Red BullWilliams 
via f1oversteer.comOtmar Szafnauer admits Sergio Perez nearly got a five-year FIA ban before he joined Red BullOtmar Szafnauer disclosed that Sergio Perez was close to receiving a five-year ban from the FIA due to a doping rules violation during the 2017 Malaysian Grand Prix. After the race, Perez underwent IV treatment for dehydration, which is prohibited under FIA regulations. The situation escalated when Perez shared details of the treatment on social media, prompting Szafnauer to engage a top sports lawyer to navigate the potential consequences.
Ultimately, the issue was resolved without a ban, allowing Perez to continue his career, which included a move to Red Bull in 2021. Now 36, Perez is on the verge of reaching 300 race starts, while Cadillac is evaluating potential driver changes for the 2027 season, which could impact his teammate Valtteri Bottas.
f1oversteer.comWed 30 Sep · 07:30 UTC
via Motorsport.comHow Carlos Sainz bounced back from the most difficult moment of his F1 careerCarlos Sainz, reflecting on his time with Williams ahead of the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, shared his mixed feelings about the current season. Despite feeling at the peak of his driving abilities, he has faced significant challenges due to the performance of the FW48, leading to a frustrating year without the expected results.
Sainz expressed his commitment to the Williams project, citing trust in the team's vision and the supportive environment he has found there. He highlighted the importance of feeling listened to as a driver and compared his current experience to his successful years at McLaren. Sainz remains hopeful for improvement in the future as he continues to contribute his expertise to the team.
Motorsport.comWed 30 Sep · 07:00 UTC
via PlanetF1The Red Bull decision that surprised Juan Pablo Montoya in BakuAt the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Red Bull achieved a double podium with Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar finishing second and third behind George Russell. Juan Pablo Montoya expressed surprise at Red Bull's decision to allow Hadjar to race Verstappen, especially as Verstappen struggled with his tyres. Hadjar indicated he had pace to overtake but was instructed to maintain position behind his teammate.
Montoya reflected on the potential outcome had Red Bull permitted Hadjar to pass Verstappen when he was having tyre issues. He noted that allowing Hadjar to race could have changed the dynamics of the race, especially with the possibility of multiple restarts. Despite the decision, Montoya appreciated that Red Bull encouraged Hadjar to race cleanly, indicating a shift in team strategy.
PlanetF1Wed 30 Sep · 06:53 UTC
via f1oversteer.comLaurent Mekies reveals whether Liam Lawson ever had a chance of getting Isack Hadjar’s Red Bull seatIsack Hadjar has officially secured a new contract with Red Bull ahead of his return from injury at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Despite missing three races due to a wrist fracture, Hadjar's strong performance earlier in the season, including a podium finish and a 100% qualifying record, led to the team's confidence in him. Laurent Mekies, Red Bull's team principal, confirmed that Liam Lawson's temporary stint in the car did not affect their decision regarding Hadjar's future.
Mekies emphasized that Hadjar's development and performance were the primary considerations for the team. He noted that Lawson was a strong alternative but that Red Bull was satisfied with Hadjar's progress and improvement alongside Max Verstappen. Hadjar's contract extension positions him as Verstappen's second-longest-serving teammate since Daniel Ricciardo left in 2018, highlighting the team's commitment to his growth in the upcoming season.f1oversteer.comWed 30 Sep · 06:30 UTC
via RacingNews365Red Bull point to key 'indicators' behind Isack Hadjar justificationRed Bull confirmed last week that it would stick with Isack Hadjar for the 2027 campaign.
RacingNews365Wed 30 Sep · 06:10 UTC
via f1technical.netThings to know about Chadwick's Williams F1 test atJamie Chadwick successfully completed a test in a Williams Formula 1 car at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve, marking a significant milestone as the first woman to drive for the team since Susie Wolff in 2015. During the test on September 21, 2026, she gathered valuable data and provided technical feedback while gaining experience in a modern F1 car, having prepared extensively beforehand.
