Haas F1 TeamRed Bull 
via f1oversteer.comJacques Villeneuve says one F1 driver is ‘done’ and you shouldn’t even ‘feel sorry’ for himJacques Villeneuve has expressed a lack of sympathy for Esteban Ocon, who is set to leave Haas at the end of the season. Despite Ocon's recent performance, finishing eighth in Baku, Villeneuve believes Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu has made a definitive decision regarding Ocon's future, citing the need for a driver who fits better within the team's dynamics.
Ocon, who is approaching his 200th race start in Formula 1, has had a mixed career with four podium finishes but has often been outperformed by his teammates. Villeneuve noted that Ocon's long tenure in the sport has not yielded significant results, suggesting that he should not be pitied for his impending exit.
f1oversteer.comSat 26 Sep · 18:30 UTC
via f1oversteer.comJacques Villeneuve criticises Oscar Piastri's errorJacques Villeneuve has labelled Oscar Piastri's double lock-up during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix as a 'rookie mistake'. The incident caused Piastri to drop to the back of the field in Baku.f1oversteer.com+ 1 moreSat 26 Sep · 14:14 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 grandprix.comRUMOUROcon says Haas setbacks are driving him crazyEsteban Ocon has voiced his frustration over a series of setbacks during the season with Haas, particularly after qualifying 14th in Baku due to a yellow flag. This ongoing uncertainty about his future with the team for 2027, amid speculation that Rafael Camara could replace him, has left Ocon feeling exhausted and overwhelmed.
Ocon has stated that he feels like a free agent for the upcoming season and is struggling to convert his improved driving performance into tangible results. Haas is currently evaluating its driver options, and Ocon is eager to demonstrate his speed while waiting for the team's decision on his future.grandprix.comSat 26 Sep · 11:33 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 F1iOcon's frustration boils over in Baku: ‘I don’t deserve all this sh*t’Esteban Ocon expressed his frustration after qualifying 14th for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, missing out on Q3 by 0.333 seconds due to yellow flags disrupting his final lap. Despite showing competitive pace and improved performance from his Haas VF-26, Ocon felt the setback was a familiar disappointment in a season marked by inconsistent car performance.
Ocon's team-mate, Oliver Bearman, qualified 11th, marking Haas's strongest qualifying result since the Chinese Grand Prix. Ocon lamented the ongoing challenges he faces, stating he feels he does not deserve the difficulties and expressed a desire to fight for a top 10 finish despite his current position.
F1iSat 26 Sep · 07:26 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 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 Motorsport.comGuenther Steiner calls out Williams over F1 infrastructure complaints: "Crocodile tears"Guenther Steiner, the former Haas Formula 1 team principal, has publicly criticised Williams's complaints regarding capital expenditure limits, labelling them as 'crocodile tears'. He questioned team principal James Vowles for shifting the timeline of the team's recovery and argued that Williams's historical lack of investment is to blame for their current struggles.
Steiner emphasised that Williams should not blame the current financial regulations for their outdated facilities, suggesting that they have not maximised their budget cap spending over the past five years. He pointed out that other teams have successfully negotiated allowances for facility upgrades, implying that Williams needs to take more initiative in addressing their infrastructure issues.Motorsport.comFri 25 Sep · 20:23 UTC
via f1oversteer.comIsack Hadjar has just shown exactly why Red Bull chose him over Liam Lawson for 2027Isack Hadjar's qualifying performance at the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix demonstrated why Red Bull chose him over Liam Lawson for the 2027 season. He secured a P4 starting position, showcasing his skills after an eight-week hiatus due to a wrist injury, while teammate Max Verstappen faced difficulties, qualifying P8.
George Russell claimed pole position, significantly outpacing Charles Leclerc in P2. Hadjar's strong return to form is crucial as he aims to maintain his championship standing, currently sitting in P8, with Lawson closely trailing him by 12 points.f1oversteer.comFri 25 Sep · 20:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comRUMOUREsteban Ocon shares what is 'getting on my nerves' after Baku Q3 miss amid Haas exit claimsEsteban Ocon finished 13th in qualifying for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, narrowly missing out on Q3. He expressed frustration with the ongoing issues at Haas, particularly feeling that he has been unfairly affected by circumstances like yellow flags during qualifying. Ocon's future with the team is uncertain, with Haas reportedly considering other drivers as potential replacements.
Ocon's comments indicate a growing dissatisfaction with his situation at Haas, as he feels burdened by the team's struggles. Despite this, he remains optimistic about the race, believing he has a competitive car and aiming for a points finish. There are also speculations about a possible move to Aston Martin, should he leave Haas.f1oversteer.comFri 25 Sep · 19:30 UTC
via the-race.comAlpine's surprise assist with its 2026 F1 revivalAlpine has announced that Daniil Kvyat, a former Red Bull driver, has returned to the team as a simulator driver for the 2026 Formula 1 season. Kvyat, who has a history with Alpine as a reserve driver in 2021, has been working alongside reserve drivers Paul Aron and Kush Maini, contributing to both simulator duties and race weekend support.
