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via the-race.comF1's penalty points system has a big blindspotFranco Colapinto's recent crash during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix has highlighted significant flaws in Formula 1's penalty points system. After losing control of his Alpine and colliding with team-mate Pierre Gasly, which also took out Lando Norris, Colapinto received a 10-second penalty that he could not serve due to his retirement from the race. Instead, he will face a five-place grid penalty at the next race in Malaysia, a decision that has drawn mixed reactions from fellow drivers regarding its fairness and severity.
The incident has sparked a broader discussion among drivers about the effectiveness of the penalty points system, which was designed to deter repeat offenders. Currently, no penalty points have been issued for collisions this season, raising concerns that the system is not adequately addressing dangerous driving. Many believe that the absence of penalty points for such incidents represents a significant oversight, as it sets a concerning precedent for future races.
Sun 27 Sep · 15:01 UTC33
via PlanetF1Lando Norris ‘race ban’ theory under Verstappen, Hadjar and Russell scrutinyLando Norris has called for a race ban for Franco Colapinto following a multi-car collision at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, which resulted in Norris retiring from the race. Norris believes that Colapinto's actions were careless and deserving of a ban, stating that such incidents cost teams significant amounts of money.
However, his request has faced criticism from fellow drivers George Russell, Max Verstappen, and Isack Hadjar, who feel that a race ban is too severe for what they consider a small mistake. Colapinto received a 10-second penalty for causing the collision, which has been converted into a five-place grid drop for his next race.
Sun 27 Sep · 13:04 UTC
via espn.comNorris targeted with online abuse, called for banLando Norris has been targeted with significant online abuse after he urged Formula 1 to impose a ban on Franco Colapinto, following a collision that led to a three-car pile-up during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The incident forced Norris to retire from the race, prompting backlash from Colapinto's supporters on social media.
In response to the abuse, Colapinto's team, Alpine, issued a statement condemning the hate directed not only at Norris but also at other members of the Formula 1 community. They emphasised the need to address online abuse and promote healthy competition within the sport. Following the race, Norris's championship hopes appear diminished as he trails Kimi Antonelli by 116 points, while George Russell's victory has positioned him as Antonelli's primary title challenger.
Sun 27 Sep · 12:20 UTC
via CrashCould Alpine bench Franco Colapinto for Malaysia and who could replace him?Alpine is contemplating disciplinary action against Franco Colapinto following a significant crash during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where he took out both his teammate Pierre Gasly and McLaren's Lando Norris. Flavio Briatore, Alpine's chief, expressed his disappointment and indicated that the team would reflect on the situation to determine appropriate measures, which could range from a warning to benching Colapinto for the upcoming race in Malaysia.
If Alpine decides to replace Colapinto, their options are limited to reserve drivers Paul Aron and Kush Maini, with Aron likely being the preferred choice due to his experience in Formula 1 practice sessions. Other potential candidates include Daniil Kvyat and Mercedes reserve driver Frederik Vesti, but there are concerns about their performance compared to Colapinto, who has contributed significantly to the team's points this season.
Sun 27 Sep · 08:53 UTC
via PlanetF12026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix driver ratings releasedThe driver ratings for the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix have been published, highlighting George Russell's near-perfect performance. Franco Colapinto received criticism for what was described as the ultimate motorsport sin during the race.+ 2 moreSun 27 Sep · 08:08 UTC87
via Motorsport.comWhy Mercedes didn’t expect “Monza 2.0” from Kimi Antonelli in BakuKimi Antonelli's performance in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix was not as impressive as his previous race at Monza, where he won from 19th on the grid. Mercedes deputy team principal Bradley Lord stated that Antonelli's recovery drive to finish fifth was commendable, especially after starting from 16th due to a qualifying crash and losing valuable practice time due to a technical issue.
Despite finishing fifth, Antonelli struggled to match the pace of his teammate George Russell, being significantly slower in key moments of the race. Lord noted that the different challenges of the Baku circuit compared to Monza meant expectations should be adjusted, and Antonelli's cautious approach after his qualifying troubles was a wise decision.
Sun 27 Sep · 06:55 UTC
via f1oversteer.comLando Norris is already in disbelief over what he's heard about Mercedes' 'big upgrade' for SepangLando Norris has voiced skepticism regarding claims from Mercedes about a significant upgrade expected for the upcoming Bahrain Grand Prix. According to reports, some sources within Mercedes suggest that the upgrade could provide a half-second improvement in lap time, a notion Norris dismissed as unrealistic, stating that typical upgrades yield only two-tenths of a second.
The discussion arose after George Russell's recent pole position at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where he won by a narrow margin of 0.196 seconds. This upcoming upgrade will be only the second major enhancement for the Mercedes W17 this season, following an earlier update introduced at the Canadian Grand Prix.
Sun 27 Sep · 06:30 UTC
via Motorsport.comWho slept worst last night: Lewis HamiltonLewis Hamilton has publicly backed Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur amidst speculation regarding Christian Horner's potential return to the team. Horner, the long-time Red Bull Racing principal, mentioned in an interview that he would consider returning to Formula 1, specifically for Ferrari, which has raised eyebrows given his history with Hamilton.
Vasseur has acknowledged that the ongoing speculation is creating a challenging atmosphere within the team. He emphasized the need for stability and serenity, suggesting that a reaffirmation of his position from Ferrari leadership could help quell the rumors. Meanwhile, Hamilton appears unfazed by the situation, focusing instead on the challenges ahead in the current season.Sun 27 Sep · 05:36 UTC
via RacingNews365George Russell wins 2026 Azerbaijan Grand PrixGeorge Russell of Mercedes secured his first victory since June at the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The final results were confirmed following the application of penalties.