Chadwick's achievement is not only a personal milestone but also serves as an inspiration for future female drivers. She expressed gratitude for the opportunity and hopes her experience can motivate the next generation. Williams Team Principal James Vowles praised her performance, highlighting the importance of her role in demonstrating a pathway for women in motorsport.
f1technical.netWed 30 Sep · 01:00 UTC
via f1technical.netCadillac strengthens technical structure with senior appointments from Red Bull, Mercedes and ...Cadillac has announced the appointment of three senior engineers to strengthen its technical leadership as it prepares for its long-term Formula 1 project. Craig Skinner, Eric Blandin, and Tim Lean will take on key roles in vehicle development, aerodynamics, and aerodynamic modelling, bringing extensive experience from top teams like Red Bull, Mercedes, and McLaren.
Skinner will serve as Chief Development Engineer, while Blandin will lead the aerodynamics department, and Lean will focus on aerodynamic modelling and simulation. These appointments are seen as crucial for Cadillac's technical evolution, aiming to create a more integrated organisation and improve on-track performance.f1technical.netTue 29 Sep · 22:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comMax Verstappen clarifies his comments about F1 becoming ‘easier’ after Liam Lawson disagreedMax Verstappen expressed his views on the 2026 Formula 1 cars, stating they are 'numb' to driver inputs, which he believes makes it easier for drivers to find their limits. This comment came after Liam Lawson, who recently replaced Isack Hadjar, performed impressively in qualifying, being only 0.115 seconds slower than Verstappen. Verstappen's remarks have sparked debate, particularly as Lawson disagreed, arguing that adapting to the new car was not straightforward due to the complexities introduced by new energy management protocols.
Verstappen further elaborated that the current cars favour a cautious driving style, allowing many drivers to achieve similar lap times. He noted that the small gaps in qualifying times this year, with seven out of eleven driver pairings within two-tenths of a second, support his theory that the cars do not reward the fastest drivers as much as before. This marks a significant change from the previous year, where the average gap between teammates was larger.f1oversteer.comTue 29 Sep · 19:30 UTC
via f1oversteer.comLiam Lawson's Baku speed trap data proves Laurent Mekies should admit defeat over Red Bull's engineLiam Lawson's impressive speed trap performance in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix has raised questions about Laurent Mekies' ongoing challenges to the ADUO findings, which state that Red Bull has the best engine on the grid. Lawson clocked a top speed of 349.4 km/h, highlighting Red Bull's engine dominance despite Mekies' claims that they do not have an advantage over Mercedes.
The article discusses how Red Bull's development has been hampered compared to competitors like Mercedes and Ferrari, who are introducing power upgrades. While Mekies disputes the ADUO results, the evidence from Baku suggests that Red Bull's engine is indeed strong. The next review of the ADUO findings will occur after the United States Grand Prix, which could further impact Red Bull's standing.f1oversteer.comTue 29 Sep · 18:00 UTC
via RacingNews365Williams halve financial loss after best F1 season for decadeWilliams Racing reported a significant reduction in its financial losses for the 2025 financial year, posting a pre-tax loss of £19.644 million, down from £42.251 million in 2024. This improvement is attributed to a better on-track performance, finishing fifth in the standings, and increased prize money, alongside a rise in turnover to £243.976 million.
Director Matthew Savage noted that while the team remains in a loss position, it aligns with their expectations and strategy for long-term success. The team also welcomed new commercial partners for the 2026 season and expanded its workforce, indicating a positive outlook for future growth and performance.RacingNews365Tue 29 Sep · 15:40 UTC
via Motorsport.comIsack Hadjar jokes about injury recovery progressIsack Hadjar, the Red Bull Formula 1 driver, has shared that he still lacks full movement in his wrist following an injury sustained during the 2026 summer break. Despite this, he expressed optimism about his recovery, joking that he did a 'good job' while resting during his time off.Motorsport.comTue 29 Sep · 14:30 UTC
via racer.comTime off gives Hadjar clarity over Red Bull's development progressIsack Hadjar has gained a clearer perspective on Red Bull's car development after missing several races due to a wrist injury. His return at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix resulted in a podium finish, which he views as a significant achievement compared to his earlier performance in Monaco.
