Franco ColapintoGeorge RussellLando Norris 
via Motorsport WeekNorris and Antonelli urge changes to Madring circuitLando Norris and Andrea Kimi Antonelli have called for modifications to the Madring circuit following its debut at the Spanish Grand Prix. Their comments come in response to the track's limitations highlighted during the race and the negative feedback from fans.
Motorsport Week+ 1 moreMon 21 Sep · 13:00 UTC
via gpfans.comMax Verstappen hails Lando Norris for helping fix huge F1 problemMax Verstappen has expressed his admiration for Lando Norris, who has taken significant steps to support aspiring drivers in motorsport by launching his own junior team, LN4 Fusion. This initiative aims to compete in various championships, including the FIA Formula 3, and is seen as a way to address the financial barriers that many young talents face in entering Formula 1.
Verstappen highlighted the increasing costs associated with motorsport and the challenges that talented drivers encounter due to financial constraints. While he appreciates Norris's contributions, Verstappen stated that he prefers to focus on endurance racing and does not plan to establish his own single-seater team, instead supporting young drivers through his existing projects.
gpfans.comMon 21 Sep · 12:59 UTC
via Motorsport.comMcLaren releases behind-the-scenes look at Lando Norris's hypercar testMcLaren has released behind-the-scenes footage of Lando Norris testing their 2027 MCL-HY hypercar in Portugal. Following his third-place finish at the Spanish Grand Prix, Norris participated in the test at the Algarve International Circuit, completing 38 laps and covering 177km.
Norris expressed excitement about the experience, noting the differences from Formula 1 cars and the fun he had. He thanked the McLaren Hypercar Team for the opportunity and highlighted the importance of collecting data during this crucial testing period as the team prepares for the World Endurance Championship next year.
Motorsport.comMon 21 Sep · 09:46 UTC
via RacingNews365Lando Norris handed F1 'sweet spot' praise amid fading title hopesNico Rosberg has commended Lando Norris for his impressive driving performances during the current Formula 1 season, despite Norris's challenges in defending his championship title. Norris, who began the season as the reigning champion, has faced difficulties as McLaren struggled to maintain consistent race-winning form, particularly in the early part of the season.
However, McLaren's recent competitiveness, with two wins in the last four races, has highlighted Norris's skill. Rosberg pointed out that the team's slow start was partly due to adapting to a new power unit. While Norris is significantly behind Kimi Antonelli in the championship standings, Rosberg believes that Norris's confidence as a world champion allows him to drive at an exceptional level.
RacingNews365Mon 21 Sep · 07:15 UTC
via f1oversteer.comToto Wolff's 'league of his own' comments highlight why Lando Norris is beating Oscar PiastriToto Wolff praised Lando Norris for his exceptional performance during qualifying at the Spanish Grand Prix, where Norris achieved pole position with a remarkable lap time of 1:31.385. Wolff noted Norris' skill in managing rear tyre overheating, especially under challenging hot conditions, which set him apart from his teammate Oscar Piastri.
Despite the compliments, Piastri's ongoing difficulties with tyre management were acknowledged, with McLaren's recent upgrades aimed at addressing these issues. Team principal Andrea Stella has urged Piastri to adapt his driving style to improve his performance, as his struggles have been a recurring theme in his career.
f1oversteer.comMon 21 Sep · 06:00 UTC
via Motorsport.comLando Norris predicted to overtake George Russell in 2026 F1 standingsGuenther Steiner, the former Haas team principal, has expressed confidence that Lando Norris will surpass George Russell in the 2026 Formula 1 drivers' championship standings. Currently, Norris sits in fourth place with 186 points, while Russell holds second with 211 points, and Kimi Antonelli leads the championship with 292 points.
Norris has recently experienced a surge in performance, winning consecutive races at the Hungarian and Dutch Grands Prix. Following these victories, he emphasized the improvements within the McLaren team and his belief in their potential to compete for the championship. Norris remains optimistic about the team's ability to enhance their car and maintain their momentum as the season progresses.Motorsport.comSun 20 Sep · 21:11 UTC
via RacingNews365Lando Norris issued criticism as huge pit lane fight breaks out - RacingNews365 ReviewLando Norris has responded to criticism from Guenther Steiner, who suggested that Norris acted unprofessionally by bringing a can of Coca-Cola into the cool-down room following the Spanish Grand Prix. This incident has drawn attention and sparked discussions regarding the expectations of driver behaviour in Formula 1.
The comments made by Steiner have led to a broader conversation about professionalism within the sport. Norris's actions have been scrutinised, highlighting the pressures and standards that drivers face both on and off the track.RacingNews365Sun 20 Sep · 20:00 UTC
via Motorsport.comDavid Coulthard warns unchanged Madring return in 2027 would be "stupidity"David Coulthard has expressed concerns about the Madring circuit, stating that returning in 2027 without modifications would be unwise. He highlighted the lack of overtaking during the inaugural race, which he described as processional, and emphasized the need for changes to enhance the racing experience.
