Carlos Sainz is 14th on the provisional Azerbaijan Grand Prix grid after receiving a five-place penalty for failing to slow sufficiently under yellow flags in qualifying.
Recent news with a spread of topics.
Five podium finishes in seven races do not mean Red Bull has become much faster, according to Max Verstappen. He points to good qualifying performances and strategy, but also to mistakes and problems among rivals.
George Russell finished the first free practice session for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix fastest, ahead of Max Verstappen. Mercedes team-mate Kimi Antonelli stopped after around 25 minutes and finished fifth.
The rear brakes on Carlos Sainz’s Williams caught fire during the first free practice session in Baku. Alex Albon, Isack Hadjar and Oscar Piastri also reported brake problems.
Kimi Antonelli and Isack Hadjar had to end their first free practice session in Baku early because of technical problems, RacingNews365 reports. Antonelli reported a hydraulic failure; Hadjar experienced several problems with his car.
The Azerbaijan Grand Prix is scheduled for Saturday 26 September. Writing for RacingNews365, Stefan Kerk links the unusual schedule to earlier Saturday races, including several title deciders. Not all the historical claims stand up to scrutiny.
Max Verstappen believes Isack Hadjar has earned his contract extension at Red Bull. According to RacingNews365, the Frenchman will remain his team-mate in 2027 and is set to return after a wrist injury.
According to RacingNews365, Isack Hadjar is returning in Baku after missing three Grands Prix. The Red Bull driver is still in pain from a fractured wrist, but a successful simulator test gives him confidence ahead of his comeback.
McLaren and Red Bull are both bringing aerodynamic updates to Baku, but with different areas of emphasis. According to RacingNews365, McLaren is changing its bodywork, floor and rear wing, among other elements; Red Bull’s package focuses mainly on the floor and sidepod.