Hadjar highlighted the improvements in the car's handling and balance since his last race in Budapest. He took a cautious approach during the weekend in Baku, which he believes contributed to his successful performance. This podium finish has boosted his confidence as he looks ahead to future races.
racer.comTue 29 Sep · 11:35 UTC
via f1oversteer.comMax Verstappen picks overtake on Oscar Piastri as his favourite from his whole F1 careerMax Verstappen has declared his overtake on Oscar Piastri during the 2025 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix as his favourite move of his Formula 1 career. The Dutch driver executed the pass around the outside at the first chicane, a challenging overtaking spot, and went on to win the race by six seconds. He noted that the move was unexpected, particularly as Piastri braked earlier than anticipated.
In a discussion on the 'P1 with Matt and Tommy' YouTube channel, Verstappen reflected on the significance of the overtake, stating it was a pivotal moment in the race. Piastri acknowledged Verstappen's skill in the move, admitting he misjudged the situation. The overtake has since been recognised as the Overtake of the Year, highlighting Verstappen's prowess in wheel-to-wheel racing.f1oversteer.comTue 29 Sep · 11:30 UTC
via Motorsport.comWilliams reaches Q3 for first time in 2026Williams achieved a significant milestone by progressing to Q3 for the first time in the 2026 season during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. However, the team faced challenges as Carlos Sainz received a grid penalty, impacting their overall performance.Motorsport.com+ 1 moreTue 29 Sep · 10:22 UTC
via BBC Sport1 videoRUMOURLewis Hamilton supports Ferrari boss Fred VasseurLewis Hamilton has expressed strong support for Ferrari Formula 1 team principal Fred Vasseur, stating he is the right person to lead the team. This endorsement comes amid ongoing speculation regarding Vasseur's future and links to former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner.
BBC Sport+ 3 moreTue 29 Sep · 10:03 UTC
via RacingNews365Pirelli faces challenges at Bahrain Grand Prix in MalaysiaPirelli is preparing for unique challenges at the Bahrain Grand Prix, which will take place in Malaysia for the first time in nine years. Charles Leclerc recorded the fastest time during the second free practice session at Sepang International Circuit.RacingNews365+ 2 moreTue 29 Sep · 09:30 UTC
via PlanetF1Red Bull launches Verstappen engine investigation as penalty uncertainty growsRed Bull Racing has launched an investigation into Max Verstappen's engine issues that arose during the qualifying session for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where he finished eighth. Verstappen reported problems with his internal combustion engine, which worsened throughout the session, prompting the team to replace several components before the race.
Despite the qualifying setback, Verstappen managed to race from eighth to second place in the Grand Prix, finishing just 0.196 seconds behind race winner George Russell. Team principal Laurent Mekies indicated that while Verstappen may face a power unit penalty in the future, it remains uncertain pending further analysis of the engine issues.PlanetF1Tue 29 Sep · 09:04 UTC
via F1iWilliams drivers positive on new package, but 'we need more'Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon of Williams expressed cautious optimism following the team's recent upgrades to the FW48, which helped Sainz secure the team's first point in ten races at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Sainz highlighted the improvements made, particularly in qualifying, but acknowledged that the team still needs more performance to consistently compete for points.
While Sainz celebrated the point, he also noted the need for further enhancements to the car's aerodynamics. Albon, who crashed early in the race, echoed this sentiment, stating that the car's pace was encouraging but still lacking in certain areas. Both drivers agree that while the upgrades have made the car more enjoyable to drive, additional performance is essential for regular competitiveness.
