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via PlanetF1FIA confirms Mercedes findings after ‘extensive’ George Russell inspectionThe FIA confirmed that George Russell's Mercedes passed an extensive inspection following the Spanish Grand Prix, where he finished in fifth place. The inspection was part of routine checks for top ten finishers, focusing on various components of the car's front suspension and sensor compliance with the 2026 regulations.
Despite the successful inspection, Russell is significantly behind his teammate Kimi Antonelli in the championship standings, trailing by 81 points. He acknowledged that he is unlikely to compete for the Drivers' title but remains focused on contributing to Mercedes' efforts in the Constructors' Championship.
Wed 23 Sep · 05:47 UTC
via Sky Sports F1Ferrari set Baku target as Rosberg pinpoints team's repeat flawFerrari's recent performance has been disappointing, with only one podium finish in the last five races, which has hindered their championship aspirations. Team principal Frederic Vasseur highlighted the importance of executing race weekends effectively, especially ahead of the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where confidence and precision are crucial due to the challenging street circuit.
Nico Rosberg pointed out that Ferrari's pace is competitive, but their execution during races has consistently let them down. He noted that the team's strategy and communication issues remain significant weaknesses, which have prevented them from capitalising on their potential. With the Constructors' Championship slipping further away, Ferrari faces pressure to improve their performance in the remaining races.
Wed 23 Sep · 05:08 UTC
via gpfans.comJenson Button's wife defends Charles Leclerc's actionsJenson Button's wife has come to the defence of Charles Leclerc following criticism from David Coulthard regarding Leclerc's behaviour off the track. The Ferrari driver has faced scrutiny for prioritising family commitments, prompting support from Button's wife.
+ 1 moreTue 22 Sep · 21:27 UTC
via RacingNews365Red Bull confirm Azerbaijan GP line-up change as Kimi Antonelli label questioned - RacingNews365 ReviewRed Bull Racing has officially confirmed that Isack Hadjar will return to the team for the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix. This decision comes as part of a line-up change where Hadjar will take the place of Liam Lawson for this race weekend.
In related news, Kimi Antonelli's status as a potential 'generational talent' has been debated, with comparisons made to Lewis Hamilton's career. The discussions highlight the expectations placed on young drivers in Formula 1 and the benchmarks set by established stars.
Tue 22 Sep · 20:00 UTC
via PlanetF1Red Bull makes Azerbaijan GP announcement; Cadillac setup dubbed ‘suboptimal’ – round-upRed Bull has announced that Isack Hadjar will return to race alongside Max Verstappen at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, following a three-race absence due to injury. Liam Lawson, who filled in for Hadjar, will revert to his role with Racing Bulls, while Yuki Tsunoda will return to reserve duties after his stint as a stand-in driver.
In other news, Cadillac's approach of operating from multiple bases has been labelled 'suboptimal' by team principal Otmar Szafnauer, who expressed concerns about the logistical challenges this presents for building a championship-winning team. Additionally, Stefano Domenicali's salary as chief executive of Formula One Management has been revealed to be £7.999 million.Tue 22 Sep · 19:37 UTC
via f1oversteer.comIsack Hadjar replaces Liam Lawson at Red BullLiam Lawson's time with Red Bull has officially concluded, as Isack Hadjar is set to return to the Formula 1 grid at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Ralf Schumacher has suggested that this move indicates Red Bull's decision to drop Lawson from their line-up.
Tue 22 Sep · 19:00 UTC
via RaceFansJoshua Duerksen completes first F1 test with MercedesJoshua Duerksen has completed his first Formula 1 test with Mercedes, driving the team's 2025 car at the Portimão circuit. The Paraguayan driver covered 187 laps over two days, marking a significant milestone in his career.
+ 1 moreTue 22 Sep · 17:53 UTC
via f1oversteer.comRed Bull still haven’t seen how good Liam Lawson really is after ending his stint one race too earlyRed Bull Racing has confirmed that Isack Hadjar will return to the team for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, ending Liam Lawson's stint as a substitute driver. Lawson had previously replaced Hadjar and performed well, scoring points in his debut race at Zandvoort and achieving a career-best fifth place at Baku last year.
The decision to end Lawson's time with Red Bull comes as he was poised to potentially excel at the Baku circuit, where he had previously qualified third and finished fifth. The team has been noted for having the best internal combustion engine, which could have further enhanced Lawson's performance had he continued in the RB22.Tue 22 Sep · 17:00 UTC
via gpfans.comMax Verstappen makes decision on racing series switch despite success of father JosMax Verstappen has decided against switching to rally car racing, citing safety concerns as a new father. Despite his father's success in rallying, including winning the Belgian Rally Championship in 2025, Verstappen believes the risks associated with rallying are too high, especially given the potential for serious accidents.
Verstappen has committed to Formula 1, having signed a new contract with Red Bull last month. He has explored other racing formats, such as GT racing, but maintains that rallying is not a viable option for him at this stage in his life. His family generally supports his racing decisions but would likely intervene if he pursued rallying.Tue 22 Sep · 16:27 UTC
via f1oversteer.comFerrari fear ‘complex’ Baku issue could add to Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc’s woesFerrari is apprehensive about the upcoming 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, particularly regarding potential tyre graining issues that could affect both Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton. Despite having a strong qualifying record in Baku, the team has never secured a victory at this circuit, and they are aware that finding the right car setup will be crucial for success.
