Author Archives: PressBox

Formula 1’s return to Baku has opened a crucial stretch in the 2026 championship fight, with Kimi Antonelli trying to protect a lead that one source puts at 81 points over George Russell and another at 106 points after the last two races at Monza and Madrid. Antonelli has won eight of the first 14 races, and the title picture is being described as close to settled unless a rival can mount a major comeback. The Azerbaijan Grand Prix is the first leg of a demanding run that includes Malaysia and Singapore, and one report said this is the last realistic chance for Antonelli’s rivals to pull the battle back before the gap becomes too large to overcome.

The Baku weekend was moved to Saturday to avoid clashing with Azerbaijan’s Remembrance Day on Sunday, with practice and qualifying shifted earlier in the week. The street circuit is expected to put energy management in focus because of its long straight and heavy braking zones, and drivers will have to balance battery use and energy harvesting. Mercedes’ engine power is expected to suit the track, and the team arrives at its final race before a planned major update in Malaysia. Singapore’s new Sprint format and tight walls, along with Malaysia’s heat and humidity, add more uncertainty to the three-race sequence.

McLaren is bringing a substantial upgrade package for Lando Norris as it looks to cut Antonelli’s advantage at a circuit that may expose the team’s weaknesses. Williams is also introducing long-awaited FW48 upgrades in Baku, including two new chassis and aerodynamic changes for Carlos Sainz and Alexander Albon, although team principal James Vowles said the package will not be enough for regular points finishes. Aston Martin is bringing the final part of its upgrade package, and Fernando Alonso’s future remains uncertain. Oscar Piastri’s title challenge also unraveled in Baku last year, adding more weight to the weekend’s role in the championship fight.

Pierre Gasly condemned online abuse and threats aimed at him after the Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid, saying the attacks had also targeted his family and girlfriend and had crossed a line. Gasly called the abuse “disturbing” and said Formula 1 needed to become a healthier environment, making the comments ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

The abuse followed a late-race incident in which Gasly’s long stint and delayed pit stop held up Alpine teammate Franco Colapinto, who briefly complained over team radio after losing ground to Oscar Piastri. Gasly said the team later discussed the episode and viewed it as clear, while also saying fans often go too far online and should not target family members or partners.

Colapinto also condemned abuse in general and said he hoped it would stop, adding that similar incidents had affected other drivers this season. He and Gasly said the episode should be treated as a lesson.

Red Bull has confirmed that Isack Hadjar will remain Max Verstappen’s teammate for the 2027 Formula 1 season. The announcement came as Hadjar prepared to return in Baku after missing the last three rounds with a wrist injury.

Team principal Laurent Mekies described Hadjar as “superb on and off track” and said extending his contract was an “easy call.” He pointed to Hadjar’s work with engineers and how quickly he adapted to the step up.

Hadjar joined Red Bull’s Junior Team in 2022 and moved through Formula 3 and Formula 2, narrowly missing out on the 2024 F2 title to Gabriel Bortoleto. He then moved from reserve driver to Racing Bulls, took a podium in Zandvoort in his rookie season and was promoted to Red Bull. In his second season with the team, he has scored 71 points to Verstappen’s 145, and his campaign also included a Monaco podium that was first removed and later reinstated after Pierre Gasly’s penalty appeal.

Hadjar said he was excited to continue alongside Verstappen. Attention has also shifted to Red Bull’s Racing Bulls lineup, where rookie Arvid Lindblad is expected to stay, Liam Lawson appears favoured to keep his seat and Formula 2 contender Nikola Tsolov remains a possible future Formula 1 option.