MercedesWilliams 
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
via RacingNews365Max Verstappen threatens in 'kangaroo' Red Bull as Mercedes Baku dominance endsMax Verstappen secured the fastest time in the final practice session ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, clocking a 1m 43.922s. This performance marked a shift in momentum, as Mercedes had dominated earlier practices with George Russell and Lewis Hamilton finishing second and third respectively, but could not match Verstappen's pace in the final session.
The practice session began slowly, with drivers adjusting to track conditions after overnight repairs. Verstappen expressed frustration with his car's handling, describing it as 'jumping like a kangaroo.' Despite this, he managed to outperform his competitors, setting the stage for an exciting qualifying session ahead.
RacingNews365Fri 25 Sep · 09:36 UTC
via F1iWilliams update finds progress, but Vowles warns: ‘It’s not enough’Williams has introduced a significant upgrade to its FW48 car in Baku, aiming to improve its performance after a challenging start to the 2026 season. Team principal James Vowles expressed cautious optimism about the changes, acknowledging that while the car has shown some improvement, it is still not enough to guarantee points finishes.
Despite the modest results in practice sessions, Sainz reported feeling better with the car and noted a narrowing gap to the midfield. Vowles emphasised the need for further development and learning to fully exploit the potential of the new aerodynamic package, indicating that while progress has been made, the team still has a long way to go.
F1iFri 25 Sep · 08:43 UTC
via RacingNews365Red Bull and Williams upgrades explained as development war intensifiesAt the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, both Red Bull and Williams have introduced significant upgrades to their cars. Williams has focused on reducing the weight of the FW48, achieving a reduction of approximately 7kg, which could improve lap times by two-tenths of a second. The team has made modest aerodynamic changes, including reshaping the floor and removing a connecting strut.
Red Bull's upgrades are more visually apparent, with modifications to the sidepods aimed at enhancing aerodynamic performance. These changes are designed to address rear-end instability issues that have plagued the RB22 throughout the season. The updates are tailored to better suit Max Verstappen's driving style, although they do not completely resolve the car's weaknesses.RacingNews365Fri 25 Sep · 08:00 UTC
via PlanetF1Sky F1 pundit lifts lid on private Williams TPC test before Baku GPJamie Chadwick, a three-time W Series champion, recently completed a secret Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) session with Williams, driving their FW47 at the Portimão circuit. She expressed that the experience was surreal and considered it the best day of her life. Chadwick completed 32 laps and received valuable advice from Williams drivers Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz prior to the test.
Williams team principal James Vowles praised Chadwick as an inspiration for women in motorsport, highlighting her impressive performance and the important data she gathered during the test. The session was part of Williams' TPC programme, which aims to prepare for the return to Portimão next year. Chadwick is also competing in the European Le Mans Series and hopes to leverage this experience to further her career in racing.
PlanetF1Fri 25 Sep · 05:56 UTC
via f1chronicle.comGeorge Russell Tops Day 1 Timesheets In BakuGeorge Russell dominated the first day of practice in Baku, achieving the fastest lap in both the first and second free practice sessions. In FP2, he clocked a time of 1:43.347, with teammate Kimi Antonelli following closely behind. Max Verstappen secured the third-fastest time, showcasing a competitive field as teams prepared for the upcoming Grand Prix.
The sessions were marked by varying track conditions, with significant temperature changes affecting tyre performance. Teams focused on optimising car setups to adapt to the evolving track surface, which was described as particularly dirty. Pirelli's Chief Engineer noted that track evolution played a crucial role in lap time improvements throughout the day.
f1chronicle.comThu 24 Sep · 21:51 UTC
via f1chronicle.comKimi Antonelli Insists Formula 1 Title Race Is Not Over Yet as He Holds Commanding 81 Point LeadKimi Antonelli, the Mercedes driver, maintains that the Formula 1 title race is still open despite his commanding 81 point lead heading into the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on each race individually, likening it to tennis where every point matters. Antonelli has achieved eight wins this season, significantly widening the gap over his teammate George Russell, who has admitted he is no longer in contention for the championship.
