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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 moreFri 25 Sep · 13:44 UTC
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 RacingNews365Oscar Piastri concedes defeat to George RussellOscar Piastri admitted that McLaren had no chance of outpacing George Russell during qualifying for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Despite securing third on the grid, Piastri noted he was comfortably behind Russell's pace.
+ 2 moreFri 25 Sep · 13:27 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.
via CrashZak Brown keeps future options open for Max VerstappenZak Brown, the CEO of McLaren Racing, stated that the door remains 'wide open' for Max Verstappen to potentially join the team in the future. Brown expressed his admiration for Verstappen following their discussions last summer, despite the Dutch driver being contracted to Red Bull until the end of 2030.
+ 4 moreFri 25 Sep · 09:21 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 newsonf1.comFornaroli unlikely as Haas decision nearsLeonardo Fornaroli remains a candidate for the Haas seat currently held by Esteban Ocon, but McLaren CEO Zak Brown indicates that the team expects him to continue in their reserve role. Haas has been evaluating several drivers, including Fornaroli, Rafael Camara, Ryo Hirakawa, and Jack Doohan, as they consider a potential change for the 2027 season.
Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu stated that an announcement regarding Ocon's future will be made soon, as they have completed evaluations of the candidates. Komatsu acknowledged that all tested drivers have performed well, highlighting the team's fortunate position of having multiple talented prospects to choose from.
via gpfans.comGeorge Russell secures pole position in BakuGeorge Russell achieved pole position for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, providing him with a significant opportunity to reduce Kimi Antonelli's championship lead. This comes after Russell's Mercedes team-mate crashed out during the qualifying session.
+ 2 moreFri 25 Sep · 06:30 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.
Fri 25 Sep · 05:56 UTC
via RacingNews365Radical McLaren upgrade targets its biggest weaknessMcLaren has made significant changes to the MCL40's sidepods ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, focusing on reducing aerodynamic drag, which has been a persistent issue for the team. The redesign includes a new squarer inlet shape and improved internal ducting, which enhances airflow management without compromising cooling efficiency.
This upgrade is crucial for drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri as they compete in the constructors' championship. By addressing the drag deficit, McLaren hopes to close the gap to rivals like Ferrari and improve their performance in the remaining races of the season.Fri 25 Sep · 05:10 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.
Thu 24 Sep · 17:10 UTC
via Formula1.comAudi's upgrade package 'delivering as expected' – BinottoAudi has brought a significant upgrade package to the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, consisting of 14 new components aimed at enhancing performance. Team Principal Mattia Binotto expressed confidence in the upgrades, stating they are delivering as expected based on initial data from practice sessions.
In practice, Gabriel Bortoleto was the only driver to test the new components in the first session, finishing in P10. However, both he and Nico Hulkenberg struggled in the second session, finishing P14 and P15. Bortoleto mentioned issues with grip on the dusty Baku track, indicating that further adjustments may be needed to fully realise the potential of the new upgrades.
Thu 24 Sep · 16:46 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.Thu 24 Sep · 16:16 UTC
via Sky Sports F1'Pretty pants!' - Norris rules McLaren out of Baku pole fightLando Norris expressed disappointment with McLaren's performance during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix practice sessions, stating they were significantly off the pace, specifically 1.5 seconds slower than Mercedes' George Russell. Despite bringing a major upgrade package to Baku, Norris felt the new parts did not yield immediate improvements, and he ruled out a contention for pole position.
George Russell, who topped both practice sessions, expects the gaps to tighten in qualifying. Kimi Antonelli faced issues with a hydraulics leak but managed to recover well in the second session. Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton noted Ferrari's struggles with tyre performance and straight-line speed, indicating a challenging day for the team.
Thu 24 Sep · 15:47 UTC
via PlanetF1Audi introduces extensive upgrade for Azerbaijan Grand PrixAudi has unveiled a significant upgrade package for their Formula 1 car ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The update includes numerous new components, marking one of the most comprehensive car updates seen this season.+ 1 moreThu 24 Sep · 15:18 UTC
via CrashCadillac hires engineers from Red Bull and FerrariCadillac has announced the recruitment of three experienced engineers, including staff from Red Bull, Ferrari, and Mercedes, to strengthen its Formula 1 programme. The new hires will take on senior development and aerodynamics roles as the team aims to progress on the grid.+ 3 moreThu 24 Sep · 15:16 UTC
via PlanetF1Cadillac F1 announces key technical team appointmentsCadillac Formula 1 has made significant strides by hiring Craig Skinner, Eric Blandin, and Tim Lean from top teams including Red Bull Racing and Mercedes. These appointments are part of Cadillac's strategy to enhance its technical capabilities and accelerate development.+ 7 moreThu 24 Sep · 15:00 UTC
via RacingNews365Binotto calls for vote on new F1 engine regulationsMattia Binotto has requested a year-end vote regarding the next engine regulations in Formula 1. Audi's Formula 1 chief indicated that a V8 engine is expected to be the basis for the new power unit, although details on its turbo and hybrid components still require consensus.+ 2 moreThu 24 Sep · 14:30 UTC
via CrashLando Norris calls McLaren's Baku pace a 'knife in heart'Lando Norris expressed disappointment over McLaren's performance at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, describing the team's deficit to the front runners as feeling like 'a little knife in the heart'. After finishing 14th in the opening practice session, Norris noted that the team was 'miles off' the pace compared to competitors like Mercedes.+ 6 moreThu 24 Sep · 13:49 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.Thu 24 Sep · 13:09 UTCPage 2 of 32
