Jolyon Palmer✕ Max Verstappen✕ Oscar Piastri✕ ✕
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via PlanetF1
George Russell optimistic about Mercedes' Bahrain upgrades George Russell expressed confidence in Mercedes' significant upgrade package for the Bahrain Grand Prix, which includes a reworked floor and sidepods. The team aims to enhance performance as they push for success in the 2026 championships. PlanetF1 + 6 more Tue 29 Sep · 05:49 UTC via RacingNews365 Engine 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. RacingNews365 Mon 28 Sep · 17:15 UTC via gpfans.com Max 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.com Mon 28 Sep · 06:57 UTC via RacingNews365 Max Verstappen denies George Russell super-rare F1 achievement only Lewis Hamilton holds During 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. RacingNews365 Sun 27 Sep · 11:10 UTC Mercedes
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