George RussellMax VerstappenOscar Piastri 
via RacingNews365Engine guru confirms Max Verstappen was right: 'I already had this view'Max Verstappen has been vocal about his dissatisfaction with the current Formula 1 power units, arguing that they require excessive energy management, making the driving experience less authentic. His concerns have been echoed by renowned engine designer Mario Illien, who agrees that the balance between combustion and electric power is flawed, stating that the current setup diminishes the driver's role in racing.
Illien, who has extensive experience in F1 engine design, supports a shift in the power unit ratio that the FIA is considering, moving from a 52/48 split to a 58/42 ratio. However, he cautions that while this change may improve the situation, it will not fully resolve the underlying issues. Illien reminisces about the previous power unit configuration, which he believes was more effective and better received by fans.
RacingNews365Mon 28 Sep · 17:15 UTC
via gpfans.comUntelevised Red Bull F1 radio reveals captivating Max Verstappen team orders to Isack HadjarDuring the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Isack Hadjar received team orders from Red Bull not to overtake his teammate Max Verstappen, despite being faster on the track. This decision was communicated via untelevised radio exchanges, where Hadjar expressed his willingness to push for an attack on Oscar Piastri but was ultimately instructed to maintain his position behind Verstappen.
The strategy proved effective for Red Bull, as Verstappen managed to secure a better position after a safety car period, allowing him to challenge for the lead. The decision to keep Hadjar behind Verstappen, although controversial, resulted in a successful double podium for the team, highlighting the complexities of team dynamics in Formula 1.
gpfans.comMon 28 Sep · 16:44 UTC
via Motorsport.comWhy Mercedes thought Max Verstappen was "on some sort of massive bungee cord" in Azerbaijan GPDuring the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, George Russell initially created a significant lead over Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar, but the deployment of a safety car changed the race dynamics. After the safety car, Verstappen managed to close the gap and challenged Russell, leading to a nail-biting finish where only 0.196 seconds separated them at the line.
Mercedes deputy team principal Bradley Lord remarked on Verstappen's ability to catch up, likening it to being on a 'massive bungee cord'. Despite Russell's superior speed in the second sector, Verstappen's straight-line speed allowed him to stay close. The race highlighted the intense competition and strategic nuances of Formula 1, with Russell managing to maintain his lead despite the pressure.
Motorsport.comMon 28 Sep · 16:30 UTC
via Motorsport.comRUMOURGeorge Russell Baku F1 win sparks "cracked the code" theoryGeorge Russell achieved a significant victory at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, showcasing his dominance by securing pole position and winning the race. His teammate Kimi Antonelli, who leads the drivers' championship, faced challenges, including a crash during qualifying, which resulted in a fifth-place finish. This outcome allowed Russell to close the gap in the championship standings.
Former IndyCar driver James Hinchcliffe speculated on Russell's performance, suggesting he may have discovered a way to extract more speed from his Mercedes car. Hinchcliffe noted that throughout the weekend, Antonelli struggled to match Russell's pace, raising questions about whether Russell has indeed 'cracked the code' to unlock his car's potential.Motorsport.comMon 28 Sep · 15:53 UTC
via Formula1.comWho impressed our Power Rankings judges in Azerbaijan?George Russell had an outstanding performance at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, clinching pole position by eight tenths of a second and converting it into a race victory despite pressure from Max Verstappen, who recovered from eighth on the grid to finish second. Isack Hadjar, returning from injury, impressed with a third-place finish, marking his first podium in Formula 1.
The race saw several notable performances, including Esteban Ocon's charge from 14th to eighth and Ollie Bearman's solid ninth-place finish for Haas. Pierre Gasly faced disappointment after being taken out by his teammate Franco Colapinto. Carlos Sainz's penalty dropped him from ninth to 14th, while Sergio Perez expressed satisfaction with his performance despite finishing 14th.
Formula1.comMon 28 Sep · 15:10 UTC
via thejudge13.comVerstappen warns Mercedes upgrade could change Red Bull’s picture againMax Verstappen expressed caution regarding Red Bull's competitive position following their recent success at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Despite finishing on the podium alongside teammate Isack Hadjar, Verstappen warned that Mercedes' upcoming upgrades could shift the competitive landscape, making it difficult for Red Bull to maintain their advantage.
Verstappen acknowledged that while the RB22 showed improved balance in Baku, there are still underlying issues that need addressing. He emphasised the importance of maximising opportunities each weekend and highlighted the need for ongoing development to ensure Red Bull remains competitive against rivals like Mercedes.
thejudge13.comMon 28 Sep · 15:07 UTC
via AutosportWhat made Red Bull so fast in the Azerbaijan GP after Verstappen’s qualifying issueRed Bull Racing achieved a significant milestone by securing a double podium at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, with Max Verstappen finishing second and Isack Hadjar in third. This marked the team's first double podium in nearly two and a half years, showcasing their strong performance despite Verstappen's earlier qualifying issues that left him eighth on the grid.
