FerrariHaas F1 TeamWilliams 
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 gpfans.comF1 star OUT of Azerbaijan Grand Prix as safety car deployedAlex Albon crashed his Williams car into the Tecpro barriers during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, leading to the deployment of the safety car. The incident occurred on lap 31, resulting in three drivers not finishing the race.
Following the crash, Albon reassured fans that he was unharmed. The safety car allowed several drivers to pit, taking advantage of the situation to save time during the race.
gpfans.comSat 26 Sep · 12:10 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 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.comAlex Albon and Carlos Sainz reveal F1 boys' trip plansAlex Albon and Carlos Sainz have announced plans for a boys' trip in Asia, taking advantage of the schedule between the Bahrain Grand Prix and the Singapore Grand Prix. They mentioned that several Formula 1 drivers will join them, and Albon expressed excitement about the trip during an interview ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
The trip comes as Sainz faces a five-place grid penalty for failing to slow under yellow flag conditions, starting the Azerbaijan Grand Prix from 14th position. Both drivers are currently positioned low in the championship standings, with Sainz in 16th and Albon in 17th.
Motorsport.comSat 26 Sep · 10:43 UTC
via RacingNews365Charles Leclerc swings 'right hook' claim after huge George Russell defeatCharles Leclerc expressed disappointment after qualifying for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where he finished second, significantly behind pole-sitter George Russell. Leclerc's lap time of 1:43.363 left him over eight tenths of a second adrift of Russell, who secured pole with a time of 1:42.526.
Despite feeling that his Ferrari was performing better than earlier in the weekend, Leclerc acknowledged the substantial gap to Russell. He highlighted the challenges of finding the right tyre window and noted that both Ferrari and McLaren struggled during practice sessions. Leclerc identified areas for improvement, particularly in Sector 2, where Russell excelled.
RacingNews365Sat 26 Sep · 09:00 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 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 Motorsport WeekCharles Leclerc pins hopes on crucial Ferrari trait to challenge in BakuCharles Leclerc is optimistic about Ferrari's race pace as he prepares for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, having secured a surprising second place on the grid despite the team's struggles in free practice. He noted that while the car felt better during qualifying, the significant gap to George Russell remains a concern, particularly regarding straight-line speed and tyre management.
Leclerc highlighted the unpredictability of the car this weekend, which has hindered his ability to take risks on the tight Baku circuit. He remains hopeful that the SF-26 will show its strengths during the race, as it often performs better than in qualifying. Leclerc is determined to give his best effort to challenge for victory against Russell.
Motorsport WeekSat 26 Sep · 05:00 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 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.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 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 Motorsport.comWilliams’ long-awaited F1 upgrade is delivering in Baku – but was Q3 an “overachievement”?Williams Racing has celebrated its best qualifying result of the 2026 season at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, with Carlos Sainz achieving 9th place in qualifying. This improvement comes after the introduction of a new chassis that has addressed the car's previous weight issues, allowing for better performance on the track.
Despite the positive outcome, both Sainz and Alexander Albon expressed caution regarding the upgrade's potential, noting that the car's handling remains a concern. Albon highlighted the need for further aerodynamic improvements as they prepare for the upcoming races in Malaysia and Singapore, which feature different track characteristics.Motorsport.comFri 25 Sep · 18:36 UTC
via f1oversteer.comRUMOURChristian Horner could now change Ferrari’s plan to ‘honourably’ sack Fred VasseurFerrari is reportedly considering a plan to dismiss team principal Fred Vasseur, initially set for the end of the 2026 season, amid growing concerns about the team's performance. Christian Horner's recent comments about his desire to join Ferrari could influence this decision, as he has indicated he would give up his stakeholding ambitions for the opportunity to lead the Scuderia.
The team has faced challenges in competing for the drivers' title, with notable clashes between drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc contributing to dissatisfaction within Ferrari's hierarchy. While Vasseur has support from some drivers, the pressure is mounting, and Horner's interest may prompt Ferrari chairman John Elkann to reconsider potential successors, including Antonello Coletta and Jerome d’Ambrosio.f1oversteer.comFri 25 Sep · 18:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comCharles Leclerc blames Ferrari’s F1 car for destroying his ‘strength’ at the Azerbaijan Grand PrixCharles Leclerc has attributed his disappointing performance during qualifying for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix to the unpredictability of his Ferrari SF-26. Despite qualifying in second place, he was significantly outpaced by George Russell, who took pole position by a margin of eight and a half tenths of a second.
