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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.
via Formula1.comGasly buoyed by Alpine gains after Baku double Q3 appearancePierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto both advanced to the final qualifying stage for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, with Gasly securing a P7 start and Colapinto P10. Gasly expressed optimism about Alpine's performance, noting he could have achieved a better time without interruptions from yellow flags, while Colapinto admitted to struggling with pace and execution in Q3.
Gasly highlighted the team's progress and his comfort with the car's balance, indicating a strong potential for scoring points in the race. Despite Colapinto's challenges, he remains hopeful for improvement and is determined to fight for a better result in the race. Alpine is currently in a competitive battle to be the 'best of the rest' against Racing Bulls.
via Formula1.comLeclerc lacks confidence in Ferrari ahead of Baku raceCharles Leclerc expressed concerns about the unpredictability of his Ferrari car, which affected his confidence during qualifying for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Despite securing a front-row grid slot, Leclerc noted the significant gap to pole position and felt unable to drive with his usual commitment.
via RacingNews365Lewis Hamilton criticises Ferrari and Pirelli after BakuLewis Hamilton expressed frustration with Ferrari and Pirelli following a challenging qualifying session at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The seven-time champion described the situation as a 'perfect storm' that hindered his performance.
via Motorsport.comLewis Hamilton: ‘I towed Charles the whole time’ and ended up 0.5s slowerLewis Hamilton expressed frustration with Ferrari's qualifying strategy at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, which he felt left him without a crucial slipstream. He qualified sixth, trailing his teammate Charles Leclerc, and attributed his slower times to both tyre issues and the team's decision to change their run plan, resulting in him running alone in Q3.
Hamilton noted that he had been struggling with tyre performance all weekend and believed that a better strategy could have improved his position. Despite Leclerc's strong performance, Hamilton suggested that Ferrari might not have the second-fastest car, indicating that Max Verstappen had been quicker throughout the event.
via PlanetF1Alonso and Stroll start from the back in AzerbaijanFernando Alonso and Lance Stroll of Aston Martin will start from the back of the grid at the 2026 Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix due to multiple power unit component changes. The full starting grid has been confirmed, with Charles Leclerc from Ferrari and George Russell from Mercedes occupying the front row.
via CrashLewis Hamilton criticises Ferrari's qualifying strategyLewis Hamilton expressed frustration over Ferrari's qualifying strategy during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, stating it left him without a slipstream. Hamilton noted that his performance deteriorated throughout the session, ultimately finishing 0.5 seconds slower.
via RacingNews365George Russell secures pole by biggest career marginGeorge Russell expressed his shock after achieving pole position by the largest margin of his career during qualifying for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Charles Leclerc noted that this gap is the biggest between the pole-sitter and the second-place starter this season.
via f1oversteer.comGeorge Russell takes pole position in BakuGeorge Russell secured pole position for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix with a remarkable lap time, finishing 0.837 seconds ahead of Ferrari's Charles Leclerc. The session saw championship leader Kimi Antonelli crash out in Q1, forcing him to start from 16th place.
via grandprix.comBriatore says seven investors want Alpine stakeFlavio Briatore has stated that at least seven investors are interested in acquiring Otro Capital's minority stake in Alpine, which is currently 24 percent. However, he clarified that Renault has no plans to sell the Alpine Formula 1 team itself, emphasizing that any changes in minority ownership do not equate to Renault exiting the sport.
Briatore highlighted the significant financial growth in Formula 1, suggesting that the valuation of teams has reached a minimum of $3 billion. He also defended Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur amidst ongoing pressure and expressed his commitment to Alpine, dismissing any notions of retirement or a potential move to Ferrari.
via CrashVerstappen tops final practice ahead of Azerbaijan GPMax Verstappen set the fastest time in the final practice session for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, narrowly beating George Russell. Lewis Hamilton also featured prominently, finishing third as Red Bull and Mercedes prepared for qualifying.
via f1oversteer.comMax Verstappen tops final practice at Azerbaijan GPMax Verstappen of Red Bull Racing secured the fastest time in the final practice session for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, ending George Russell's dominance in earlier sessions. Russell, driving for Mercedes, finished second, followed by Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton in third.
via CrashChristian Horner calls Ferrari his dream F1 jobChristian Horner has stated that returning to Formula 1 as Ferrari team principal would be a 'dream' role for him, the only position that could entice him back without an ownership stake. Ferrari team chief Fred Vasseur has responded to the speculation surrounding Horner's potential return.
