice due to his experience in Formula 1 practice sessions. Other potential candidates include Daniil Kvyat and Mercedes reserve driver Frederik Vesti, but there are concerns about their performance compared to Colapinto, who has contributed significantly to the team's points this season.CrashSun 27 Sep · 08:53 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
via gpfans.comVerstappen urges F1 to avoid Qatar and Abu Dhabi racesMax Verstappen has expressed concerns over safety in the Middle East, stating that Formula 1 should not hold races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi if the regional security situation does not improve. The four-time world champion emphasised the importance of prioritising safety for all involved in the sport.newsonf1.com+ 1 moreSun 27 Sep · 06:34 UTC
via gpfans.comF1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix 2026 results: Final classification with all penalties applied from BakuGeorge Russell claimed victory at the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, leading from start to finish despite pressure from Max Verstappen in the closing laps. This win marks Russell's first since June, with Verstappen finishing just 0.196 seconds behind, making it one of the closest finishes in recent history.
Red Bull's Isack Hadjar secured third place, contributing to the team's first double podium since 2024. McLaren faced a challenging race, with Lando Norris crashing out and Oscar Piastri finishing 14th. Franco Colapinto was penalised for causing a collision, which will affect his grid position in the next race.
gpfans.comSun 27 Sep · 06:14 UTC
via f1oversteer.comIsack Hadjar reveals the one rule he gave himself ahead of F1 return at the Azerbaijan Grand PrixIsack Hadjar made a successful return to Formula 1 at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, finishing on the podium after an eight-week hiatus. He drove the Red Bull RB22 and demonstrated competitive performance, particularly against Max Verstappen during the race.
Ahead of the race, Hadjar established a personal rule to avoid touching any walls, which he attributed to his cautious approach following a wrist injury. He expressed satisfaction with his performance, focusing on securing a solid result rather than aggressively battling for position.f1oversteer.comSun 27 Sep · 06:00 UTC
via Motorsport.comRUMOURWho slept worst last night: Lewis HamiltonLewis Hamilton has publicly backed Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur amidst speculation regarding Christian Horner's potential return to the team. Horner, the long-time Red Bull Racing principal, mentioned in an interview that he would consider returning to Formula 1, specifically for Ferrari, which has raised eyebrows given his history with Hamilton.
Vasseur has acknowledged that the ongoing speculation is creating a challenging atmosphere within the team. He emphasized the need for stability and serenity, suggesting that a reaffirmation of his position from Ferrari leadership could help quell the rumors. Meanwhile, Hamilton appears unfazed by the situation, focusing instead on the challenges ahead in the current season.Motorsport.comSun 27 Sep · 05:36 UTC
via PlanetF1Azerbaijan GP conclusions: Russell back in the game, Colapinto ban demand, untelevised Hamilton radioLewis Hamilton's untelevised team radio during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix has come under scrutiny after he called for a ban on Lando Norris following a racing incident. This demand has sparked discussions about the implications of such requests in Formula 1, particularly regarding driver conduct and team dynamics.
In the same race, George Russell secured his third victory of the 2026 season, holding off Max Verstappen, who finished second. Isack Hadjar achieved a notable third place, marking Red Bull's first double podium finish since 2024. The race highlighted the ongoing competitive tensions within the sport, especially as Hamilton's comments add to the narrative surrounding driver accountability and the enforcement of racing standards.PlanetF1Sun 27 Sep · 05:04 UTC
via f1technical.net"I never lost that faith in myself," claims Russell after his dominant showing in BakuGeorge Russell secured his first Formula 1 victory since Austria by winning the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on 27 September 2026. Starting from pole position, Russell maintained control for most of the race, but faced significant pressure from Max Verstappen after two Safety Car periods brought the field closer together. Despite a tense final few laps, where he even clipped the wall, Russell managed to fend off Verstappen's challenge and crossed the finish line first.
After the race, Russell expressed his pride in the hard work he and his engineering team put in to overcome earlier season difficulties. He highlighted his recent form, having achieved three podiums in the last four races, and conveyed confidence in his ability to compete for victories consistently. Looking ahead, Russell mentioned upcoming upgrades for Mercedes, which he hopes will enhance their performance in future races.f1technical.netSat 26 Sep · 22:00 UTC
via Motorsport.comIsack Hadjar earns "team-mate points" after "exceptional comeback" in Baku, says Alex BrundleIsack Hadjar received acclaim for his impressive comeback drive, finishing third at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix after recovering from a wrist injury. His performance was highlighted by F1 TV pundit Alex Brundle, who noted Hadjar's ability to follow team orders and maintain pace, contributing to a strong result for Red Bull Racing alongside Max Verstappen.
Brundle and 1996 champion Damon Hill both commended Hadjar's resilience and the team's overall strength. With Hadjar and Verstappen now positioned sixth and eighth in the drivers' championship, Red Bull sits fourth in the constructors' standings, bolstered by points scored by Liam Lawson during Hadjar's absence.Motorsport.comSat 26 Sep · 21:35 UTC
via lightsoutblog.com2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix: Race Statistics, Facts and TriviaGeorge Russell secured victory at the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, marking his eighth career win and achieving his first Grand Slam by leading every lap and setting the fastest lap. He won by a narrow margin of 0.196 seconds, the closest finish since 2023, and this victory also allowed Mercedes to equal Ferrari for the most wins in Formula 1 history.
Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar completed the podium, marking Red Bull's first double podium finish in over two years. Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton finished fourth and sixth respectively, while Kimi Antonelli, who started 16th, finished fifth. Haas achieved a double points finish for the first time at Baku, with Carlos Sainz rounding out the top ten.lightsoutblog.comSat 26 Sep · 21:27 UTC