Leclerc noted that he struggled to maintain his usual precision and risk-taking ability due to the car's inconsistent behaviour, particularly in the tight and twisting sectors of the Baku City Circuit. He acknowledged that while Ferrari's straight-line speed had improved, the overall performance of the car hindered his strengths during qualifying.f1oversteer.comFri 25 Sep · 16:30 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 CrashLewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc’s “strange” Ferrari dynamic questioned by Jacques VilleneuveJacques Villeneuve has expressed concerns about the dynamic between Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc at Ferrari, labelling it as 'strange' and filled with tension. This comes after a notable clash between the two drivers during the Italian Grand Prix, where Ferrari has opted to maintain equal status for both drivers despite potential risks to their championship chances.
Villeneuve highlighted that both Hamilton and Leclerc exhibit a fierce desire to outperform each other, which he believes could undermine team cohesion. Former driver Juan Pablo Montoya echoed these sentiments, suggesting that another incident between the two is likely. Leclerc, on the other hand, acknowledged the scrutiny Ferrari faces and expressed his enjoyment in competing against Hamilton, viewing it as a significant challenge.CrashFri 25 Sep · 16:09 UTC
via gpfans.comF1 star Lewis Hamilton issues grid penalty verdict ahead of Azerbaijan Grand PrixLewis Hamilton has stated that he does not anticipate needing to take an engine penalty for exceeding his power unit component limits this season. Despite being at the upper limit of all components, he believes that his recent retirement in Madrid has reduced the wear on his parts, effectively giving him an advantage in terms of component usage.
Hamilton's current standing is third in the 2026 drivers' championship, trailing Kimi Antonelli by 101 points. He acknowledged that while he feels confident about avoiding penalties, performance changes throughout the season could influence future decisions regarding his power unit components.gpfans.comFri 25 Sep · 16:05 UTC
via the-race.comSainz loses Williams's best grid slot of 2026Carlos Sainz, driving for Williams, has been handed a five-place grid penalty for failing to heed yellow flags during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix qualifying session. This penalty means Sainz will start from 14th position, denying Williams its best grid slot of the year, which was previously held by Alex Albon in 11th place. The stewards determined that Sainz did not adequately reduce his speed in the relevant yellow-flag sector, despite receiving warnings from his team.
In addition to Sainz's penalty, Sergio Perez of Cadillac also faced a three-position penalty for impeding McLaren's Oscar Piastri. However, due to engine component penalties affecting Aston Martin drivers, Perez will only drop one position, starting from 20th. The penalties highlight the strict enforcement of yellow flag regulations and traffic management during qualifying sessions in Formula 1.
the-race.comFri 25 Sep · 15:44 UTC
via f1chronicle.comCarlos Sainz’s Underrated Record at the Azerbaijan Grand PrixCarlos Sainz Jr. had a remarkable performance at the 2025 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, qualifying second and finishing third, marking a significant achievement for Williams. This result was their first front-row start since 2021 and showcased Sainz's skill in navigating the challenging Baku circuit, despite the team's struggles with car handling in previous races.
Throughout his career at Baku, Sainz has consistently demonstrated his ability to perform well, with five top-10 finishes in seven races. His best result came in 2023 when he finished fifth with Ferrari, and he has maintained a solid average finishing position at the track. Sainz's recent podium finish is a testament to his talent and resilience, contributing to Williams' hopes for a resurgence in performance.
f1chronicle.comFri 25 Sep · 11:03 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 RaceFansRUMOURFeatured Comment: Why swapping Ocon for Camara makes sense for Haas | BriefEsteban Ocon has indicated that he is unlikely to remain with Haas for the 2027 Formula 1 season. This comes amid speculation that Haas may promote Rafael Camara from their Formula 2 team, as they look to strengthen their driver lineup with Ferrari academy talent.
Comments from fans suggest that Ocon's abilities as a driver are being questioned, particularly in light of his race win in Hungary, which some believe was not a reflection of his skill. From Haas's perspective, retaining Ocon may not provide any significant advantage, leading to discussions about the potential benefits of bringing in a new driver.
RaceFansFri 25 Sep · 08:28 UTC
via f1oversteer.comRUMOURChristian Horner reveals he’d forget his only non-negotiable to secure ‘dream’ Ferrari roleChristian Horner has expressed a willingness to join Ferrari, stating it is his 'dream' role in Formula 1. He mentioned that he would forgo his usual requirement for ownership in a team to work with the iconic Italian brand, which he views as the biggest name in the sport.
Horner's comments come amid speculation about his future in F1, particularly with the uncertainty surrounding Fred Vasseur's position at Ferrari. If appointed, Horner's presence could potentially impact the team's driver lineup, especially concerning Lewis Hamilton, who has had a contentious history with Horner's former team, Red Bull.f1oversteer.comFri 25 Sep · 08:00 UTC