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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.
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.
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.
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.
via the-race.comPirelli aims for higher tyre degradation in 2027Pirelli is working to increase tyre degradation for the 2027 Formula 1 season, following instances where drivers could race almost flat-out for extended periods. The goal is to reduce the number of races that can be completed with a single pit stop.
via RaceFansRed Bull denies Isack Hadjar chance to overtake VerstappenRed Bull Racing instructed Isack Hadjar not to attempt an overtake on his teammate Max Verstappen during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. This communication was made through an unbroadcast message, leaving viewers unaware of the team orders in play.
via RacingNews365Ralf Schumacher praises Flavio Briatore's support for ColapintoRalf Schumacher has expressed his approval of Flavio Briatore's comments regarding Franco Colapinto's mistake during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Briatore's defence of Colapinto has drawn comparisons to Max Verstappen, highlighting the potential of the young driver.
via PlanetF1Verstappen criticises F1's Middle East race plansMax Verstappen has expressed his concerns regarding Formula 1's plans to hold races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, citing safety issues due to the ongoing conflict in the region. Verstappen believes that contractual obligations should not take precedence over the safety of participants and fans.
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.
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.
via RacingNews365Red Bull and Verstappen disagree on grid penalty outcomeMax Verstappen has indicated that he expects a grid penalty to be forthcoming, while Red Bull Racing's Laurent Mekies has expressed uncertainty regarding this potential outcome. The differing views highlight a lack of consensus within the team about the implications of recent incidents.
via gpfans.comRalf Schumacher criticises Christian Horner's remarksRalf Schumacher has condemned Christian Horner's comments about former Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko, calling them 'appalling'. Horner's recent memoir includes critical insights regarding Marko and Max Verstappen's early career at Red Bull.
via Formula1.comIsack Hadjar earns podium in Baku after injury layoffIsack Hadjar secured a podium finish at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, marking a successful return after a six-week injury absence. Red Bull's Laurent Mekies praised Hadjar for his speed, restraint, and tactical awareness during the race.
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.
via Motorsport WeekLiam Lawson confused by Arvid Lindblad collision in BakuLiam Lawson expressed his confusion regarding the collision with his Racing Bulls teammate Arvid Lindblad during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The incident, which occurred at a safety car restart, has drawn criticism from pundits including Damon Hill, who suggested Lindblad's driving was reckless.
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.
via f1oversteer.comLando Norris calls for FIA race bans after Azerbaijan crashLando Norris has urged the FIA to impose race bans following his crash in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, stating that certain driving behaviours are unacceptable in Formula 1. Max Verstappen, however, disagreed with Norris's reaction, highlighting a different approach to handling such incidents.
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.
via Formula1.comHow the faster Hadjar helped Verstappen to second place in BakuMax Verstappen secured second place in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, aided by his teammate Isack Hadjar. After starting from eighth on the grid, Verstappen showcased his pace, which was hindered during qualifying due to engine issues and yellow flags.
During the race, Verstappen moved into third place before the team instructed Hadjar to allow him to pass. This strategic move enabled Verstappen to chase down the race leader, George Russell, after he had already overtaken Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.
via RaceFansRussell and Verstappen enjoy thrilling Baku finaleGeorge Russell and Max Verstappen described the final laps of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix as exceptionally enjoyable and intense. Russell noted that the performance of the tyres contributed to the excitement during the closing stages of the race.Page 6 of 31