Red BullWilliams 
via PlanetF1First McLaren and Williams upgrade details revealed in FIA submissionMcLaren and Williams have unveiled their latest upgrades ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, with McLaren introducing eight performance-related enhancements to their MCL40. These include revisions to the sidepod inlet shape, engine cover, and rear wing, aimed at improving aerodynamic efficiency. Williams also focused on performance updates, marking a significant step in their development of the FW48, which team principal James Vowles described as an "almost entirely new car."
In contrast, Audi made the most substantial changes, bringing 14 new parts to their R26, effectively creating a B-spec model. Their upgrades encompass a complete overhaul of the front and rear wings, suspension, and engine cover. Other teams like Red Bull and Racing Bulls also contributed to the upgrade frenzy, with Red Bull adding five new components and Racing Bulls focusing on the front end of their car. The developments set the stage for an exciting race in Baku.
PlanetF1Thu 24 Sep · 06:44 UTC
via RacingNews365McLaren and Red Bull make aggressive moves for crunch Baku showdownMcLaren and Red Bull have both unveiled significant upgrade packages ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, while Mercedes and Ferrari have opted not to introduce any new components. McLaren's updates include modifications to the sidepod, engine cover, floor, diffuser, rear suspension, and rear wing, aimed at enhancing aerodynamic performance.
Red Bull's updates primarily target the floor and sidepod, with adjustments designed to improve local load and flow stability. The changes reflect the teams' preparations for the challenges of the 2026 season, contrasting with the decision of Mercedes and Ferrari to refrain from any developments for this race.
RacingNews365Thu 24 Sep · 06:30 UTC
via gpfans.comRed Bull F1 issue Liam Lawson statementRed Bull Racing has issued a statement praising Liam Lawson for his impressive performances during his three-race stint with the team, where he scored 14 points. Lawson stepped in for Isack Hadjar, who was sidelined due to a wrist injury, and achieved notable finishes, including seventh in the Dutch Grand Prix and sixth in the Spanish Grand Prix.
Despite his strong showing, Lawson's future with Red Bull appears uncertain as the team has confirmed Hadjar's return for the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Lawson's contract with Racing Bulls is also not yet confirmed, leaving his position in the 2027 season unclear, although he has outperformed his rookie teammate this season.
gpfans.comWed 23 Sep · 20:44 UTC
via f1oversteer.comRUMOURHow Yuki Tsunoda’s pace compared to Liam Lawson in his three races at Racing BullsYuki Tsunoda's time with Racing Bulls has been marked by underperformance compared to his teammate Liam Lawson. In three races, Tsunoda managed only a single point, finishing P10 at Monza, while Lawson consistently achieved better results, averaging a race position of 8.4 compared to Tsunoda's 11.7. Tsunoda's struggles were evident in qualifying as well, where he was on average seven-tenths slower than Lawson.
As Tsunoda steps back, Lawson is set to return for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, with Racing Bulls eager to improve their standings in the constructors' championship. The team has faced challenges, being outscored by Alpine during Tsunoda's stint, which has raised questions about Tsunoda's future in Formula 1 amidst speculation linking him to other teams.
f1oversteer.comWed 23 Sep · 19:00 UTC
via thejudge13.comRed Bull announces driver decision for 2027Red Bull Racing has confirmed that Isack Hadjar will continue with the team for the 2027 Formula 1 season, partnering with Max Verstappen. This decision comes after Hadjar's impressive performance in 2026, where he achieved seven consecutive top-six finishes and a podium at the Monaco Grand Prix. Red Bull's CEO, Laurent Mekies, expressed confidence in Hadjar's abilities and his integration into the team, making the contract extension a straightforward choice.
