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via f1oversteer.comRalf Schumacher thinks Red Bull just put the final nail in Liam Lawson’s Racing Bulls coffinRalf Schumacher believes he has seen proof that Red Bull intend to drop Liam Lawson from the Racing Bulls line-up and replace him with Nikola ...
via Motorsport.comMcLaren addresses performance issues from Azerbaijan Grand PrixAndrea Stella, McLaren's Team Principal, identified several factors contributing to the team's straight-line speed issues during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, including drag, gearing, and a fuel-injection problem. Lando Norris, who qualified fifth, has called for an investigation into these ongoing technical challenges.
via f1oversteer.comLiam Lawson's data implicated in Arvid Lindblad's crashJolyon Palmer suggested that Liam Lawson's data misled Arvid Lindblad, contributing to the latter's crash during the second practice session in Azerbaijan. Lindblad's session ended early after he made contact with the barriers, resulting in red flags.
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 RacingNews365Lando Norris suffering 'knife in the heart' over McLaren Baku realityLando Norris expressed disappointment over McLaren's performance during Free Practice 2 at the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, finishing sixth but significantly slower than George Russell. He described the experience as feeling like 'a little knife in the heart,' highlighting the struggles of the MCL40 despite recent upgrades.
Norris acknowledged that the Baku circuit's layout, with its slow-speed corners and long straight, revealed the car's weaknesses. He noted a challenging start to the day after losing time in FP1 but remained optimistic about the team's ability to analyse data and improve for the upcoming sessions.
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 RacingNews365Arvid Lindblad becomes first Baku casualty with costly red flagArvid Lindblad, driving for Racing Bulls, became the first casualty of the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix after crashing during Free Practice 2. The incident took place at the narrow Castle section, where Lindblad ran wide at Turn 8 and hit the wall, resulting in a red flag for the session.
Lindblad had shown promising pace, finishing eighth in Free Practice 1, but his crash ended his session prematurely. He expressed regret to his team, noting that he had clipped the wall by a small margin, and the team will assess any potential internal damage to the car after the session.
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.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 f1oversteer.comHow Yuki Tsunoda’s pace compared to Liam Lawson in his three races at Racing BullsYuki Tsunoda's time with Racing Bulls has been marked by underperformance compared to his teammate Liam Lawson. In three races, Tsunoda managed only a single point, finishing P10 at Monza, while Lawson consistently achieved better results, averaging a race position of 8.4 compared to Tsunoda's 11.7. Tsunoda's struggles were evident in qualifying as well, where he was on average seven-tenths slower than Lawson.
As Tsunoda steps back, Lawson is set to return for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, with Racing Bulls eager to improve their standings in the constructors' championship. The team has faced challenges, being outscored by Alpine during Tsunoda's stint, which has raised questions about Tsunoda's future in Formula 1 amidst speculation linking him to other teams.
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.Page 6 of 29