+ 1 moreSat 26 Sep · 20:30 UTC
via espn.comAlpine to weigh 'course of action' after double DNFAlpine Racing is set to review its options following a double retirement at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where Franco Colapinto's error led to both him and teammate Pierre Gasly crashing out. The incident occurred during a safety car restart, impacting their chances for points as both cars were in competitive positions.
Flavio Briatore, Alpine's team principal, expressed disappointment over the incident, stating that such mistakes should not happen, especially when both cars were performing well. Colapinto acknowledged his responsibility for the crash, apologising to his team and Gasly, while Norris suggested that Colapinto should face a race ban for his actions.Sat 26 Sep · 18:47 UTC
via Motorsport.comLiam Lawson questions lack of penalty for LindbladLiam Lawson expressed confusion over the stewards' decision not to penalise his Racing Bulls teammate Arvid Lindblad for a collision during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Lawson stated, 'I don’t understand' why no further action was taken after Lindblad spun him around in the race.+ 1 moreSat 26 Sep · 17:51 UTC
via grandprix.comColapinto receives grid penalty for Baku collisionFranco Colapinto has been handed a five-place grid penalty for the Malaysian Grand Prix following his collision in Baku. Gary Anderson stated that while Colapinto does not deserve a race ban, it is appropriate for Alpine to consider internal consequences.
via f1oversteer.comAndrea Stella acknowledges McLaren's Azerbaijan errorsAndrea Stella stated that McLaren must learn from their mistakes following a disappointing performance at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri faced challenges, with Stella admitting the team played a role in Piastri's lock-up during the race.+ 1 moreSat 26 Sep · 17:00 UTC
via Formula1.comWhat the teams said – Race day in AzerbaijanGeorge Russell of Mercedes won the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, marking his first victory since Austria. He started from pole position and maintained a strong lead until two Safety Cars brought Max Verstappen close behind him in the final laps. Despite the pressure, Russell managed to hold on for the win, even after clipping the wall and losing his Boost on the last lap.
Max Verstappen finished second after a strong race, while Isack Hadjar secured third place, marking a successful return from injury. Kimi Antonelli, who started from P16, managed to recover to fifth place. Both drivers and team principals expressed satisfaction with their performances, highlighting the challenges posed by the Safety Cars and the competitive nature of the race.
Sat 26 Sep · 16:26 UTC
via gpfans.comVasseur responds to Horner's comments on FerrariFrederic Vasseur has expressed frustration over Christian Horner's recent remarks regarding Ferrari, describing them as an exhausting distraction. Horner suggested he would consider a 'dream' role with Ferrari, prompting Vasseur to defend his team's focus on competing for second place in the championship.
+ 2 moreSat 26 Sep · 15:55 UTC
via espn.comNorris hits out after Baku pile-up DNF with AlpineLando Norris expressed his frustration after being taken out of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix due to a collision caused by Franco Colapinto. Following the incident, Norris stated that there are drivers who do not belong in Formula 1, implying that Colapinto's actions were unacceptable. The crash occurred during a Safety Car restart on lap 36, leading to both Norris and Pierre Gasly retiring from the race.
Colapinto acknowledged his mistake and accepted responsibility, apologising to his team and teammates. He received a 10-second time penalty, which will affect his grid position in the next race. Gasly, visibly upset, highlighted the significant points lost due to the incident, while also emphasising the importance of respect in their working relationship.Sat 26 Sep · 15:51 UTC
via the-race.comFranco Colapinto apologises for Azerbaijan GP crashFranco Colapinto has expressed regret for his actions during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where he collided with his Alpine teammate Pierre Gasly and McLaren's Lando Norris. The incident occurred during a safety car restart, resulting in both drivers being taken out of the race.+ 3 moreSat 26 Sep · 15:46 UTC27
via AutosportBriatore to reflect on necessary action after Colapinto's "poor" Baku blunderFlavio Briatore, the Alpine Formula 1 chief, expressed his disappointment with Franco Colapinto's actions during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where Colapinto collided with his teammate Pierre Gasly, resulting in both drivers retiring from the race. Briatore described the incident as a 'very poor move' and acknowledged the loss of valuable championship points for the team.
Colapinto's crash occurred during a restart on lap 36, where he locked his front tyres and crashed into Gasly, also affecting Lando Norris. Briatore stated that he would reflect on the incident and consider necessary actions to prevent similar occurrences in the future, while Colapinto has taken full responsibility for his mistake.
Sat 26 Sep · 15:38 UTC
via Motorsport.comFlavio Briatore criticises Franco Colapinto's Baku errorFlavio Briatore has expressed his disappointment with Franco Colapinto following a costly incident during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The Alpine chief hinted at potential consequences for Colapinto after his 'very poor' move that affected the team's chances for a double points finish.+ 4 moreSat 26 Sep · 15:36 UTC36
via RaceFansBottas reveals “big super-clip” led to last-lap crash: “The system got confused” | Formula 1Valtteri Bottas, driving for Cadillac, revealed that a technical issue caused his crash during the last lap of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. He explained that he had experienced a significant loss of control after going off at turn one earlier in the lap, leading to confusion in the car's systems.
Bottas stated that only the front brakes were functioning properly, which contributed to the incident at turn 15. The crash is currently being investigated by the stewards, and Cadillac team principal Marcin Budkowski acknowledged the situation surrounding Bottas's car.
Sat 26 Sep · 15:22 UTCPage 1 of 25
