Cope Rankings · F1
Azerbaijan Grand Prix
Baku · 26 September 2026
Baku, 26 September. Russell won by two tenths. Further back, the wind, the battery and the road itself were all found guilty.
The cope text is our paraphrase of what each driver said, not a quote. The verdict is our opinion. Every entry links to the source for what was actually said.
5
Lando Norris
McLaren
Did not finish
Cope score
The cope · our paraphrase
Said the car did not have the straight-line speed to defend, and that holding position was never realistic. Retired after contact following the restart.
Our verdict
Possibly true, which is the most annoying kind of excuse.
Paraphrased. What was actually said → (opens in a new tab) via PlanetF1
4
Fernando Alonso
Aston Martin
Did not finish
Cope score
The cope · our paraphrase
Reported losing power down the straights for no clear reason, and said the engine still needs work.
Our verdict
An engine complaint from Alonso. The sport remains in balance.
Paraphrased. What was actually said → (opens in a new tab) via The Race
3
Valtteri Bottas
Cadillac
16th, a lap down
Cope score
The cope · our paraphrase
Said an earlier trip off the track left the energy harvesting system confused, on top of not having the pace anyway.
Our verdict
New rules, new excuses. The battery got confused is this year’s the tyres never came in.
Paraphrased. What was actually said → (opens in a new tab) via The Race
2
Oscar Piastri
McLaren
13th
Cope score
The cope · our paraphrase
Locked both front tyres into Turn 1 at the safety car restart, then wondered whether a crown in the road, or the defensive line he was on, was to blame.
Our verdict
Blaming the actual shape of the road is elite work. The tarmac has declined to comment.
Paraphrased. What was actually said → (opens in a new tab) via PlanetF1
1
Biggest cope of the weekend
Alex Albon
Williams
Did not finish
Cope score
The cope · our paraphrase
Crashed out and put it down to a gust of wind arriving just as the car lifted a wheel under braking. He did also say it was on him.
Our verdict
The wind. In Baku. Points for owning it, but the wind always gets top billing.
Paraphrased. What was actually said → (opens in a new tab) via The Race