The Formula 1 season continues with the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where drivers including Max Verstappen will begin action on Thursday. The race itself is scheduled to take place on Saturday, September 26.
Max Verstappen expressed skepticism regarding the upcoming Formula 1 sprint race in Monaco, predicting limited overtaking opportunities similar to the main Grand Prix. While Verstappen remains focused on the traditional race and views sprints as merely additional action, Sergio Pérez learned of the expansion to ten sprint races through a driver group chat that reacted strongly to the news. Although Pérez initially suggested more qualifying sessions instead of an extra race, he acknowledged the drivers' mixed feelings. Oscar Piastri worried about losing the weekend's tension buildup, while George Russell welcomed the increased activity, noting that sprint qualifications are more exciting than free practice sessions.
Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton has strongly criticized the decision to include a sprint race at the Monaco Grand Prix, describing the move as nonsensical. Hamilton expressed his disapproval of the format change, arguing that it detracts from the traditional structure of the event.
Seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton criticized the inclusion of a sprint race at the Monaco Grand Prix, calling it "nonsense" and stating it is not the solution for making the event exciting. Speaking during press day ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Hamilton argued that while sprint races add novelty to the sport, they are unsuitable for Monaco's narrow and twisty circuit where overtaking is nearly impossible. He suggested an alternative format should be devised for the principality, noting that the race itself is "boring." This criticism follows F1's announcement earlier this month to expand the number of sprint races from six to ten next season, with Monaco being assigned the new format.
Seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton criticized the addition of a sprint race to the Monaco Grand Prix, calling it nonsensical because overtaking is nearly impossible on the narrow circuit. Speaking before the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Hamilton argued that while sprint races add novelty elsewhere, a different format is needed for Monaco to make the event exciting, despite acknowledging the benefit of an extra qualifying session.
Max Verstappen supports Red Bull's decision to retain Isack Hadjar as his teammate for the next season, calling it a logical choice that benefits team continuity. The four-time world champion stated he gets along well with the 21-year-old Frenchman, who replaced Yuki Tsunoda and currently sits eighth in the championship standings after finishing third at the Monaco Grand Prix. Hadjar missed the last three races due to a wrist fracture but returns for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix this weekend.
Max Verstappen expressed interest in competing in the Nürburgring 24-hour race next year and potentially the Spa-Francorchamps event, while skipping Le Mans. The four-time Formula 1 world champion made these comments ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, noting that the 2027 calendar offers weekends without F1 races for endurance events. Verstappen debuted at the Nürburgring last year, where his Mercedes GT3 led with three hours remaining before a technical issue caused it to fall back.
Formula 1 World Cup leader Kimi Antonelli occasionally thinks about winning the championship title but tries not to dwell on these thoughts too much.
Lewis Hamilton criticized the Formula 1 decision to shorten next year's races from 305 to 290 kilometers, calling it illogical and arguing that reduced physical demands should allow for longer events. The FIA implemented the change to prevent teams from needing larger fuel tanks as combustion engine usage increases. In contrast, Max Verstappen supports the adjustment, stating that shorter races are acceptable if they improve overall racing quality or facilitate better engine performance. He noted that while some drivers prefer longer distances, others benefit from shorter formats when defending positions.
Red Bull Racing is facing limitations regarding its car's behavior this year, raising questions about whether Max Verstappen will win any races. However, the team leadership has found relief as a major headache from previous years has been resolved into a straightforward issue.
Formula 1 driver Pierre Gasly, his girlfriend, and family received threats on social media from fans of Alpine teammate Franco Colapinto following the Spanish Grand Prix. Gasly described the scale of the threats as inappropriate, citing a race duel in Madrid where Colapinto complained about pressure. This follows similar incidents involving other drivers like Esteban Ocon and Yuki Tsunoda. Colapinto expressed support for Gasly, stating they work together to improve Alpine despite the online hostility.
Max Verstappen confirmed plans to compete in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring and potentially the 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps next season, though he ruled out Le Mans for now. The four-time Formula 1 world champion made these remarks during media day in Baku, Azerbaijan, ahead of the local Grand Prix. Both endurance races fall on weekends without conflicting F1 events, allowing Red Bull to support his participation. Verstappen recently completed a successful karting challenge at Silverstone and expressed that while he enjoys the adrenaline of such events, he finds current Formula 1 racing too artificial and electric.
French Formula 1 driver Pierre Gasly reported receiving numerous hate messages on social media following the Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid. The Alpine team driver stated that his girlfriend and family members were also threatened, according to reports from the-race.com.
Max Verstappen intends to compete in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring and the 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps next year, excluding the 24 Hours of Le Mans from his schedule. Speaking in Baku ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Verstappen confirmed his interest in returning to the Nürburgring after a previous technical retirement, provided he can balance preparations with Formula 1 commitments. Additionally, Verstappen supported Red Bull’s decision to extend Isack Hadjar’s contract, praising the rookie’s performance despite missing recent races due to a wrist injury. The Azerbaijan Grand Prix schedule has been moved forward to Saturday due to a national day of remembrance.
Although the 2027 Formula 1 calendar featuring 24 Grand Prixes has been announced, Max Verstappen is looking beyond just the races when planning his schedule for the year.
Sixteen of the twenty-two Formula 1 seats are already occupied for the 2027 season, following Isack Hadjar’s promotion to Red Bull Racing alongside Max Verstappen. Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri remain at McLaren, while Kimi Antonelli and George Russell are expected to continue at Mercedes. Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc stay with Ferrari, Alexander Albon and Carlos Sainz with Williams, Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto with Alpine, Gabriel Bortoleto and Nico Hülkenberg with Audi, and Sergio Pérez with Cadillac.
Isack Hadjar returns to Formula 1 for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix after a two-month absence due to a wrist fracture sustained during boxing training. The 21-year-old Red Bull driver stated there are no team restrictions, though he admits he must think twice before acting. Hadjar confirmed his wrist is not fully healed but is strong enough for racing without surgery. Additionally, Red Bull Racing announced that Hadjar will remain Max Verstappen's teammate next season.
Red Bull Racing has extended the contract of 21-year-old Isack Hadjar for at least one more year, ensuring he will remain Max Verstappen’s teammate in 2027. The announcement follows Hadjar's return from a wrist injury sustained during the summer break, which caused him to miss three races previously filled by Liam Lawson. Hadjar, who replaced Yuki Tsunoda this season, currently sits eighth in the championship standings with 71 points after scoring his first podium in Monaco and maintaining consistent top-six finishes. While waiting for other teams like Racing Bulls, Haas, and Aston Martin to finalize their 2027 lineups, Hadjar expressed pride in joining such a prestigious team alongside the four-time world champion.
Viaploy viewers following Formula 1 races will notice a change in coverage this weekend, as regular pit reporter Chiel van Koldenhoven is not present at the race in Baku, Azerbaijan. The absence of the 31-year-old reporter represents a shift for loyal audiences accustomed to his reporting during broadcasts.
Julia Piquet, sister of Formula One driver Max Verstappen, has given birth to her first child with partner Daniel Suárez. The couple announced the news on Instagram.