The team is also concerned about the grip levels on Baku's city streets, which are rated low by Pirelli. With the softest tyre compounds being used for the race, Ferrari understands that managing tyre performance will be essential. Previous races have shown that any issues with tyre graining could further complicate their chances, especially given their struggles with straight-line speed compared to competitors like Mercedes.Tue 22 Sep · 16:00 UTC
via AutosportLeclerc confirms commitment to Ferrari amid interestCharles Leclerc has reaffirmed his commitment to Ferrari after signing a new contract with the team. The announcement comes amid speculation about other opportunities he considered before deciding to stay with Ferrari.
+ 1 moreTue 22 Sep · 15:30 UTC
via Motorsport WeekIsack Hadjar returns to F1 with special helmet in BakuIsack Hadjar will make his return to the Formula 1 grid at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix after missing the last three races due to a wrist injury. He will wear a special helmet design that was originally intended for the Dutch Grand Prix.
+ 3 moreTue 22 Sep · 15:30 UTCvia Motorsport WeekIsack Hadjar admits relief after ‘weird feeling’ not racingIsack Hadjar expressed relief and excitement about returning to his Red Bull cockpit for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix after missing the last three races due to a wrist injury. He acknowledged the challenge of watching from the sidelines as Liam Lawson filled in and achieved consistent results.
Hadjar shared that this was the first time in his life he had not been racing, which felt strange for him. He thanked his team for their patience during his recovery and emphasized his commitment to returning to form as he prepares for the demanding Baku circuit.Tue 22 Sep · 15:30 UTC
via Formula1.comWhen is the earliest Antonelli could win the title?Kimi Antonelli is currently leading the Formula 1 drivers' standings with 292 points, significantly ahead of his closest rival, George Russell, by 81 points. With nine races left in the 2026 season, including a Sprint weekend, the maximum points available is 233. Antonelli's position is strong, but eight other drivers remain mathematically in contention for the championship.
For Antonelli to win the World Championship as early as Round 17 in Singapore, he must win the upcoming Azerbaijan and Bahrain Grands Prix, as well as both the Grand Prix and Sprint in Singapore, while Russell scores no points. If this scenario does not unfold, Antonelli could still clinch the title by Round 19 in Mexico, depending on their average race finishes.
Tue 22 Sep · 15:16 UTC
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.Tue 22 Sep · 15:02 UTC
via f1oversteer.comJolyon Palmer has worked out just how many points Lewis Hamilton has lost at Ferrari this yearLewis Hamilton is currently 101 points behind Kimi Antonelli in the Drivers' Championship, with Jolyon Palmer attributing part of this deficit to Ferrari's strategic decisions. Despite outscoring teammate Charles Leclerc, Hamilton's hopes for an eighth World Championship in 2026 appear slim due to Ferrari's lack of pace and ineffective race strategies.
Palmer analysed Hamilton's performance and suggested that with five optimal race weekends, Hamilton could have gained an additional 39 points, reducing his gap to 62 points behind Antonelli. The ongoing tension between Hamilton and Leclerc, coupled with Vasseur's reluctance to implement team orders, complicates Ferrari's internal dynamics as they navigate their championship aspirations.Tue 22 Sep · 15:00 UTC
via F1iCadillac prepares for challenging F1 triple-headerCadillac is set to face significant pressure as Formula 1 enters a demanding phase with two triple-headers in the 2026 season. The team acknowledges the challenges posed by the intense schedule for both personnel and performance.
+ 1 moreTue 22 Sep · 14:43 UTC
via RacingNews365Haas deny 'Ferrari concern' over F1 2027 driver line-upHaas F1 Team principal Ayao Komatsu has dismissed any concerns regarding the potential of fielding two Ferrari junior drivers in the 2027 season. While Oliver Bearman is likely to remain with the team, the identity of his teammate is still uncertain, with Esteban Ocon reportedly at risk of losing his seat to Rafael Camara, another Ferrari junior.
Komatsu highlighted the importance of having two competitive drivers to enhance the team's performance, stating that the team's motivation relies on having the best possible driver line-up. He expressed that the team's focus is on performance rather than the affiliations of the drivers, indicating that the priority is to select the fastest drivers available.Tue 22 Sep · 14:35 UTC
via thejudge13.comEsteban Ocon confirms free agency ahead of 2027 seasonEsteban Ocon has stated he is a 'free agent' for the 2027 Formula 1 season, indicating he will leave Haas at the end of the current season. Haas principal Ayao Komatsu is expected to announce the team's driver line-up soon, with Formula 2 star Rafael Camara emerging as a leading candidate to replace Ocon.
+ 15 more
via racer.comWilliams introduces significant upgrade for BakuAlex Albon stated that Williams' upgrade for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix includes a substantial weight saving that should improve lap times. However, doubts have been raised about the effectiveness of this upgrade given the team's struggles in the 2026 season.Page 9 of 91