As the season progresses, Antonelli acknowledges the challenges posed by the upcoming races in Baku, Malaysia, and Singapore. He is cautious about the potential for unexpected events that could impact his lead, echoing sentiments from Mercedes principal Toto Wolff. Antonelli credits his support system, particularly his father, for helping him stay grounded and focused on delivering consistent performances rather than becoming complacent with his lead.f1chronicle.comThu 24 Sep · 21:28 UTC
via Motorsport.comDavid Coulthard warns "heads will roll" if Williams FW48 upgrade failsDavid Coulthard has issued a stark warning regarding the Williams FW48 upgrade, stating that significant consequences could follow if it fails to improve the team's performance. The Grove-based team has struggled throughout the season, currently sitting ninth in the constructors' championship with only 11 points, largely due to the car's overweight issues.
The upgrade, described by team principal James Vowles as nearly a B-spec car, is aimed at enhancing performance at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Coulthard, drawing comparisons to Aston Martin's previous upgrades, believes that the changes should yield a notable improvement. However, he cautioned that if the expected results do not materialise, there could be serious repercussions for the team.
Motorsport.comThu 24 Sep · 17:10 UTCvia Motorsport.comDavid Coulthard warns "heads will roll" if Williams FW48 upgrade failsDavid Coulthard has issued a stark warning regarding the Williams FW48 upgrade, stating that significant consequences could follow if it fails to improve the team's performance. The Grove-based team has struggled throughout the season, currently sitting ninth in the constructors' championship with only 11 points, largely due to the car's overweight issues.
The upgrade, described by team principal James Vowles as nearly a B-spec car, is aimed at enhancing performance at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Coulthard, drawing comparisons to Aston Martin's previous upgrades, believes that the changes should yield a notable improvement. However, he cautioned that if the expected results do not materialise, there could be serious repercussions for the team.Motorsport.comThu 24 Sep · 17:10 UTC
via Motorsport.comJacques Villeneuve identifies barrier facing female F1 drivers after Jamie Chadwick Williams testJacques Villeneuve has identified the lack of female drivers in Formula 1 as a significant issue stemming from a small talent pool. During a discussion on Sky Sports F1, he noted that for every 1000 male drivers, there is only one female driver attempting to break into the sport, complicating the situation further.
Jamie Chadwick, who recently tested a Williams F1 car, echoed Villeneuve's sentiments, highlighting the broader issue of limited seats available in F1 for all drivers. She expressed optimism that her experience would encourage more women to pursue racing, ultimately leading to female champions in lower categories and representation in Formula 1.Motorsport.comThu 24 Sep · 16:16 UTC
via Formula1.comCadillac recruit technical leaders from Red Bull and FerrariCadillac has announced significant changes to its technical leadership, bringing in experienced figures from Red Bull, Ferrari, and Mercedes. Marcin Budkowski has been appointed as Team Principal, replacing Graeme Lowdon, while Craig Skinner, Eric Blandin, and Tim Lean will take on key engineering roles to enhance Cadillac's performance in Formula 1.
These strategic hires are intended to build a strong foundation for Cadillac as they aim to compete at the front of the grid. The team is focused on developing its technical capabilities and fostering collaboration, with the new leaders expected to contribute their championship-winning experience to Cadillac's long-term ambitions in the sport.
Formula1.comThu 24 Sep · 16:14 UTC
via f1oversteer.comJock Clear has seen a ‘Michael Schumacher-esque’ trait in Kimi Antonelli even Max Verstappen lackedJock Clear, a long-time Ferrari performance engineer, has expressed admiration for Andrea Kimi Antonelli, likening his ability to engage fans to that of Michael Schumacher. Antonelli, who is currently leading the 2026 Formula 1 standings with eight wins, has captured the hearts of Ferrari supporters, particularly after his victory at Monza, making him the first Italian to win there since 1966.
