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via F1iToto Wolff perplexed by Mercedes' Sepang upgrade strugglesMercedes team principal Toto Wolff expressed confusion over the team's performance following their latest upgrades at the Malaysian Grand Prix. Despite expectations of a three-tenths improvement, Wolff noted that the W17 car instead lost five-tenths due to increased drag and poor handling in low-speed corners.
+ 9 moreWed 30 Sep · 10:43 UTC
via PlanetF1Verstappen warns Mercedes upgrade may shift competitionMax Verstappen expressed caution regarding the impact of Mercedes' significant upgrades ahead of the Sepang practice session. Despite dominating the first practice, Verstappen acknowledged that the changes could alter the competitive landscape in Formula 1.
+ 1 moreWed 30 Sep · 10:00 UTC
via RacingNews365George Russell reveals real source of 2026 pressure amid Kimi Antonelli crushingGeorge Russell is facing significant pressure as he aims for the 2026 Formula One championship, currently sitting 81 points behind his teammate Kimi Antonelli, who has dominated the season with eight wins. Russell has acknowledged that his performance has not been strong enough, attributing his position in the standings to reliability issues and a lack of consistency.
Despite the challenges, Russell insists he is not feeling pressure from the championship race itself but rather from his own performance goals. He remains committed to fighting for victories in every race and is focused on improving his performance rather than dwelling on the championship gap. Mercedes is continuing to work with him to enhance his competitiveness under the current regulations.
Wed 30 Sep · 10:00 UTC
via the-race.comHow Russell usurped Ocon at MercedesThe article discusses the pivotal moment when George Russell overtook Esteban Ocon as Mercedes' preferred driver, particularly highlighting Ocon's missed opportunities and Russell's impressive performances. Ocon's near chance to race for Mercedes in 2019 and his subsequent struggles to secure a seat are contrasted with Russell's rapid rise through the ranks, culminating in his announcement as Lewis Hamilton's teammate in 2021.
It also examines the decisions made by Toto Wolff regarding the driver line-up, emphasizing the importance of driver compatibility with Hamilton. Ocon's time at Force India and his eventual relegation to a third driver role at Mercedes are noted, along with Wolff's concerns about Ocon's potential pairing with Hamilton, which ultimately influenced the team's decisions regarding their driver contracts.
Wed 30 Sep · 09:00 UTC
via gpfans.comBahrain Grand Prix faces potential rain and stormsFormula 1 teams and drivers are preparing for possible thunderstorms and rain during the Bahrain Grand Prix weekend. The weather conditions in Malaysia could significantly impact the race and associated activities.
+ 1 moreTue 29 Sep · 15:27 UTC
via Formula1.comF1 Business Summit adds new Las Vegas speakersThe F1 Business Summit will feature Haas Team Principal Ayao Komatsu, chef Gordon Ramsay, and athlete Russell Wilson among others, taking place in Las Vegas on 19 November 2026. Komatsu's session will focus on leadership and innovation in Formula 1, while Ramsay will explore the business of hospitality during race weekends.
The event will also include discussions on athlete ownership and investment, with a keynote panel featuring Wilson and Shaun White. The Summit runs from 8am to 1pm, starting with a networking breakfast, and coincides with the Las Vegas Grand Prix, which occurs shortly after the Summit.
Tue 29 Sep · 14:10 UTC
via Sky Sports F1Kimi Antonelli and George Russell in title showdownKimi Antonelli has stated his intention to 're-establish the order' over George Russell at the upcoming Bahrain Grand Prix, as the two Mercedes drivers compete for the 2026 Formula 1 Drivers' Championship. With eight rounds remaining, Russell believes Antonelli is now 'under pressure' following recent performances.
+ 1 moreTue 29 Sep · 06:08 UTC
via PlanetF1Max Verstappen live reaction as Russell reveals Mercedes upgrade planMax Verstappen shared his thoughts on George Russell's announcement regarding Mercedes' upcoming upgrades, which are expected to debut at the Bahrain Grand Prix. Verstappen acknowledged that if these upgrades prove effective, it would make Red Bull's path to victory in the 2026 season even more challenging.
Russell, who recently won the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, expressed excitement about the potential improvements. He mentioned that the Mercedes team has been quiet in the development race but is optimistic about the upgrades enhancing their performance. Verstappen, while confident in his team's capabilities, recognised the need for further improvements to maintain their competitive edge.Tue 29 Sep · 05:49 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.
Mon 28 Sep · 16:30 UTC
via F1iGeorge Russell believes he can challenge Kimi AntonelliGeorge Russell expressed confidence in his ability to compete for the Formula 1 title, stating he is no longer 'lost' in his Mercedes. After reducing Kimi Antonelli's championship lead from 81 points to 66, Russell feels invigorated and ready to take on the challenge.+ 3 moreMon 28 Sep · 15:10 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.Mon 28 Sep · 15:10 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.Mon 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.Mon 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.
Mon 28 Sep · 11:00 UTC
via RacingNews365Frederic Vasseur warns Christian Horner is a distractionFrederic Vasseur, the team principal of Ferrari, has stated that Christian Horner is becoming a distraction for the team as he appears to be seeking a new job. Horner has expressed that only a 'dream' role at Ferrari would entice him back to the pit wall.+ 1 moreSun 27 Sep · 14:00 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.Sun 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.Sun 27 Sep · 11:10 UTC.webp)
via Formula1.comGeorge Russell and Franco Colapinto shine in BakuGeorge Russell and Franco Colapinto were highlighted as key performers at the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, each achieving notable results for their respective teams. Meanwhile, Alpine faced significant challenges during the race, marking a disappointing weekend for the team.+ 2 moreSun 27 Sep · 10:13 UTC
via Motorsport.comRussell and Verstappen criticise Norris on Colapinto banGeorge Russell and Max Verstappen have described Lando Norris's suggestion that Franco Colapinto should receive a race ban as too harsh. The comments follow Colapinto's incident at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where he collided with Alpine's Pierre Gasly and Norris.+ 1 moreSun 27 Sep · 09:12 UTC
via PlanetF12026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix driver ratings releasedThe driver ratings for the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix have been published, highlighting George Russell's near-perfect performance. Franco Colapinto received criticism for what was described as the ultimate motorsport sin during the race.+ 2 moreSun 27 Sep · 08:08 UTCPage 3 of 22