Team principal Laurent Mekies attributed their success to the powerful Red Bull-Ford power unit and effective energy management strategies. He noted that while they faced challenges with their power units, the team managed to close the performance gap with competitors. Looking ahead, Mekies acknowledged that Red Bull would not introduce further major updates this season, while also noting the competitive landscape with Mercedes set to release upgrades soon.
AutosportMon 28 Sep · 13:54 UTC
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 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 CrashOscar Piastri slammed for “rookie error” in “weird” Azerbaijan GP momentOscar Piastri faced criticism for a significant lock-up at Turn 1 during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, which was labelled a 'rookie error' by former champion Jacques Villeneuve. This mistake caused Piastri to drop from second place to 13th, missing out on points in the process.
Both Piastri and his McLaren teammate Lando Norris struggled with pace throughout the race, with Norris also experiencing a lock-up that forced him to take the escape road. After the race, Piastri expressed his surprise at the incident, stating he did not believe he had done anything unusual to cause the lock-up.
CrashMon 28 Sep · 10:59 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 f1oversteer.comMcLaren warned Oscar Piastri about lock-up risk in unheard Azerbaijan Grand Prix radioDuring the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Oscar Piastri was in contention for a podium finish when he experienced a lock-up that caused him to fall to 15th place. He initially passed Charles Leclerc for second position and defended against Red Bull drivers until a safety car incident changed the race dynamics. Piastri's lock-up occurred while he was under pressure from Isack Hadjar, leading to a significant drop in his race position due to heavily flat-spotted tyres.
McLaren's Tom Stallard had warned Piastri about the risk of lock-ups after Lando Norris had a similar incident earlier in the race. Despite the setback, Stallard noted that Piastri's first stint was impressive and expressed optimism about their performance moving forward. Andrea Stella acknowledged that the team's car performance contributed to the lock-ups, indicating that insufficient straight-line speed put additional pressure on the drivers.
f1oversteer.comMon 28 Sep · 08:00 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 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 f1technical.netNorris opens up on his technical issues in BakuLando Norris faced a challenging Azerbaijan Grand Prix, ultimately retiring after a collision during a Safety Car restart. His McLaren teammate, Oscar Piastri, also encountered difficulties, losing a potential podium after a late-race mistake. Norris expressed frustration over the team's lack of straight-line speed and the unfortunate circumstances that led to his retirement.
Following the race, Norris called for the FIA to impose stricter penalties for incidents like his, suggesting that drivers causing major collisions during Safety Car restarts should face race bans. Despite the disappointing outcome, he believes McLaren can take positives from the weekend and is focused on improving performance ahead of the next race in Malaysia.f1technical.netMon 28 Sep · 03:00 UTC
via f1technical.net“It just hurts obviously," claims Piastri as he rues missed Baku podiumOscar Piastri expressed disappointment after finishing outside the points at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, despite showing strong pace throughout the weekend. He started the race in second place but lost positions during a Safety Car restart and made a costly mistake at Turn 1, which left him at the back of the field with flat-spotted tyres.
Despite the setback, Piastri highlighted the positives from the weekend, stating that he learned a lot and felt more comfortable with the car. He is looking forward to the next race in Malaysia, hoping to build on the progress made in Baku and improve his performance.f1technical.netMon 28 Sep · 01:00 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 f1oversteer.comLando Norris surprised by Oscar Piastri's paceLando Norris stated that McLaren were 'surprised' by Oscar Piastri's performance during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Team principal Andrea Stella acknowledged that McLaren must learn from their mistakes after a disappointing race.f1oversteer.comSun 27 Sep · 19:00 UTC
via RacingNews365Oscar Piastri reveals 'pretty painful' misery after Baku 'surprise'Oscar Piastri expressed his frustration after a double front lock-up during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix ruined what could have been a strong race for him. The incident occurred on lap 40 while he was defending his position, dropping him from second to the rear of the field, and he ultimately finished in 13th place, leaving McLaren without any points.
Despite the disappointing outcome, Piastri noted that he had made progress throughout the weekend, feeling more comfortable and capable of extracting better lap times from his car. He acknowledged the painful nature of the result but remained optimistic about his performance leading up to the incident.RacingNews365Sun 27 Sep · 17:30 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 the-race.comAntonelli passed a key test Piastri had failedKimi Antonelli demonstrated resilience during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, finishing fifth despite a challenging weekend that he labelled as his worst of the season. With an 81-point lead in the championship, Antonelli managed to navigate the race carefully after sustaining damage, showcasing a strategic approach that avoided the pitfalls faced by Oscar Piastri in the previous year's event, where Piastri's campaign began to unravel due to multiple errors.
Antonelli's ability to adapt his driving style and mindset during the race was crucial, as he opted for a conservative strategy rather than risking a crash. This decision allowed him to minimize the points lost to rival George Russell, ultimately preserving his championship lead. Looking ahead, Antonelli expressed confidence in returning to form for the upcoming race in Malaysia, indicating his determination to re-establish his competitive edge.
the-race.comSun 27 Sep · 12:04 UTC