Hadjar's announcement coincides with his return from a wrist injury that sidelined him for three races. He has completed rehabilitation and is set to compete in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The young French driver expressed excitement about continuing with Red Bull, highlighting the team's ambition and the privilege of racing alongside a four-time World Champion like Verstappen. Hadjar focused on his performance on track rather than contract negotiations, indicating his commitment to proving himself.
thejudge13.comWed 23 Sep · 18:36 UTC
via PlanetF1Ocon to lose Haas seat, Red Bull announcement, FIA confirms Russell inspection findings – roundupThe FIA has confirmed that George Russell's Mercedes W17 complies with the 2026 technical regulations following a thorough inspection conducted after the Spanish Grand Prix. This inspection is part of the FIA's routine checks for cars finishing in the top ten, and Russell's car was found to meet all requirements after he finished fifth in the race.
In other news, Esteban Ocon has been informed that he will not continue with the Haas team for the 2027 season, with Rafael Camara set to replace him. Additionally, Red Bull has announced that Isack Hadjar will remain as Max Verstappen's teammate for the upcoming season, following his impressive performance and recent podium finish.PlanetF1Wed 23 Sep · 18:04 UTC
via CrashLewis Hamilton shares views on F1's Middle East racesLewis Hamilton has expressed his unexpected stance regarding Formula 1's decision to conclude the 2026 season in the Middle East. His comments come as Red Bull confirmed their driver line-up for 2027 during a media day ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
Crash+ 1 moreWed 23 Sep · 15:03 UTC
via grandprix.comRed Bull extends Isack Hadjar's contract to 2027Red Bull Racing has confirmed that Isack Hadjar will remain with the team until 2027. Team boss Laurent Mekies has outlined expectations for Hadjar to continue his development as he prepares to return from injury.grandprix.com+ 1 moreWed 23 Sep · 09:46 UTC
via f1oversteer.comLaurent Mekies says Christian Horner made one decision no-one else 'in the world' would have takenLaurent Mekies has commended Christian Horner for his decision to have Red Bull develop their own powertrains starting in 2021, a move he believes no other company would have undertaken. Despite not winning a race in 2026, Mekies noted that Red Bull has successfully narrowed the gap to competitors like Mercedes.
Mekies also highlighted that Red Bull's in-house engine development has shown promising results, although he disagrees with some assessments that label their engine as the best. He emphasized the importance of accurate evaluations for the future of both Red Bull and the sport, indicating ongoing discussions with the FIA regarding engine performance assessments.f1oversteer.comWed 23 Sep · 09:00 UTC
via RacingNews365Isack Hadjar voices Red Bull 'privilege' after renewed F1 trustIsack Hadjar has expressed a sense of privilege after signing an extension with Red Bull Racing for the 2027 Formula 1 season. The French driver joined the team in 2025 and has made a strong impression, achieving a podium finish at the Monaco Grand Prix and consistently finishing in the top six throughout the season.
Despite Red Bull's struggles this year, Hadjar remains motivated to help the team return to the top. He acknowledged the talent within the team and the support he has received, stating his commitment to improving and justifying the faith placed in him by Red Bull.RacingNews365Wed 23 Sep · 08:10 UTC
via newsonf1.comWolff absent as Antonelli enters gruelling title runToto Wolff will not attend the upcoming race in Baku as the Formula 1 championship enters a challenging phase, with a tight schedule ahead. Bradley Lord will take over Wolff's trackside duties during this period. Meanwhile, Isack Hadjar is set to return to the Red Bull team after recovering from a wrist injury, while Liam Lawson will revert to Racing Bulls after a successful stint alongside Max Verstappen.
Kimi Antonelli is currently leading the championship with an 81-point advantage and is focused on maintaining his lead through the demanding upcoming races. He expressed confidence in his physical readiness for the challenges ahead. Despite Mercedes not having made significant upgrades since May, further developments are anticipated in the coming races, and Antonelli's performance is expected to remain strong as he aims for his first title.newsonf1.comWed 23 Sep · 05:56 UTC
via RacingNews365Red Bull confirm Azerbaijan GP line-up change as Kimi Antonelli label questioned - RacingNews365 ReviewRed Bull Racing has officially confirmed that Isack Hadjar will return to the team for the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix. This decision comes as part of a line-up change where Hadjar will take the place of Liam Lawson for this race weekend.
