Lewis HamiltonMax VerstappenSebastian Vettel 
via RacingNews365Russell survives Verstappen charge as Colapinto causes crash chaosGeorge Russell secured victory at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, narrowly beating Max Verstappen by 0.196 seconds. This win places Russell 66 points behind Kimi Antonelli, who made a remarkable recovery from 16th on the grid to finish fifth.
The race was relatively calm until an incident involving Alex Albon brought out the safety car. The restart led to chaos as Franco Colapinto collided with Pierre Gasly and Lando Norris, prompting Norris to call for a race ban for Colapinto.
RacingNews365Sat 26 Sep · 19:42 UTC
via f1oversteer.comIsack Hadjar team orders at Azerbaijan GP show Liam Lawson was right all along about Red BullAt the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Isack Hadjar and Max Verstappen secured Red Bull's first double podium in two and a half years. Hadjar demonstrated his commitment to team orders by allowing Verstappen to pass him early in the race, despite having a slight pace advantage. However, when Verstappen struggled to overtake Oscar Piastri, Hadjar's willingness to follow orders was put to the test as he later requested to race against his teammate.
The race highlighted the dynamics within Red Bull, where Verstappen's dominance often limits his teammates' opportunities to compete on equal terms. Hadjar's performance and subsequent contract renewal suggest he is prepared to embrace a supportive role in exchange for driving a competitive car. This situation echoes Liam Lawson's earlier comments about the challenges faced by Verstappen's teammates, who must adapt to the team's structure that prioritises Verstappen's success.
f1oversteer.comSat 26 Sep · 19:00 UTC
via racer.comVerstappen doubts victory was possible despite historic close finishMax Verstappen expressed doubts about his chances of winning the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, despite finishing just 0.196 seconds behind George Russell. He started the race from eighth position due to engine issues and yellow flags during qualifying, but managed to climb to third early on, aided by a team order to pass teammate Isack Hadjar. However, he struggled to overtake Oscar Piastri during the opening laps and only managed to pass him after the first safety car restart on lap 36.
Verstappen reflected on his performance, stating that even with a better qualifying position, he believed it would have been difficult to overtake Russell due to his pace. He highlighted the effectiveness of the soft tires during the final laps, which allowed him to push hard, but ultimately felt that the race result would not have changed significantly. The race marked a successful outing for Red Bull Racing, achieving a double podium finish.
racer.comSat 26 Sep · 17:28 UTC
via F1iVerstappen doubts better grid spot could have denied RussellMax Verstappen finished second in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, acknowledging that George Russell had superior pace throughout the race. Despite starting from eighth due to qualifying troubles, Verstappen managed to climb through the field but found it challenging to overtake Oscar Piastri and ultimately could not threaten Russell's lead.
Verstappen noted that even with a better starting position, Russell's performance would likely have kept him ahead. The race was influenced by two safety cars, which allowed Verstappen to switch to softer tyres, enhancing his performance in the final laps. However, he concluded that Russell's pace would have made it difficult to secure a victory regardless of his starting position.
F1iSat 26 Sep · 16:09 UTC
via CrashGeorge Russell and Max Verstappen land Ferrari dig in cooldown room after Azerbaijan GPGeorge Russell and Max Verstappen shared their thoughts on Ferrari's performance after the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, highlighting the team's lack of competitiveness. Russell secured his third victory of the season, narrowly beating Verstappen, while Ferrari's drivers, Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, finished fourth and sixth respectively, unable to challenge for the podium.
In the cooldown room, Russell noted that Ferrari's pace was not impressive, with Verstappen agreeing that they were slow on the straights. Despite Leclerc's strong qualifying position, he lost ground early in the race and could not keep up with the frontrunners. Russell and Verstappen dominated the race, finishing well ahead of the rest of the field.
CrashSat 26 Sep · 14:53 UTC
via f1oversteer.comJolyon Palmer mocks Isack Hadjar for being ‘the best guy in the world’ vs Max Verstappen in BakuDuring the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Jolyon Palmer mocked Isack Hadjar for being overly compliant with Max Verstappen, suggesting he should have fought harder for position. Both Red Bull drivers ended up on the podium, marking their first joint podium since the 2024 Chinese Grand Prix, with Hadjar praised for his pace after returning from injury.
