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Antonelli Leads F1 Title Race into Baku Amidst Teammate's Dominance and Piastri's Past Struggles
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CNBC TV18•24-09-2026, 20:14
Antonelli Leads F1 Title Race into Baku Amidst Teammate's Dominance and Piastri's Past Struggles
- •Kimi Antonelli holds an 81-point lead in the Formula 1 title race, but remains cautious, stating the race is "not over" as he heads into the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
- •Antonelli's practice sessions were hampered by car problems, while teammate George Russell dominated both Thursday practices, being fastest in both sessions.
- •Baku holds mixed memories for Oscar Piastri, who experienced both his "best race ever" and a title-derailing crash at the circuit last year.
- •Antonelli's rivals, including Russell, Lando Norris, and Lewis Hamilton, are looking to bounce back from disappointing performances at the Spanish Grand Prix.
- •Red Bull is backing Isack Hadjar despite a wrist injury and engine failure in practice, with a contract extension for 2027 alongside Max Verstappen.
Key Questions Answered
Kimi Antonelli takes a vast 81-point lead into the Azerbaijan Grand Prix as he aims to secure the Formula 1 world title.
The Azerbaijan Grand Prix is scheduled for a Saturday to accommodate a national day of remembrance on Sunday.
Oscar Piastri's title challenge began to unravel in Baku last year when he almost stalled on the grid, dropped to last place, and crashed on the opening lap.
