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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 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 PlanetF1first practice session begins for 2026 Azerbaijan GPThe first practice session for the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix has commenced at the Baku City Circuit. Teams and drivers are currently working on their setups ahead of the race weekend.
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 f1oversteer.comAudi inspired McLaren for Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri’s ‘dramatically revised’ Baku upgradeMcLaren is set to introduce a new sidepod upgrade for Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri at the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, drawing inspiration from Audi's design. The team has focused on enhancing the MCL40's performance, particularly for low-downforce circuits like Baku, where they aim to improve top speed and aerodynamic efficiency.
The upgrades include a significant redesign of the sidepods and inlets, moving towards a more aggressive aerodynamic philosophy. McLaren has incorporated elements from rival teams, including Mercedes and Ferrari, to create a steeper slope for the sidepods and a larger inlet opening. These changes are expected to modify airflow and enhance downforce in medium-speed corners, while also reducing drag on the straights.
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 RacingNews365McLaren and Red Bull make aggressive moves for crunch Baku showdownMcLaren and Red Bull have both unveiled significant upgrade packages ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, while Mercedes and Ferrari have opted not to introduce any new components. McLaren's updates include modifications to the sidepod, engine cover, floor, diffuser, rear suspension, and rear wing, aimed at enhancing aerodynamic performance.
Red Bull's updates primarily target the floor and sidepod, with adjustments designed to improve local load and flow stability. The changes reflect the teams' preparations for the challenges of the 2026 season, contrasting with the decision of Mercedes and Ferrari to refrain from any developments for this race.
via f1chronicle.comVasseur highlights Ferrari's struggles in AzerbaijanFerrari Team Principal Fred Vasseur acknowledged the team's performance issues during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, particularly on the long straights. Despite showing potential earlier in the season, Ferrari has only secured one podium in their last five races.
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.
via Formula1.comPiastri insists he’s ‘making progress’ despite setbacksOscar Piastri has expressed optimism about his progress with McLaren despite facing challenges in the 2026 season. He acknowledged the team's support and their ongoing efforts to improve performance, stating that they are not standing still in their development. Piastri noted that while he has struggled to match his teammate Lando Norris, who has had recent success, he feels they are exploring different solutions to enhance his performance.
Piastri highlighted the difficulties posed by the new generation of cars, which do not align with his previous racing style. He emphasized the need for constant adaptation and the importance of having a well-thought-out approach to improvements. As he prepares for the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Piastri reflected on his mixed experiences at the track, hoping for a better outcome this year compared to the previous season.
via AutosportWhat would you like to ask Emerson Fittipaldi?Emerson Fittipaldi, the two-time Formula 1 world champion, will be available to answer questions from Autosport readers at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on 24 September. His illustrious career includes championships with Lotus and McLaren, as well as an IndyCar title in 1989.
Fittipaldi is also known for racing for his own team in Formula 1 and currently supports his son, who competes in Formula 2 with AIX Racing. Readers are encouraged to submit their questions ahead of the event.
via gpfans.comMcLaren F1 launches brand new logoMcLaren has introduced a new logo that will be used across its racing teams, including Formula 1, the World Endurance Championship, and Indy Car. The updated design includes a line under the 'c' in McLaren, inspired by a sign from Bruce McLaren's original workshop in Auckland, New Zealand.
In a statement, McLaren Racing's chief marketing officer Lou McEwen highlighted the logo's connection to the team's history and future aspirations. Chief creative officer David Woodhouse emphasised that the new visual identity captures McLaren's spirit of innovation and marks the beginning of a new chapter for the company.
via Motorsport WeekMcLaren reintroduces upgrade for Azerbaijan Grand PrixMcLaren will bring back its 'Macarena' wing for the Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix after a one-race absence. This upgrade is part of the team's ongoing efforts to enhance performance.
via PlanetF1Who owns each Formula 1 team?The ownership structures of Formula 1 teams vary significantly, with Ferrari being owned by Ferrari S.p.A. and McLaren primarily controlled by Bahrain's Mumtalakat sovereign wealth fund. Mercedes has three equal shareholders, while Red Bull teams are fully owned by Red Bull GmbH, with the Yoovidhya family and Mark Mateschitz as key stakeholders.
Other teams like Williams were sold to private investment firms, such as Dorilton Capital, while Audi is owned by Volkswagen Group. The Alpine team is primarily owned by Renault Group, with Otro Capital holding a minority stake. Cadillac's F1 team is owned by TWG Global, with General Motors involved as a partner rather than an equity owner.
via RacingNews365McLaren call on Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri to execute three 'essentials' in BakuMcLaren has outlined three key requirements for Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri as they prepare for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The team is set to implement a major aerodynamic upgrade to enhance the performance of their MCL40 cars, particularly focusing on airflow around the floor and rear tyres to improve balance on the circuit's long straights.
Rob Marshall, McLaren's chief technical officer, emphasised the unique challenges posed by Baku's layout, which combines the longest straight in Formula 1 with tight corners. He stressed the importance of energy, tyre, and brake management, as well as the need for confidence and precision from the drivers to navigate the demanding street circuit successfully.
via RacingNews365Lando Norris discusses unique McLaren car traitsLando Norris has highlighted the 'odd' and 'unique' characteristics that have defined McLaren Formula 1 cars in recent years. He expressed his difficulty in pinpointing the exact reasons behind these traits, which have become a hallmark of the team's performance.
via RacingNews365McLaren point to 2025 hangover as factor behind 'immature' F1 carMcLaren team principal Andrea Stella has described the MCL40 Formula 1 car as an 'immature project', attributing this to the team's focus on the 2025 title push. The team has faced challenges in the early part of the 2026 season, struggling with both the chassis and the new power units, while competing for third place against Red Bull, Mercedes, and Ferrari.
Despite these struggles, McLaren has seen success with two race wins this season, both achieved by Lando Norris from pole position. Stella highlighted the car's inconsistent performance, particularly in low-speed corners, and noted that the team is still working on development to improve competitiveness against rivals who had ceased development earlier.
via Motorsport.comMcLaren releases behind-the-scenes look at Lando Norris's hypercar testMcLaren has released behind-the-scenes footage of Lando Norris testing their 2027 MCL-HY hypercar in Portugal. Following his third-place finish at the Spanish Grand Prix, Norris participated in the test at the Algarve International Circuit, completing 38 laps and covering 177km.
Norris expressed excitement about the experience, noting the differences from Formula 1 cars and the fun he had. He thanked the McLaren Hypercar Team for the opportunity and highlighted the importance of collecting data during this crucial testing period as the team prepares for the World Endurance Championship next year.Page 5 of 23