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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.
Fri 25 Sep · 18:36 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.
Fri 25 Sep · 16:30 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.
Fri 25 Sep · 15:44 UTC
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.
Fri 25 Sep · 15:33 UTC
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.+ 1 moreFri 25 Sep · 15:01 UTC
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.
+ 2 moreFri 25 Sep · 15:00 UTC
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.Fri 25 Sep · 14:41 UTC
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.
+ 2 moreFri 25 Sep · 14:06 UTC
via RaceFansCarlos Sainz receives grid penalty for Azerbaijan GPCarlos Sainz has been handed a five-place grid penalty for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix after breaching yellow flag regulations during qualifying. The penalty comes after Sainz achieved his best qualifying performance of the season with Williams.
+ 8 more
via RaceFans2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix results from BakuThe 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix took place at the Baku City Circuit, showcasing a competitive race among the Formula 1 teams. Detailed results and highlights from the event have been compiled.Sat 26 Sep · 12:05 UTC
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.+ 1 moreFri 25 Sep · 13:22 UTC
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.+ 15 more
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.
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.+ 7 moreFri 25 Sep · 09:38 UTC
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.+ 2 moreFri 25 Sep · 09:37 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.
Fri 25 Sep · 08:43 UTC
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.+ 6 moreFri 25 Sep · 08:43 UTC
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.+ 1 moreFri 25 Sep · 08:00 UTC
via CrashSainz impressed by Williams' Baku upgrade performanceCarlos Sainz has expressed surprise at the effectiveness of Williams' recent upgrade package during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Williams team principal James Vowles praised the team's efforts in delivering the improvements, which allowed Sainz to showcase his pace.+ 3 moreFri 25 Sep · 07:53 UTCPage 2 of 46