In related news, Kimi Antonelli's status as a potential 'generational talent' has been debated, with comparisons made to Lewis Hamilton's career. The discussions highlight the expectations placed on young drivers in Formula 1 and the benchmarks set by established stars.RacingNews365Tue 22 Sep · 20:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comLaurent Mekies shares the 'doubts' that nearly stopped Max Verstappen extending his Red Bull contractMax Verstappen had serious doubts about his future with Red Bull, contemplating a move to another team or even retirement at the end of 2026. However, after discussions regarding the implications of new regulations and assurances about the team's competitiveness, he ultimately decided to extend his contract with Red Bull until 2030.
Laurent Mekies, Red Bull's team principal, highlighted that Verstappen's concerns were addressed through collaborative efforts with Formula 1 and the FIA. The changes in engine regulations, which will shift the balance towards more internal combustion engine dependency, played a crucial role in restoring Verstappen's confidence in the sport and his team.f1oversteer.comTue 22 Sep · 20:00 UTC
via PlanetF1Red Bull makes Azerbaijan GP announcement; Cadillac setup dubbed ‘suboptimal’ – round-upRed Bull has announced that Isack Hadjar will return to race alongside Max Verstappen at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, following a three-race absence due to injury. Liam Lawson, who filled in for Hadjar, will revert to his role with Racing Bulls, while Yuki Tsunoda will return to reserve duties after his stint as a stand-in driver.
In other news, Cadillac's approach of operating from multiple bases has been labelled 'suboptimal' by team principal Otmar Szafnauer, who expressed concerns about the logistical challenges this presents for building a championship-winning team. Additionally, Stefano Domenicali's salary as chief executive of Formula One Management has been revealed to be £7.999 million.PlanetF1Tue 22 Sep · 19:37 UTC
via f1oversteer.comRed Bull still haven’t seen how good Liam Lawson really is after ending his stint one race too earlyRed Bull Racing has confirmed that Isack Hadjar will return to the team for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, ending Liam Lawson's stint as a substitute driver. Lawson had previously replaced Hadjar and performed well, scoring points in his debut race at Zandvoort and achieving a career-best fifth place at Baku last year.
The decision to end Lawson's time with Red Bull comes as he was poised to potentially excel at the Baku circuit, where he had previously qualified third and finished fifth. The team has been noted for having the best internal combustion engine, which could have further enhanced Lawson's performance had he continued in the RB22.f1oversteer.comTue 22 Sep · 17:00 UTC
via gpfans.comMax Verstappen makes decision on racing series switch despite success of father JosMax Verstappen has decided against switching to rally car racing, citing safety concerns as a new father. Despite his father's success in rallying, including winning the Belgian Rally Championship in 2025, Verstappen believes the risks associated with rallying are too high, especially given the potential for serious accidents.
Verstappen has committed to Formula 1, having signed a new contract with Red Bull last month. He has explored other racing formats, such as GT racing, but maintains that rallying is not a viable option for him at this stage in his life. His family generally supports his racing decisions but would likely intervene if he pursued rallying.gpfans.comTue 22 Sep · 16:27 UTC
via Motorsport WeekIsack Hadjar expresses relief at returning to Red BullIsack Hadjar has shared his relief about the upcoming opportunity to race again with Red Bull at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. He described feeling a 'weird feeling' during his absence from Formula 1.