Kvyat has played a significant role in helping Alpine improve its performance during the season, particularly during races in Japan and Canada. The team has seen a resurgence in competitiveness following a switch to Mercedes engines, and Kvyat's experience and feedback have been valuable assets in their revival efforts.
the-race.comFri 25 Sep · 18:56 UTC
via f1oversteer.comChristian Horner says he lost trust in Adrian NeweyChristian Horner has stated that he realised he could no longer rely on Adrian Newey at Red Bull more than ten years before Newey's departure from the team. This revelation highlights a significant shift in their professional relationship.f1oversteer.com+ 1 moreFri 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
via Formula1.comWhy Ocon ‘might need to take a good shower’ after QualifyingEsteban Ocon and Ollie Bearman faced disappointment during the Baku Qualifying session, both narrowly missing out on a place in Q3. Ocon was particularly frustrated as his final Q2 run was ruined by a yellow flag, leaving him in P14 despite showing potential for a top 10 finish earlier in the session.
Bearman, who finished P11, acknowledged the positives in their performance but lamented the timing of the yellow flag that affected his lap. Both drivers expressed mixed emotions about their improved pace, with Ocon hinting at his uncertain future and Bearman remaining optimistic about opportunities in the race.
Formula1.comFri 25 Sep · 16:20 UTC
via gpfans.comRed Bull turn attention to F1 2027 title challenge after 'last significant package' in BakuRed Bull Racing has confirmed that the upgrade package introduced at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix will be their final significant update for the 2026 season. Team principal Laurent Mekies stated that the team is currently 273 points behind Mercedes and has redirected most of its resources towards developing the 2027 car, as they are not in contention for the championship this year.
Despite the focus on future development, Mekies noted that the team is still aiming for their first win of the season. Technical director Pierre Wache acknowledged ongoing performance issues with the car, expressing uncertainty about resolving these problems before the start of the 2027 season.
gpfans.comFri 25 Sep · 14:55 UTC
via Motorsport.comIsack Hadjar bullish: If I hadn't missed three races, I'd be second on the gridIsack Hadjar, driving for Red Bull Racing, qualified fourth for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix but expressed confidence that he could have secured second place if he had not missed the previous three races due to a wrist injury. His qualifying time was just 0.137 seconds slower than Charles Leclerc, who took second, while Hadjar outperformed Max Verstappen, who qualified eighth.
Hadjar described his approach during the comeback as cautious, aiming to avoid risks while gradually building confidence. He acknowledged improvements in his car's handling since his last race in Hungary, but admitted that Mercedes still had a significant speed advantage, particularly in straight-line performance. This qualifying result marks Hadjar's best performance since the season opener in Melbourne.Motorsport.comFri 25 Sep · 14:36 UTC
via RacingNews365Furious Max Verstappen 'completely done' after latest Red Bull problemMax Verstappen expressed his anger after a battery issue hindered his performance during qualifying for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, resulting in an eighth-place finish. He had been competitive earlier in the session but faced difficulties in Q3, which he attributed to the car's failure to charge properly and other mechanical problems.
Verstappen, who had shown strong pace throughout the weekend, felt that the changes made to the car did not yield positive results. He was particularly frustrated with the inability to push effectively due to the battery not being fully charged, leading to a disappointing qualifying session that left him significantly behind his teammate Isack Hadjar.
RacingNews365Fri 25 Sep · 14:30 UTC
via Formula1.comVerstappen beats Russell and Hamilton in Azerbaijan FP3Max Verstappen secured the fastest time in Free Practice 3 for the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, clocking a lap of 1 minute 43.922 seconds. He edged out George Russell and Lewis Hamilton, who finished second and third respectively, as drivers pushed their limits on the challenging Baku circuit.
The session saw several drivers struggle with the windy conditions, leading to multiple incidents, including Lance Stroll damaging his Aston Martin after hitting the wall. Despite the challenges, Verstappen's performance placed him in a strong position ahead of the qualifying session later in the day.Formula1.comFri 25 Sep · 10:01 UTC
via the-race.comWhat happened in F1 2026 Azerbaijan GP final practiceIn the final practice session for the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Max Verstappen of Red Bull emerged as the fastest driver, clocking a time of 1m43.922s. He edged out Mercedes' George Russell, who was just 0.099 seconds slower, while Lewis Hamilton claimed third place, 0.111 seconds off Verstappen's pace. Kimi Antonelli and Charles Leclerc completed the top five, showcasing a competitive session.
The session was marked by tight competition, with only half a second separating positions 10th to 17th. Oscar Piastri led the McLaren team in seventh, while Fernando Alonso struggled in 20th place. Lance Stroll experienced a notable incident when he clipped the pitwall, adding to the drama of the session. Overall, the practice highlighted the close racing expected for the upcoming Grand Prix.the-race.comFri 25 Sep · 09:59 UTC
via F1iMax Verstappen leads final practice at Azerbaijan Grand PrixMax Verstappen topped the timing boards during Free Practice 3 at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, benefiting from Red Bull's final major upgrade package of the season. The session took place on Friday in Baku, ahead of the race weekend.F1i+ 1 moreFri 25 Sep · 09:47 UTC
via Motorsport WeekMax Verstappen denies George Russell clean sweep in F1 Baku FP3Max Verstappen claimed the fastest time in Free Practice 3 at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, narrowly beating George Russell by 0.099 seconds. This victory prevented Russell from achieving a clean sweep of the practice sessions, as he had dominated the earlier sessions with a Mercedes 1-2 finish alongside teammate Kimi Antonelli.
The final practice session was marked by chaotic conditions, with several drivers struggling with grip and making mistakes. Verstappen's late push saw him rise to the top of the leaderboard, while Hamilton and Antonelli also showed strong performances. The session set the stage for a competitive qualifying ahead.Motorsport WeekFri 25 Sep · 09:43 UTC