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via f1oversteer.comMcLaren engineers think they have fix for one key ‘weakness’ of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri’s carMcLaren is preparing to introduce significant upgrades for the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, focusing on enhancing the performance of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri's MCL40 car. These upgrades include a new underbody and a modified version of their Macarena rear wing, aimed at improving the car's aerodynamics, particularly in slow-speed corners where the team has identified weaknesses. The decision on which rear wing to use will be made after practice sessions in Baku.
The upgrades come after a challenging 2025 Azerbaijan GP for both drivers, where Piastri faced multiple issues, including a crash and a poor start. Despite these setbacks, McLaren's engineers are optimistic that the new aerodynamic package will allow Norris and Piastri to compete for pole position. Recent performances have shown that the MCL40 is competitive in medium-speed turns, and the team is looking to build on this momentum as they head into the race weekend.
Sat 19 Sep · 20:00 UTC
via gpfans.comMartin Brundle claims F1 champion 'robbed' in controversial callDuring the recent Spanish Grand Prix, Lando Norris was leading the race when a Virtual Safety Car disrupted his momentum, allowing Kimi Antonelli to take the victory. Norris, who had started from pole, was unable to pit for fresh tires in time due to the timing of the yellow flags and the subsequent safety car, which ultimately cost him the race. A glitch during his pit stop further delayed his return to the track, resulting in a third-place finish.
Martin Brundle criticized the race's outcome, arguing that it did not reflect the true performance of the drivers, as both Antonelli and Verstappen acknowledged Norris's pace. Brundle suggested potential regulatory changes to prevent similar situations in the future, including ensuring that a Virtual Safety Car remains in place for a full lap to maintain fairness in racing.
Sat 19 Sep · 18:44 UTC
via Motorsport WeekLando Norris names Team Principal for junior teamLando Norris has officially appointed Rene Rosin as the Team Principal for his new junior team, LN4 Fusion. This team is set to compete in various junior formulas, including the Italian F4 Championship, FRECA, and Formula 3, with plans for a potential entry into Formula 2 still pending confirmation. Norris described Rosin's appointment as the "inevitable choice" due to their long-standing relationship and Rosin's extensive experience in leading successful racing teams.
Norris emphasized the importance of having a strong leader at the helm of his junior team, citing Rosin's passion for winning and his ability to bring people together. Rosin's previous experience with Prema, a renowned junior outfit, is expected to be invaluable as LN4 Fusion embarks on its inaugural season across multiple racing series. Norris believes that Rosin's leadership will help establish a successful and sustainable project for the future.
Sat 19 Sep · 15:00 UTC
via RacingNews365Lando Norris names 'inevitable choice' as major team decision madeLando Norris has launched his own junior racing team, LN4 Fusion, which will initially compete in various junior racing categories including the Italian F4 Championship and Formula 3. The team has secured assets from AIX Racing, including an FIA F3 entry, and has applied to join the FIA F2 grid. Norris has appointed Rene Rosin, the former team principal of Prema, to lead the new team, citing his extensive experience and successful track record in developing young drivers.
Norris emphasized the importance of having a strong leader at the helm, noting that Rosin has guided numerous drivers to Formula 1, including Charles Leclerc and Oscar Piastri. He believes Rosin's passion for winning and team-building makes him the ideal choice for LN4 Fusion. The partnership aims to create a long-term project that not only focuses on immediate success but also on developing a robust racing program.
Sat 19 Sep · 12:00 UTC
via gpfans.comFerrari boss 'annoyed' with Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, claims F1 insiderFerrari team principal Fred Vasseur is reportedly frustrated with drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc following a first-lap incident during the Italian Grand Prix. Ralf Schumacher suggested that Vasseur's annoyance was due to Hamilton being forced off the track by Leclerc, which negatively impacted Hamilton's race, finishing in tenth place. Leclerc also faced difficulties, crashing shortly after the incident.
In response to the situation, Vasseur spoke with both drivers to remind them of the team's operational principles. Hamilton expressed his desire for clearer communication and 'rules of engagement' to prevent future conflicts. Both drivers later addressed the incident, with Leclerc admitting his mistake and Hamilton noting the importance of their open discussion to move forward.Sat 19 Sep · 07:58 UTC
via gpfans.comFernando Alonso reveals 'shock' after finding out Aston Martin truthFernando Alonso revealed his shock at Aston Martin's performance at the start of the 2026 Formula 1 season, expressing disappointment over the team's competitiveness. Despite high expectations with Adrian Newey's car design and Honda's return, the team struggled with a rushed chassis and engine reliability issues, leaving them near the back of the grid.