Clear noted that Antonelli's impressive performance this season, including his ability to avoid major mistakes, sets him apart from his competitors, including George Russell. Despite facing some reliability issues, Antonelli's consistent results have positioned him as a strong contender for the championship, potentially making him the youngest F1 champion in history.
f1oversteer.comThu 24 Sep · 16:00 UTC
via the-race.comWinners and losers from Baku F1 practiceGeorge Russell topped the timesheets in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix practice sessions, showcasing Mercedes' strong early-2026 form. Despite the team's assertion that their performance gap was not fully representative, Russell's position is promising, especially with teammate Lewis Hamilton facing issues. Meanwhile, McLaren struggled with their new bodywork upgrade, finishing 6th and 8th, while Pierre Gasly's solid performance in 7th placed him as a contender in the midfield.
Other teams faced challenges as well, with Audi and Williams finishing low in the standings despite bringing upgrades. Esteban Ocon had a decent outing in 10th, while Lewis Hamilton's practice was marred by a summons for impeding another driver. Sergio Perez's performance in 13th suggests potential for improvement, especially with the aid of a tow during his fastest lap.
the-race.comThu 24 Sep · 15:06 UTC
via f1oversteer.comGuenther Steiner disagrees with Toto Wolff about the real ‘problem’ with Honda’s ‘air pump’ engineGuenther Steiner has publicly disagreed with Toto Wolff regarding the issues facing Aston Martin, attributing their struggles to Honda's engine performance rather than the Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities (ADUO). Steiner described Honda's engine as akin to an 'air pump', suggesting that even with ADUO, Aston Martin would not see improvements due to fundamental flaws in the engine design.
The debate highlights the ongoing challenges Aston Martin faces in the 2026 Formula 1 season, as they remain unable to close the gap to midfield competitors. Wolff and others have expressed concerns about the effectiveness of ADUO, but Steiner insists that the core problem lies with Honda's inability to adapt to new regulations, which has left Aston Martin lagging behind.f1oversteer.comThu 24 Sep · 15:00 UTC
via Formula1.comGeorge Russell tops FP2 in Baku ahead of team-mateGeorge Russell set the fastest time during the second practice session for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix at the Baku City Circuit. He was followed closely by Mercedes team-mate Kimi Antonelli and Red Bull's Max Verstappen.Formula1.com+ 1 moreThu 24 Sep · 13:21 UTC
via RaceFansRussell leads Mercedes one-two, Lindblad crashes, Hamilton summoned for impeding | Formula 1In the second practice session for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, George Russell led a dominant performance for Mercedes, clocking a fastest lap of 1'43.347. His teammate, Lewis Hamilton, followed closely but could not match Russell's pace, finishing half a second behind.
Max Verstappen from Red Bull secured the third position, but his time was over eight tenths slower than Russell's. Meanwhile, championship leader Andrea Kimi Antonelli faced issues with his car, missing a significant portion of the session due to hydraulic repairs.
RaceFansThu 24 Sep · 13:16 UTC
via Motorsport.comJames Hinchcliffe: Williams F1 weight breakthrough brings "free lap time" in BakuJames Hinchcliffe has stated that Williams' achievement of reaching Formula 1's minimum weight limit with their upgraded FW48 will result in valuable 'free lap time' during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. He explained that this weight reduction enhances overall performance, aiding in aspects like braking, traction, and tyre degradation without requiring any changes to the car's setup or driving style.
