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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.
Fri 25 Sep · 16:30 UTC
via RacingNews365Lando Norris calls for McLaren investigation after BakuLando Norris has requested McLaren to investigate a technical issue that affected his car's top speed during qualifying for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Norris qualified in fifth place, expressing frustration over the ongoing problem.
+ 2 moreFri 25 Sep · 16:10 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 the-race.comGeorge Russell and Kimi Antonelli shine in BakuGeorge Russell of Mercedes and Kimi Antonelli were highlighted as standout performers in the qualifying session for the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Their impressive results contributed to a dynamic and eventful race weekend in Baku.+ 1 moreFri 25 Sep · 15:05 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 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.
+ 2 moreFri 25 Sep · 14:09 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.
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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 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 RaceFansGeorge Russell secures pole for Azerbaijan Grand PrixGeorge Russell will start the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix from pole position for Mercedes. The starting grid has been adjusted due to penalties affecting several drivers.+ 2 moreFri 25 Sep · 13:07 UTC
via RacingNews365Kimi Antonelli criticises himself after Baku qualifying crashKimi Antonelli expressed frustration over his qualifying crash at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, labelling it a 'very stupid' mistake that left him starting 16th on the grid. The championship leader acknowledged the need to improve his performance following the unforced error in Q1.+ 13 more
via RacingNews365George Russell secures pole position in BakuGeorge Russell achieved pole position for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix with a remarkable lap time that was 0.837 seconds faster than Charles Leclerc, marking the largest margin since Canada 2023. Russell's performance silenced previous doubts from Jacques Villeneuve and showcased his dominance during the qualifying session.
via RacingNews365The evidence behind Max Verstappen being a real Mercedes Baku pole threatMax Verstappen enters the Azerbaijan Grand Prix qualifying as a strong contender after finishing first in the final practice session. Despite not having secured a pole position in the 2026 season, his recent performances indicate he is closing in on that goal, having qualified third in Spain and sixth in Italy.
Red Bull has introduced a significant aerodynamic upgrade for this race, which includes a redesigned floor and diffuser aimed at enhancing downforce. Team principal Laurent Mekies has stated that this will be the team's final major development for the season as they shift focus to the 2027 car. With Baku's unique track characteristics favouring Red Bull, Verstappen's chances of achieving his first pole of the season look promising.Fri 25 Sep · 11:10 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 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 UTCPage 2 of 61