F1iTue 29 Sep · 08:41 UTC
via RacingNews365Isack Hadjar dismisses Red Bull restrictions: 'I'm not five years old'Isack Hadjar has responded to suggestions that Red Bull might impose restrictions on his extracurricular activities following a wrist injury he sustained while training. He humorously remarked that he is not a child and can make his own decisions, despite acknowledging the need to be more cautious in the future.
The injury, which occurred while boxing a punchbag, caused Hadjar to miss several races, including the Dutch Grand Prix. Red Bull has confirmed that they will retain him for the 2027 season, and Hadjar expressed confidence in managing his activities without needing oversight from the team.RacingNews365Tue 29 Sep · 07:50 UTC
Wikimedia Commons · Joop van Bilsen / Anefo · CC0Vasseur doubts Red Bull has stopped 2026 developmentSep.29 (GMM) Frederic Vasseur is sceptical of Red Bull’s claim that its Baku package was effectively the final major upgrade of 2026, as Formula 1 teams increasingly shift resources towards next year’s cars. Laurent Mekies said in Baku that Red Bull has moved “a very large majority” of its development resources onto 2027. “It’s most…newsonf1.comTue 29 Sep · 06:52 UTC
via the-race.comGary Anderson: The true worth of Williams's weight-saving upgradeWilliams Racing's recent upgrade for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix led to a notable improvement in performance, with Carlos Sainz qualifying ninth despite a grid penalty. This upgrade marked the end of a points drought for the team, which had lasted nearly three months, and was attributed to a significant weight reduction of 20 kilograms. The team's performance in Baku showed a 0.759% increase in lap time compared to their season average, indicating progress.
Despite the positive results, questions remain about the true impact of the upgrade, as Williams had previously struggled with weight issues at the start of the season. The race itself was challenging, with Alex Albon crashing out and Sainz needing to recover from a low starting position. The team’s sixth-fastest overall ranking in Baku is an improvement, but further assessment across different circuits will be necessary to determine if they can consistently compete for points.
the-race.comTue 29 Sep · 06:22 UTC
via RacingNews365Red Bull reveal 'another edge' but handicapped by 'narrow window'Red Bull Racing's team principal Laurent Mekies stated that the recent upgrade package introduced at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix has provided the team with 'another edge' over its competitors. This comes after Red Bull secured its first double-podium finish in two and a half years, with Max Verstappen finishing just 0.196 seconds behind race winner George Russell, and Isack Hadjar taking third place.
Despite the positive developments, Mekies acknowledged the challenges faced by the team, particularly regarding the performance of their power unit. He mentioned that while the power unit has great potential, it operates within a narrow performance window, making energy management crucial for success. The team is focused on optimizing their strategy to maintain competitiveness as they continue to close the gap to the front.RacingNews365Tue 29 Sep · 06:10 UTC
via gpfans.comRUMOURF1 News Today: Max Verstappen penalty claim disputed as champion issues public apologyMax Verstappen and Red Bull Racing's team principal Laurent Mekies have publicly disagreed over a potential penalty from the FIA. Verstappen fitted a new power unit before the Azerbaijan Grand Prix and warned that any further changes could result in a grid penalty, a claim Mekies disputed.
In other news, Lando Norris issued an apology after demanding a rival driver be banned following his retirement from the Azerbaijan Grand Prix due to a collision. Additionally, team orders were revealed where Isack Hadjar was told not to overtake Verstappen during the race, while Christian Horner's comments have led to speculation about a possible move to Ferrari.
gpfans.comTue 29 Sep · 05:30 UTC
via f1chronicle.comRUMOURChristian Horner denies Ferrari team principal rumoursChristian Horner has dismissed speculation linking him to the team principal role at Ferrari following a phone call with Martin Brundle. Brundle revealed that Horner clarified he is not pursuing a move to the Italian team, despite ongoing gossip surrounding Ferrari's leadership.
f1chronicle.com+ 4 moreMon 28 Sep · 20:28 UTC