Despite the positive impact of the upgrades, Williams team principal James Vowles has tempered expectations, acknowledging that the team has faced a challenging season. He noted that mistakes made during the winter will continue to affect their performance, but he remains optimistic about making progress in the future as they aim to improve their position on the grid.Motorsport.comThu 24 Sep · 13:09 UTC
via Motorsport.comJamie Chadwick completes Williams F1 test in PortugalJamie Chadwick has become the first female driver to test a Formula 1 car in three years, completing a Testing of Previous Cars programme for Williams at the Portimao circuit. The 28-year-old drove a total of 32 laps during the session.Motorsport.com+ 1 moreThu 24 Sep · 13:08 UTC
via Motorsport WeekGeorge Russell tops practice session in BakuGeorge Russell achieved the fastest time in the second practice session for the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku. The session was marked by several incidents, highlighting the challenges teams faced on the track.Motorsport WeekThu 24 Sep · 13:05 UTC
via racer.comTechnical updates: 2026 Azerbaijan Grand PrixAt the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, McLaren, Red Bull, Williams, and Audi introduced significant technical upgrades. McLaren focused on enhancing the MCL40 with improvements to the sidepod inlets, engine cover, and rear suspension, while Red Bull's updates included a new floor geometry and sidepod design aimed at improving aerodynamic performance.
Williams also made notable changes with a new floor and revised brake ducts, while Audi submitted the most extensive list of upgrades, including a new floor and front wing. Other teams like Mercedes and Ferrari did not bring new parts this weekend, although Mercedes plans to introduce upgrades at the next race in Malaysia.
racer.comThu 24 Sep · 13:00 UTC
via lightsoutblog.com2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix: Milestones and F1 Records Which Could Be BrokenThe 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, scheduled for September 26, marks the 1,164th race in Formula 1 history and the tenth event at Baku City Circuit. Notable milestones include Carlos Sainz, Lewis Hamilton, and Max Verstappen being the only drivers to have participated in every race at this venue. Liam Lawson will also reach the milestone of 50 Grand Prix starts during this event.
Several records are on the line, including Lando Norris aiming for his 50th podium finish and Mercedes potentially equalling Ferrari's record of 251 victories. Additionally, a sixth place finish for Carlos Sainz or Fernando Alonso would tie them with Felipe Massa for the most sixth place finishes in F1 history. Lewis Hamilton seeks to maintain his record of completing every lap at Baku, aiming for a total of 500 laps.lightsoutblog.comThu 24 Sep · 12:55 UTC
via Formula1.comGeorge Russell leads Kimi Antonelli in FP2 in BakuGeorge Russell of Mercedes topped the second practice session for the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, finishing ahead of championship leader Kimi Antonelli. Russell's performance in Baku showcased his team's strong form ahead of the race weekend.Formula1.com+ 1 moreThu 24 Sep · 11:49 UTC
via Motorsport.comWhat Kimi Antonelli has learned from Max VerstappenKimi Antonelli, the 20-year-old Mercedes driver, has been learning valuable lessons from Max Verstappen, who has praised Antonelli's impressive performances this season. With eight wins under his belt, Antonelli leads his teammate George Russell significantly in the championship standings. Verstappen, currently sixth in the standings, has encouraged Antonelli to maintain his current approach as he continues to develop his skills.
Antonelli has specifically noted Verstappen's exceptional racecraft, particularly his ability to read situations and position his car effectively. He reflected on a recent race in Madrid, where he learned the importance of maintaining track position and the potential to capitalize on opportunities, as demonstrated by Verstappen. Antonelli's observations of Verstappen's adaptability and performance under pressure have further inspired him in his own racing career.Motorsport.comThu 24 Sep · 11:15 UTC
via Formula1.comWilliams eye Baku boost as every team's upgrades revealedMcLaren and Williams are among the teams bringing upgrades to the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, with McLaren debuting a range of aerodynamic enhancements including revised sidepod shapes and a new floor design. Red Bull also made minor adjustments to their car, while Audi introduced a comprehensive set of upgrades aimed at improving performance in the midfield battle.
Mercedes and Ferrari opted not to introduce any upgrades for this race, focusing instead on maximising their current packages. Williams, having not scored points since Monaco, is cautious about the impact of their new upgrades, while other teams like Alpine and Aston Martin did not submit any changes for this weekend.Formula1.comThu 24 Sep · 10:45 UTC