Motorsport WeekTue 22 Sep · 15:30 UTC
via f1technical.netIsack Hadjar returns to Red Bull at Azerbaijan Grand PrixIsack Hadjar has confirmed his return to Formula 1 with Red Bull at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix after recovering from a wrist injury. During practice, Hadjar expressed satisfaction with the performance of his upgraded car, stating it felt better than during his last outing in Hungary.
f1technical.net+ 1 moreTue 22 Sep · 14:00 UTC
via the-race.comWhere every Red Bull driver stands as Hadjar returnsIsack Hadjar is set to return to Red Bull for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix after recovering from a wrist injury that sidelined him for three races. His return means Liam Lawson will go back to Racing Bulls, while Yuki Tsunoda takes on his reserve role again. Hadjar's performance prior to his injury showed promise, averaging 6.5 points per race, but he faces pressure to perform at a high level immediately upon his return.
During Hadjar's absence, Verstappen's performance improved significantly, averaging 12 points per race, while Lawson managed only 4.7 points. Tsunoda demonstrated his reliability by scoring points in Monza, while rookie Arvid Lindblad continued to impress, contributing to Racing Bulls' success in the constructors' championship. Hadjar's return is crucial for Red Bull as they aim to improve their competitive standing.
the-race.comTue 22 Sep · 10:00 UTC
via gpfans.comBaffling Max Verstappen F1 issue cannot be fixed admit Red BullRed Bull Racing's team principal, Laurent Mekies, has admitted that they are struggling to resolve a long-standing performance issue with Max Verstappen's RB22 car. Throughout the 2026 season, Verstappen has expressed concerns about the car's performance degradation, particularly at the rear, leading him to describe it as 'a car made of paper.' Despite efforts to investigate the problem, Mekies confirmed that they have not yet found satisfactory answers.
The issue has been ongoing and appears to have carried over from previous Red Bull models, even after the regulatory changes implemented this year. Mekies noted that while they have made some progress in understanding the problem, a complete resolution is unlikely before 2027. He emphasised that they are actively working on the issue and hope to build a foundation for future improvements.gpfans.comTue 22 Sep · 08:45 UTC
via f1oversteer.comCarlos Sainz labels 2026 Williams 'the worst car I've ever had' because it has 'no strengths'Carlos Sainz has expressed his frustration with the 2026 Williams FW48, calling it the worst car he has ever driven in his career. He highlighted the car's lack of strengths and numerous weaknesses, which have contributed to Williams' struggles this season, currently sitting in P9 in the constructors' standings with only 11 points.
Despite his dissatisfaction, Sainz remains hopeful for improvements with an upcoming upgrade for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. He emphasized the importance of verifying the effectiveness of the new upgrade and its correlation with the team's future car developments, as he aims to compete more effectively in the coming seasons.f1oversteer.comTue 22 Sep · 08:00 UTC
via RacingNews365Liam Lawson names Christian Horner difference in 'new' Red Bull feelingLiam Lawson has shared insights on his experiences with Red Bull team principals Christian Horner and Laurent Mekies. After a brief stint with Horner in 2025, Lawson was demoted but later returned to the team in 2026, scoring points in two of his three races under Mekies, who replaced Horner.
Reflecting on his time with both leaders, Lawson noted that he didn't have enough time with Horner to form a fair comparison. He expressed that his longer relationship with Mekies, including their time together at VCARB, has made the transition smoother. Lawson also mentioned that while he can learn operational aspects from Red Bull, the technical differences between the cars limit direct comparisons.RacingNews365Mon 21 Sep · 19:00 UTC
via PlanetF1Liam Lawson's Red Bull performance questioned by expertsAlex Brundle has expressed doubts about Liam Lawson's impact during his recent stint with Red Bull, stating that he did not deliver any 'breakthrough' performances. Meanwhile, the long-term prospects for Lawson within the Red Bull setup are under scrutiny as the team considers its options for 2027.PlanetF1Mon 21 Sep · 18:01 UTC
via Motorsport.comSainz advises Williams junior Green to embrace risksCarlos Sainz has encouraged 13-year-old Will Green, a junior driver for Williams, to take risks as he transitions from karting to single-seaters. Sainz emphasised the importance of pushing limits rather than focusing solely on consistency in his racing development.
Motorsport.com+ 1 moreMon 21 Sep · 14:42 UTC