In a podcast interview, Alonso shared his thoughts on the team's situation, acknowledging the initial optimism but recognizing the need for improvement. He highlighted the upgrades introduced during the season and expressed hope for better results in the future, emphasizing the talent and motivation within the team to become contenders.Sat 19 Sep · 07:16 UTC
via RacingNews365Lando Norris secures pole position at Spanish Grand PrixLando Norris achieved pole position during the qualifying session for the Spanish Grand Prix, impressively clinching the top spot in the final moments of Q3. McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella commended Norris for his performance amid a challenging weekend.+ 1 moreSat 19 Sep · 06:10 UTC
via the-race.comThe real reason Russell and Piastri are struggling in F1 2026In the 2026 Formula 1 season, drivers like George Russell and Oscar Piastri are facing significant challenges due to a mismatch between their driving styles and the new car and tire regulations. Russell finished fifth in the Madring race, significantly behind his teammate Kimi Antonelli, and noted that his struggles stem from how he drives compared to the demands of the current generation of cars. He observed that drivers who are performing well, such as Antonelli, Lewis Hamilton, and Lando Norris, share similar driving styles that align better with the 2026 car characteristics.
The article discusses how the reduced downforce and tire grip of the 2026 cars have raised the crossover point of circuit grip, making certain driving techniques less effective. While Russell and Piastri tend to drive with a geometric ideal that works well on high-grip tracks, they struggle as grip decreases. In contrast, drivers like Hamilton and Norris have adapted their styles to better manage energy and grip, allowing them to perform more effectively. Ultimately, Russell and Piastri must adjust their approaches to keep pace with their competitors in this evolving racing landscape.
Fri 18 Sep · 09:11 UTC
via f1chronicle.comLando Norris warns of risks for Monaco Sprint weekendLando Norris has expressed concerns about the challenges drivers will face during Monaco's inaugural Sprint weekend. He noted that competitors may need to take greater risks earlier in the race to succeed.
+ 1 moreFri 18 Sep · 02:52 UTC
via gpfans.comNew Lando Norris racing team posts 13 top openings in major recruitment driveLando Norris has launched his own racing team, LN4 Fusion, and is currently looking to fill 13 key job positions as part of a recruitment drive. The roles include race engineers, mechanics, and team management support, aimed at building a competitive environment for young drivers. The team is registered under the name Alphabet Racing Italia S.R.L. and plans to compete in Formula 3 starting in 2027, with applications submitted for Formula 2 as well.
Norris has expressed his commitment to helping young drivers succeed in motorsport through the LN4 Legacy Programme, which focuses on providing opportunities and support. He believes that success in Formula 1 requires more than just talent; it necessitates the right environment and guidance. Through his new team and development programme, Norris aims to make a significant impact on the future of aspiring drivers in the sport.Thu 17 Sep · 21:27 UTC
via Motorsport.comRosberg suggests VSC rule change after Norris' complaintNico Rosberg has proposed significant changes to the virtual safety car rules in Formula 1. His suggestions come after Lando Norris expressed concerns about the fairness of the VSC during the recent Spanish Grand Prix.
+ 1 moreThu 17 Sep · 15:57 UTC
via Motorsport.comLando Norris drives Ferrari F40 in London after crashLando Norris has been spotted driving his Ferrari F40 in London, marking the supercar's return to the road. This comes after the vehicle was involved in a notable crash in early 2025.+ 1 moreThu 17 Sep · 12:15 UTC
via PlanetF1Ralf Schumacher’s blunt verdict on Max Verstappen’s furious Spanish GP outburstDuring the Spanish Grand Prix, Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton engaged in a contentious battle for position on the opening lap. Verstappen attempted to overtake Hamilton but ended up going off-track, which led to a controversial situation where he was instructed by his team to give the position back to Hamilton. Despite his frustration, Verstappen complied and allowed both Hamilton and Kimi Antonelli to pass him, only to later regain his position against Hamilton before the latter's retirement due to brake failure.