via f1oversteer.comVasseur addresses speculation over Ferrari futureFred Vasseur has expressed concern that speculation regarding his future at Ferrari is undermining his position. He referenced Christian Horner's potential interest in a role at Ferrari, suggesting that such distractions are affecting the team's focus.
via newsonf1.comBriatore rules out Ferrari moveFlavio Briatore has firmly ruled out the possibility of taking charge at Ferrari, stating that it is too late for him to consider such a role. Currently leading Alpine, he expressed respect for Fred Vasseur's efforts at Ferrari amidst ongoing speculation about Vasseur's future. Briatore also commented on the challenges of managing Ferrari's driver pairing, which he described as quarrelsome.
In addition to his comments on Ferrari, Briatore addressed the future of Alpine, asserting that Renault has no plans to sell the team. He revealed that there are at least seven investors interested in purchasing a minority stake in Alpine. Briatore also noted that the commercial value of Alpine reflects the overall growth in Formula 1, while playfully dismissing his previous retirement claims.
via f1oversteer.com‘Alarm bells’ ring at Ferrari after hearing what Oliver Bearman said about Baku engine failureFerrari are concerned for Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc after hearing what Haas’ Oliver Bearman said about his engine failure during FP2 at the Azerbaijan ...
via f1oversteer.comFlavio Briatore tells Fred Vasseur what he must ‘make clear’ to Lewis Hamilton and Charles LeclercFlavio Briatore has urged Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur to clarify the responsibilities of Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc as they compete for the team's number one driver status. Briatore highlighted the need for Vasseur to remind both drivers that they must prioritise the team's success over personal rivalry, especially as Ferrari's performance has declined since the summer break.
Despite the tension, both Hamilton and Leclerc maintain that their relationship is friendly. Leclerc expressed the importance of communication between them, acknowledging that their actions are often scrutinised more than those of drivers from other teams. He emphasised their shared goal of winning as a team and restoring Ferrari's competitive edge.
via f1chronicle.comLewis Hamilton Admits Chasing George Russell, Not Kimi Antonelli, Is Now His Real Championship BattleLewis Hamilton has acknowledged that he is unlikely to catch Kimi Antonelli in the Drivers' Championship, as he trails by 101 points. Instead, he is now focusing on George Russell, who is just 20 points ahead of him in the standings. Hamilton believes that finishing second or maintaining third place would be a significant achievement for him and Ferrari this season, especially after a challenging 2025 campaign.
As the Azerbaijan Grand Prix approaches, Hamilton is preparing for a crucial triple header of races. He has expressed optimism about Ferrari's recent improvements and is determined to address execution issues that have hindered their performance. With 83 points available in the upcoming races, Hamilton's strategy has shifted to defending his position against Russell and Lando Norris, marking a change in his championship aspirations.
via f1oversteer.comFlavio Briatore explains why even he is ‘rooting’ for Ferrari to end their F1 title droughtFlavio Briatore, the Alpine chief, expressed his support for Ferrari in their quest to end a long title drought, despite his position at a rival team. He acknowledged that while Ferrari is competitive, they have consistently faced challenges from other teams, particularly Mercedes, who are currently dominating the championship.
During an interview, Briatore highlighted the importance of a successful Ferrari for the entire Formula 1 community. He also commented on the current struggles of Ferrari under team principal Fred Vasseur, suggesting that understanding the team's issues is crucial for improvement. Briatore dismissed speculation about replacing Vasseur, stating it was too late for him to take on that role.
via gpfans.comBriatore to Ferrari? Controversial F1 legend on 'the lover everyone would love to have'Flavio Briatore, the former team principal known for his controversial past, commented on speculation regarding a potential role at Ferrari, stating that it is 'too late' for him to join the team. He acknowledged Ferrari's struggles, noting that they have not won a championship in 18 years and are currently facing challenges in the 2026 season, despite a promising start with their SF-26 car.
Briatore also discussed the dynamics between Ferrari drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, calling them a 'quarrelsome pairing' and emphasising the importance of team unity. He expressed respect for Vasseur's work and highlighted the complexities of winning a World Championship in the competitive landscape of Formula 1.Page 2 of 38













