George RussellMax VerstappenFranco ColapintoIsack HadjarLewis Hamilton 
via f1oversteer.comTimo Glock saw Laurent Mekies’ real feelings after ‘frustrated’ Max Verstappen rued Red Bull issueMax Verstappen expressed frustration after a battery issue hindered his qualifying performance at the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, leaving him in P8 on the grid. Despite showing strong pace in practice and Q1, the problem arose during Q3, significantly impacting his speed and lap time.
Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies acknowledged that the battery issue ruined Verstappen's chances for a better starting position. Timo Glock observed Mekies' tense demeanor while discussing the situation, raising concerns about potential challenges for Verstappen in the race following a promising start to the weekend.
f1oversteer.comSat 26 Sep · 07:00 UTC
via gpfans.comCharles Leclerc calls out Ferrari bias as F1 star opens up on Lewis Hamilton fightCharles Leclerc has expressed frustration over what he perceives as media bias against Ferrari, particularly regarding his on-track battles with teammate Lewis Hamilton. He believes that the scrutiny of their incidents has been excessive and unfair, especially in comparison to similar situations involving other teams. Leclerc stated that both he and Hamilton have had moments where they crossed the line, but he enjoys the competitive nature of racing against Hamilton.
Leclerc highlighted that discussions around their racing incidents often lead to incorrect conclusions, and he feels that the focus on Ferrari's actions is disproportionate. He emphasized the importance of communication between the two drivers to ensure they can compete effectively while prioritising the team's success. Despite the challenges, Leclerc remains committed to fighting for Ferrari and appreciates the thrill of competing against one of the best in the sport.
gpfans.comSat 26 Sep · 06:58 UTC
via AutosportVerstappen says Baku was Red Bull's best chance to winMax Verstappen believes that the Azerbaijan Grand Prix was Red Bull Racing's best opportunity to secure a victory in the 2026 Formula 1 season. He attributed his poor starting position to an issue with the internal combustion engine.
Autosport+ 1 moreSat 26 Sep · 06:54 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 RacingNews365Christian Horner drops 'nightmare' claim about Helmut Marko and Max Verstappen signingChristian Horner has made claims in his new book that Helmut Marko was initially hesitant to bring Max Verstappen into the Red Bull team, citing concerns about Verstappen's father, Jos. Horner describes Marko as a difficult character, labelling him as abrasive and disloyal, and expressed disappointment over Marko's cold treatment of him following his dismissal from Red Bull.
Horner reflects on his relationship with Marko, noting that while Marko had once given him his start at Red Bull, their dynamic changed, particularly after the death of team founder Dietrich Mateschitz. Despite Marko's early scepticism, Verstappen went on to achieve significant success, becoming a four-time world champion.
RacingNews365Sat 26 Sep · 06:15 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 gpfans.comF1 News Today: Lewis Hamilton in turmoil as F1 star hit with double FIA punishmentLewis Hamilton and Ferrari are experiencing significant challenges at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, with Hamilton lagging behind Mercedes by over 1.3 seconds. This follows a promising period before the summer break, where Hamilton was seen as a contender for the championship against Kimi Antonelli.
In qualifying, George Russell dominated by taking pole position, while Charles Leclerc and Oscar Piastri qualified second and third, respectively. Additionally, Carlos Sainz faced a setback with a grid penalty, and Max Verstappen expressed frustration after qualifying eighth, despite having shown strong performance in practice.gpfans.comSat 26 Sep · 04:45 UTC
via RaceFansOn This Day: Hamilton scores 100th F1 win as Norris throws away his first | BriefOn 26 September 2021, Lewis Hamilton achieved his 100th Formula 1 victory, capitalising on Lando Norris's decision to remain on slick tyres during a rain shower. This strategic error allowed Hamilton to take the lead and secure the win, marking a significant milestone in his career.
Norris's misjudgment cost him his first grand prix win, while Max Verstappen, who had incurred a power unit change penalty, managed to race from 20th to finish in second place. Hamilton's victory also enabled him to reclaim the lead in the championship standings, intensifying the competition for the title.
RaceFansFri 25 Sep · 23:01 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 gpfans.comLewis Hamilton and Ferrari in turmoil after Mercedes humiliation at Azerbaijan Grand PrixLewis Hamilton and Ferrari faced a disappointing qualifying session at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, with Hamilton finishing sixth and over 1.3 seconds behind pole position. Despite upgrades to the car, Ferrari's performance fell short, leaving Hamilton feeling dejected and questioning the team's strategy.
The struggles of Ferrari continue as they have not won a drivers' championship since 2007, highlighting ongoing issues within the team. Hamilton's hopes of competing for the title have diminished significantly, and the team appears to be in turmoil as they grapple with their performance and strategy.gpfans.comFri 25 Sep · 18:58 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 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 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