Ralf Schumacher weighed in on the incident, acknowledging Verstappen's frustration but asserting that he did gain an advantage by leaving the track. Verstappen ultimately finished the race in second place, while Hamilton's retirement left him with a challenging situation in the championship standings. Verstappen currently sits sixth in the Drivers' Championship, significantly behind Antonelli.
Thu 17 Sep · 08:28 UTC
via f1technical.netWhy did Norris head to Portimao from Madrid?Lando Norris swapped his McLaren Formula 1 car for the team’s new MCL-HY Hypercar as he completed his first full test of the car at the Algarve International Circuit in Portimão.
Wed 16 Sep · 20:00 UTC
via gpfans.comMcLaren tease Lando Norris Le Mans bid as F1 champion tests insane new hypercarLando Norris recently tested McLaren's new hypercar as part of the team's preparations for the World Endurance Championship in 2027. Following a disappointing finish at the Spanish Grand Prix, Norris participated in a private test at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve, where he completed 38 laps and provided valuable feedback to the team.
McLaren has announced its intention to return to the Hypercar category, targeting the prestigious triple crown of motorsport. Norris has shown interest in racing at Le Mans, and with the 2027 F1 calendar not conflicting with the Le Mans schedule, there is potential for him to participate in future events.Wed 16 Sep · 14:27 UTC
via Motorsport.comWas Cadillac “faster” than Williams in Madring F1 race?Cadillac Racing, in its first season in Formula 1, showed some promising pace during the Spanish Grand Prix, particularly with driver Sergio Perez, who managed to keep up with Williams' Alexander Albon until a mechanical issue forced him to retire. Despite finishing 17th, Perez noted that he was competitive and even faster than Albon during certain parts of the race, which provided a glimmer of hope for the team.
On the other hand, teammate Valtteri Bottas struggled throughout the race, finishing at the back and highlighting ongoing reliability concerns. Cadillac has faced numerous challenges this season, including a high number of retirements, but both drivers remain hopeful for improvements in future races, particularly in the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix.Wed 16 Sep · 13:56 UTC
via PlanetF1David Coulthard backs Lando Norris after Coca-Cola row: ‘Stop trying to control everything’Lando Norris faced criticism after drinking a Coca-Cola in the cooldown room following the Spanish Grand Prix, where he finished second. An official instructed him not to consume the drink due to Formula 1's partnership with Pepsi, but Norris defied the order, asserting his right to drink what he wanted after the race.
David Coulthard supported Norris, arguing that the sport should not impose such restrictions on drivers. The incident sparked mixed reactions, with some agreeing with Norris's stance while others, like former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner, deemed it unprofessional behavior.Wed 16 Sep · 13:23 UTC
via Motorsport.comHow Kimi Antonelli and Mercedes made their own luck in MadridKimi Antonelli secured victory at the Spanish Grand Prix, benefiting from a timely virtual safety car caused by Lance Stroll's retirement. While Lando Norris missed the opportunity to pit due to the VSC deployment, Antonelli's strategic decision to slow down allowed him to enter the pit lane just in time, gaining the lead in the race.
The Mercedes team played a crucial role in this outcome by predicting the likelihood of a VSC and relaying this information to Antonelli promptly. This quick communication and Antonelli's ability to adjust his speed effectively contributed to his success, showcasing both the driver's skill and the team's strategic foresight.Wed 16 Sep · 12:58 UTC
via grandprix.comMcLaren aims to help Piastri regain competitive edgeAndrea Stella stated that McLaren has a clear agenda to help Oscar Piastri unlock his potential as he adjusts to the 2026 car. Stella noted that improving Piastri's qualifying and execution is essential for him to close the performance gap to his teammate Lando Norris.
via Motorsport.comF1 clash avoided but can Lando Norris or Max Verstappen race at Le Mans 2027?The 2027 Formula 1 calendar allows for a potential participation of F1 drivers like Lando Norris and Max Verstappen in the Le Mans 24 Hours, as there are no direct schedule clashes. However, the Le Mans test day on June 6 coincides with the Monaco Grand Prix, posing a significant challenge for drivers who need to complete mandatory laps to qualify for the race.
Despite the logistical hurdles, there are pathways for F1 drivers to participate, such as applying for exemptions from the test day. Teams must also consider how to accommodate additional drivers in their line-ups, which could involve adding a third car, a complex decision given the current operational constraints and commitments of teams like McLaren and Ford.Wed 16 Sep · 09:18 UTCPage 11 of 32