Coulthard suggested that the circuit's layout could be improved by introducing slower chicanes or hairpin turns to create more overtaking opportunities. He noted that the current design allows drivers to maintain too much speed, limiting competitive racing. His comments reflect a broader call for Formula 1 to listen to fan feedback and make necessary adjustments.Motorsport.comSun 20 Sep · 18:00 UTC
via RacingNews365Max Verstappen reacts to major Lando Norris career announcementLando Norris has confirmed the establishment of his own junior racing team, which is set to compete in various championships starting in 2027. This initiative aims to provide opportunities for young drivers in the increasingly expensive world of motorsport. Norris expressed his desire to give back to the racing community by supporting emerging talents through this new venture.
Max Verstappen has publicly supported Norris's decision, highlighting the challenges young racers face due to rising costs. While Verstappen also runs a racing team, he focuses on endurance racing rather than single-seater competitions. He expressed satisfaction with his current activities, which include training drivers in lower formulas through his sim company.RacingNews365Sun 20 Sep · 15:30 UTC
via PlanetF1George Russell ‘on the ropes’ as pundits weigh in on ‘painful’ Mercedes realityGeorge Russell is experiencing a challenging season in Formula 1, currently trailing his teammate Kimi Antonelli in the championship standings. Despite securing two grand prix victories, Antonelli has dominated with eight wins and holds an 81-point lead. Russell has openly admitted that Antonelli has performed better this year, a stark contrast to last season when he outscored Antonelli significantly. This shift in momentum has raised concerns about Russell's championship prospects.
Former drivers David Coulthard and Nico Rosberg have weighed in on Russell's situation, commending his attitude and acknowledgment of Antonelli's performance. Coulthard noted that Russell is handling the pressure well, while Rosberg highlighted the psychological challenges Russell faces as he questions his own abilities. The 2026 season has seen notable changes in driver performances, with several drivers experiencing swings in their standings compared to the previous year.
PlanetF1Sun 20 Sep · 12:00 UTC
via Motorsport.comDavid Coulthard urges FIA to speed up safety car decisionsDavid Coulthard has expressed concerns regarding the FIA's speed in making decisions to neutralize Formula 1 races, particularly after the recent Spanish Grand Prix. He noted that Lando Norris lost a likely victory due to the timing of the virtual safety car deployment, which allowed Kimi Antonelli to pit at a strategic moment. Coulthard emphasized that the time taken to respond to incidents can significantly impact race outcomes and suggested that improvements are necessary.
During a podcast discussion, Coulthard elaborated on the inherent unpredictability of safety car situations, stating that they can unfairly affect race results. He called for a more efficient process in decision-making, especially in clear-cut situations like major accidents. The former driver believes that quicker responses could help mitigate the luck factor in racing outcomes, ensuring a fairer competition for all drivers.Motorsport.comSun 20 Sep · 09:00 UTC
via F1iNorris reveals his ‘inevitable choice’ to lead LN4 FusionLando Norris has officially launched his junior racing venture, LN4 Fusion, with plans to compete in various categories including the Italian F4 Championship, FRECA, and Formula 3. The team is also seeking entry into Formula 2, pending confirmation. To lead this ambitious project, Norris has appointed Rene Rosin as Team Principal, citing his extensive experience and successful track record in junior motorsport as key factors in his decision.
Norris has a long-standing relationship with Rosin, having observed his work at Prema, which has been a benchmark in junior racing. Norris expressed that Rosin was the 'inevitable choice' for the role, emphasizing the need for strong leadership to build a sustainable team. With Rosin at the helm, LN4 Fusion aims to establish a solid foundation and culture as it prepares for its inaugural season.
F1iSun 20 Sep · 08:12 UTC
via RacingNews365Lando Norris criticised for Madrid cool-down room actionLando Norris has come under fire for bringing a can of Coca-Cola into the cool-down room following his third-place finish at the Spanish Grand Prix. Guenther Steiner, team principal of Haas, expressed that Norris's actions were unprofessional and suggested that as a professional driver, he should have been more aware of the implications of his choice, especially given the existing sponsorship deal between Pepsi and Formula 1.