Palmer highlighted Hadjar's reluctance to challenge Verstappen during the race, questioning whether the Red Bull team was hesitant to ask Verstappen to concede his position. Despite Palmer's criticism, both drivers performed well, with Verstappen narrowly missing out on victory after two safety car periods.f1oversteer.comSat 26 Sep · 14:00 UTC
via Formula1.comVerstappen wins fan vote after narrowly missing Baku victoryMax Verstappen was voted Driver of the Day after a thrilling performance at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where he narrowly missed victory, finishing just 0.196 seconds behind George Russell. Despite starting from eighth position, Verstappen showcased his skill and determination, engaging in a fierce battle with Russell in the race's closing stages.
This marks the sixth time Verstappen has earned this accolade in 2026, reflecting his consistent performance throughout the season. The voting results showed strong support for other drivers as well, with Isack Hadjar, Kimi Antonelli, and George Russell also receiving notable percentages of the votes.
Formula1.comSat 26 Sep · 13:34 UTC
via f1technical.netRussell seals excellent weekend with Azerbaijani victoryGeorge Russell dominated the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, leading from the start to secure victory on 26 September 2026. Max Verstappen finished closely behind in second place, just 0.1 seconds off the pace, while Isack Hadjar, making his return to Formula 1, completed the podium in third. Russell's performance was marked by consistent pace and strategic tyre management, allowing him to maintain a significant lead throughout the race.
The race saw several incidents, including retirements from Lance Stroll and Pierre Gasly. Oscar Piastri, who initially held second place, struggled with tyre issues and ultimately dropped to 15th after a lockup. The event featured two safety car periods, which added to the drama, but Russell's late restart allowed him to fend off Verstappen's challenge, securing a well-deserved win.
f1technical.netSat 26 Sep · 12:54 UTC
via RacingNews365George Russell's lead erased by safety car in BakuGeorge Russell's advantage during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix was nullified when a safety car was deployed. The incident added to the drama of the race, which also saw Franco Colapinto involved in a significant incident for Alpine.RacingNews365Sat 26 Sep · 12:09 UTC
via grandprix.comMcLaren keeps options open for Max VerstappenZak Brown stated that McLaren's discussions with Max Verstappen have shifted his view of the reigning champion. He emphasised that the possibility of a future collaboration remains open.grandprix.com+ 1 moreSat 26 Sep · 11:36 UTC
via Motorsport WeekRed Bull confirms major Max Verstappen change ahead of Azerbaijan GPAhead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Red Bull Racing has replaced four key power unit components for Max Verstappen, including the internal combustion engine and turbocharger. Verstappen had demonstrated strong pace during practice sessions but faced power deployment issues during qualifying, resulting in an eighth-place start on the grid.
The replacements were made from Verstappen's allocated pool of power unit elements, meaning he will not incur a grid penalty. This strategic move aims to enhance his performance in the race, following a qualifying session where he struggled to match the speed of his competitors.
Motorsport WeekSat 26 Sep · 10:42 UTC
via f1oversteer.comLewis Hamilton snubbed as Flavio Briatore names the two F1 drivers who are ‘better than the rest’Flavio Briatore has declared that Max Verstappen and Kimi Antonelli are the two best drivers currently in Formula 1, overlooking seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton. In an interview, Briatore emphasised that while Hamilton has had significant success, he believes he is no longer at the top of the grid, pointing to the exceptional abilities of Verstappen and Antonelli.
Briatore also discussed the importance of having a competitive car to achieve success in F1. He acknowledged that while Verstappen has shown remarkable results with Red Bull, he cannot win without a top-performing vehicle. Additionally, Briatore reflected on his decision to sign Franco Colapinto for Alpine, noting the driver's impressive progress and the necessary support for talent to flourish.f1oversteer.comSat 26 Sep · 09:00 UTC
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.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 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 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 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