Samwise F1 Newsletter
Wednesday, September 23, 2026
Hadjar confirmed to return to Red Bull for Azerbaijan GP after fractured wrist absence
Isack Hadjar has been confirmed to return to Red Bull Racing for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, ending a three-race absence caused by a fractured wrist. Hadjar missed three consecutive rounds while Liam Lawson stepped in as his replacement at the senior Red Bull team. With Hadjar returning for Baku, Lawson reverts to his regular seat at sister team Racing Bulls alongside Yuki Tsunoda. The Azerbaijan GP takes place at Baku City Circuit, with opening practice sessions beginning on Thursday. The race itself runs on Saturday to avoid a clash with Azerbaijan’s national Remembrance Day on Sunday.
Sources: Speedcafe.com
McLaren brings further aerodynamic package to Baku including returning H-wing
McLaren will introduce a further aerodynamic update package to its MCL40 for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, with the rotating H-wing that debuted at Monza also returning after sitting out Madrid. Chief technical officer and chief designer Rob Marshall confirmed the upgrades, describing Baku as a circuit of extremes that combines the longest straight in Formula 1 with some of the slowest corners. McLaren has been on a strong recent run, with Lando Norris claiming three poles in the past four rounds and winning two of them. Marshall predicted any of the four leading teams could emerge on top in Baku.
Sources: Speedcafe.com
Williams brings near-complete new car to Baku but team principal warns it will not fix season
Williams is set to bring what team principal James Vowles has described as an almost entirely new car to the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, introducing two new lightweight chassis at Baku City Circuit. The upgrade targets the team’s struggle to get under Formula 1’s weight limit, which has dogged the car throughout 2026. Despite the magnitude of the changes, Vowles cautioned they will not be sufficient to turn around the season. Williams sits ninth in the constructors’ championship with 11 points from 14 rounds, and Vowles acknowledged that even this near-complete overhaul cannot fully address the challenges of the current campaign.
Sources: Motorsport.com
Rosberg warns Antonelli: biggest 2026 title obstacle is his own mind
Former Formula 1 world champion Nico Rosberg has warned that Kimi Antonelli’s greatest challenge in the 2026 title race is not his competitors on track, but his own mind. Speaking ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Rosberg drew on his experience winning the 2016 championship against Lewis Hamilton to describe the psychological demands of leading the standings at a critical stage. Antonelli leads the drivers’ championship by 81 points over Mercedes team-mate George Russell with nine rounds remaining. Rosberg said Antonelli’s capacity to handle the mental pressure will ultimately define the title outcome.
Sources: Sky Sports F1
FIA confirms two Straight Mode activation zones for Baku City Circuit
The FIA has confirmed the locations of the two Straight Mode activation zones for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix at Baku City Circuit. Straight Mode, which replaced the Drag Reduction System under 2026 active aerodynamics rules, will be active at Turn 19 down the 2.2-kilometre main straight to Turn 1, and between Turns 2 and 3. McLaren chief technical officer Rob Marshall noted the system gives teams greater scope to run low drag on the straights while retaining downforce through corners. Baku combines the longest straight in Formula 1 with some of the circuit’s slowest sections.
Mercedes and Red Bull open to Honda ADUO rethink amid FIA president discussions
Mercedes and Red Bull have both indicated openness to reconsidering Formula 1’s Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities rules, following discussions involving the FIA president and Fernando Alonso about the Honda engine programme’s difficulties. Honda, which supplies Aston Martin, has scored just three points in the 2026 season, leaving the manufacturer at risk of falling further behind. ADUO rules were designed to give backmarker engine suppliers additional development scope, but the current provisions are being scrutinised as potentially insufficient for Honda’s situation. No formal amendment to the regulations has been confirmed by the FIA.
Sources: Motorsport.com
McLaren reveals most significant logo change since 1997 in return to New Zealand roots
McLaren has unveiled its most significant logo change since 1997, replacing the iconic Speedmark with a new wordmark and identity inspired by the family service station run by founder Bruce McLaren’s parents in Remuera, Auckland. The heritage-listed garage, built in 1926, remains standing today but has been converted to residential use. Chief creative officer David Woodhouse said the new identity marks the beginning of a new chapter for McLaren. Racing chief marketing officer Lou McEwen noted the new look bridges the team’s proud heritage with its future ambition. Papaya remains a defining colour for the brand.
Sources: Speedcafe.com
Dürksen becomes first Paraguayan to drive modern Formula 1 car in Mercedes Portimão test
Joshua Dürksen has become the first Paraguayan driver to pilot a modern Formula 1 car, completing a test for Mercedes at Portimão, Portugal. Driving a 2025 Mercedes W16, Dürksen covered 187 laps and 875 kilometres around the Algarve International Circuit during the session. The test, conducted outside a race weekend, marked a significant milestone for Paraguayan representation in Formula 1. racefans.net, which covered the test in its Spotlight series, reported the occasion as Dürksen’s first Formula 1 test for the team. Details of his wider programme with Mercedes were not published alongside the test report.
Round 14 of 23 — After the Spanish Grand Prix
Drivers’ Championship
| Pos | Driver | Pts |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | K. Antonelli | 292 |
| 2 | G. Russell | 211 |
| 3 | L. Hamilton | 191 |
| 4 | L. Norris | 186 |
| 5 | C. Leclerc | 167 |
| 6 | M. Verstappen | 145 |
| 7 | O. Piastri | 120 |
| 8 | I. Hadjar | 71 |
| 9 | L. Lawson | 59 |
| 10 | P. Gasly | 41 |
| 11 | O. Lindblad | 31 |
| 12 | F. Colapinto | 27 |
| 13 | O. Bearman | 18 |
| 14 | G. Bortoleto | 10 |
| 15 | N. Hülkenberg | 7 |
| 16 | C. Sainz | 6 |
| 17 | A. Albon | 5 |
| 18 | E. Ocon | 3 |
| 19 | F. Alonso | 3 |
| 20 | Y. Tsunoda | 1 |
| 21 | L. Stroll | 0 |
| 22 | V. Bottas | 0 |
| 23 | S. Pérez | 0 |
Constructors’ Championship
| Pos | Constructor | Pts |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mercedes | 503 |
| 2 | Ferrari | 358 |
| 3 | McLaren | 306 |
| 4 | Red Bull | 230 |
| 5 | Racing Bulls | 77 |
| 6 | Alpine | 68 |
| 7 | Haas | 21 |
| 8 | Audi | 17 |
| 9 | Williams | 11 |
| 10 | Aston Martin | 3 |
Every newsletter preserved and searchable
Curated by JD · samwise.agency