The incident sparked discussions among fans and commentators, with Steiner acknowledging that while no one was harmed by Norris's actions, it was not the smartest decision. He noted that the publicity surrounding the incident inadvertently benefited Coca-Cola, turning a minor issue into a notable topic of conversation in the F1 community.RacingNews365Sun 20 Sep · 08:10 UTC
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.f1oversteer.comSat 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.gpfans.comSat 19 Sep · 18:44 UTC
via Motorsport.comKimi Antonelli shows no signs of championship pressureMercedes Formula 1 driver Kimi Antonelli is demonstrating confidence as he approaches his first championship title, according to former driver Jolyon Palmer. David Coulthard also commended George Russell for acknowledging Antonelli's strong performance in the current season.Motorsport.comSat 19 Sep · 17:00 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.Motorsport WeekSat 19 Sep · 15:00 UTC
via RacingNews365Max Verstappen left furious after multiple George Russell clashes - ThrowbackDuring the 2023 Azerbaijan sprint race, tensions flared between Max Verstappen and George Russell when they collided at the start. Russell attempted to overtake Verstappen but lost control due to understeer, damaging Verstappen's car significantly. Despite the incident, race control deemed it a racing incident, resulting in no penalties for either driver. Verstappen managed to recover and finish third in the sprint race, while Russell ended up in eighth place in the main race despite setting the fastest lap.
After the sprint, Verstappen confronted Russell in parc fermé, expressing his frustration over the collision. Russell defended his actions, stating he had no grip, while Verstappen insisted that drivers need to leave space. Their heated exchange highlighted the competitive nature of the sport, with Verstappen's sarcastic radio message following his successful pass at the restart further emphasizing the tension between the two drivers.RacingNews365Sat 19 Sep · 12:50 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.RacingNews365Sat 19 Sep · 12:00 UTC
via RacingNews365Toto Wolff confirms 'unlock' needed to baffling George Russell mysteryToto Wolff, the team principal of Mercedes, has acknowledged that the team is puzzled by George Russell's inconsistent performance compared to teammate Kimi Antonelli. Despite a strong start to the season, Russell has only managed to win two races, while Antonelli has dominated with eight victories, creating an 81-point gap between them. Wolff emphasized the need for analysis to understand the underlying issues affecting Russell's pace, particularly highlighted during the recent Spanish Grand Prix.
Russell himself has pointed out that the changes in car regulations have not suited his driving style, which relies on smoother inputs rather than the high-rotation techniques favored this season. He has conceded that the championship is out of reach for him this year, acknowledging Antonelli's deserving lead. Wolff noted that the imbalance in performance between drivers is a common challenge in the sport, and he aims to provide support and transparency to both drivers as they navigate the season.RacingNews365Sat 19 Sep · 07:00 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.RacingNews365+ 1 moreSat 19 Sep · 06:10 UTC
via f1oversteer.comRUMOURMercedes' U-turn on Baku decision shows how little faith they have in George Russell's title chargeMercedes has decided not to give George Russell a new engine during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, opting instead to keep his current power unit in use until the United States Grand Prix. This decision aligns with their strategy to introduce a chassis upgrade at the end of October, which will coincide with the new engine. The team appears to be prioritizing this timing over Russell's immediate championship prospects, indicating a lack of confidence in his ability to compete for the title this season.
Despite still being mathematically in the championship race, Russell's performance has been overshadowed by teammate Kimi Antonelli, leading to speculation about his future with the team. Toto Wolff's comments suggest that Russell should shift his focus to the 2027 season, further emphasizing the team's diminished expectations for his current title challenge. The delay in providing Russell with a new engine is seen as a clear signal of Mercedes' lack of faith in his competitiveness this year.f1oversteer.comFri 18 Sep · 20:00 UTC
via gpfans.comRUMOURToto Wolff reveals huge truth about George Russell contract situation at MercedesToto Wolff, the team principal of Mercedes, has confirmed that George Russell's contract has already been signed, although the team has not made a public announcement regarding it. This comes amidst ongoing speculation about Russell's future, particularly with rumors of him being replaced by a four-time world champion. Wolff emphasized that the lack of a major statement is unusual but reassured that the contract situation is settled.
The article also touches on the context of the driver market, noting that much of the speculation surrounding Russell's position was fueled by reports of dissatisfaction from Max Verstappen. However, with Verstappen's new long-term contract with Red Bull, which runs through 2030, the dynamics of the driver market may shift, potentially stabilizing Russell's position at Mercedes. Wolff did not provide further details about the length or financial aspects of Russell's contract.gpfans.comFri 18 Sep · 19:55 UTC
via Motorsport.comMax Verstappen jokes about Kimi Antonelli’s F1 lead: “I’m definitely not having a comeback!”Kimi Antonelli is in a strong position to win his first Formula 1 world title, potentially becoming the youngest champion in history. With only a few races left in the season, George Russell's chances of winning the championship have diminished significantly, leading him to express doubts about his title hopes. Max Verstappen, who finished behind Antonelli in Spain, humorously remarked that he is not planning a comeback this season, acknowledging the challenges he faces compared to last year.
Verstappen offered advice to Antonelli, suggesting he maintain his current approach without stressing about the championship standings. Lando Norris also commended Antonelli's performance, noting that he is outperforming his more experienced teammate and making very few mistakes. Both drivers recognize Antonelli's talent and potential for future success in Formula 1.Motorsport.comFri 18 Sep · 13:31 UTC