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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
via racer.comTechnical updates: 2026 Azerbaijan Grand PrixAt the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, McLaren, Red Bull, Williams, and Audi introduced significant technical upgrades. McLaren focused on enhancing the MCL40 with improvements to the sidepod inlets, engine cover, and rear suspension, while Red Bull's updates included a new floor geometry and sidepod design aimed at improving aerodynamic performance.
Williams also made notable changes with a new floor and revised brake ducts, while Audi submitted the most extensive list of upgrades, including a new floor and front wing. Other teams like Mercedes and Ferrari did not bring new parts this weekend, although Mercedes plans to introduce upgrades at the next race in Malaysia.
via AutosportRed Bull confirms final F1 upgrades for 2026 seasonRed Bull Racing has announced that the upgrades introduced at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix will be its last major enhancements for the 2026 Formula 1 season. The team will now shift its focus towards preparations for the 2027 season.
via Formula1.comGeorge Russell leads Kimi Antonelli in FP2 in BakuGeorge Russell of Mercedes topped the second practice session for the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, finishing ahead of championship leader Kimi Antonelli. Russell's performance in Baku showcased his team's strong form ahead of the race weekend.
via Motorsport.comValtteri Bottas launches charity initiative for rhinosValtteri Bottas has unveiled a unique helmet design for the Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix to support the Care For Wild Rhino Sanctuary. The Cadillac Formula 1 driver is also offering fans a chance to win the special helmet as part of the initiative.
via f1oversteer.comGeorge Russell tops Azerbaijan GP first practice sessionGeorge Russell achieved the fastest time in the first practice session for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, finishing ahead of Max Verstappen. His teammate Kimi Antonelli faced a hydraulic issue that cut his session short.
via CrashRed Bull and Williams unveil upgrades at Azerbaijan GPRed Bull and Williams have introduced significant upgrades at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, with Max Verstappen providing feedback on Red Bull's latest enhancements. The developments come as teams intensify their efforts in the ongoing Formula 1 season.
via RacingNews365George Russell fastest in Azerbaijan Grand Prix practiceGeorge Russell achieved the fastest time in the first practice session for the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku. His Mercedes team-mate Kimi Antonelli encountered issues, stopping on track during the session.
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.
via f1technical.netBudkowski reflects on return to F1 team leadership with CadillacMarcin Budkowski has admitted that returning to Formula 1 after several years away from the paddock took some adjustment, particularly after joining Cadillac as the team prepares for its first season in the championship.
via PlanetF1Oscar Piastri experiments emerge in search for McLaren MCL40 breakthroughOscar Piastri is actively experimenting with the McLaren MCL40 in search of a breakthrough during the 2026 Formula 1 season. He has acknowledged the team's increased engineering support as they work to improve his performance, which has been challenging under the new regulations.
Despite struggling compared to his teammate Lando Norris, who has achieved two race wins, Piastri remains optimistic about making progress. He has noted that while the path to improvement is not straightforward, he feels supported by McLaren's efforts and is committed to finding effective solutions to enhance his performance on the track.
via Motorsport.comJolyon Palmer suggests Oscar Piastri needs F1 reset in blunt Lando Norris comparisonJolyon Palmer has suggested that Oscar Piastri may need a winter reset following a challenging 2026 season with McLaren. Piastri's recent performance has been inconsistent, particularly in comparison to his teammate Lando Norris, who has been performing strongly, including securing pole position at the Spanish Grand Prix. Piastri currently sits seventh in the drivers' standings with 120 points, while Norris is fourth with 186 points.
Palmer pointed out that Piastri had a promising half-season in 2025 but has struggled to maintain that form in 2026. He noted that Piastri has been unable to match Norris's consistency and suggested that a reset could help Piastri regain his competitive edge. Palmer also referenced Piastri's previous success in lower racing categories, indicating that he has the potential to perform at a higher level.
via Motorsport.comLando Norris benefits from McLaren Hypercar testLando Norris believes that his recent test drive of McLaren's new Hypercar will enhance his performance in Formula 1. The reigning world champion drove the MCL-HY at the Algarve International Circuit, gaining valuable experience that he feels will translate to his F1 skills.Page 2 of 26

















