Franco ColapintoGeorge RussellLando Norris 
via f1oversteer.comMcLaren waiting on F1 decision that could clear Lando Norris to make Le Mans 24 Hours debut in 2027McLaren is currently awaiting confirmation from Formula 1 about the 2027 calendar, which is crucial for Lando Norris's potential debut at the Le Mans 24 Hours. The team plans to enter the Hypercar category in the World Endurance Championship next year, marking a significant return to endurance racing after 32 years since their last victory at Le Mans. Norris, who has prior experience in endurance racing, is a primary candidate for this venture, alongside Scott Dixon, who is set to join McLaren in 2027.
However, both Norris and Dixon face challenges due to their commitments in Formula 1 and IndyCar, respectively. The traditional scheduling of the Le Mans race in June may conflict with their racing duties, making it difficult for them to participate. If the F1 calendar does not align favorably, Norris may have to postpone his dream of competing in this prestigious event for another year.
f1oversteer.comFri 4 Sep · 18:00 UTC
via PlanetF1FIA confirms Lance Stroll punishment after ‘dangerous’ Lando Norris incidentThe FIA has issued a warning to Lance Stroll and Aston Martin following a dangerous incident involving Lando Norris during FP2 at the Italian Grand Prix. Norris expressed his frustration over team radio after being forced to run wide due to Stroll's slow speed on the track, prompting the FIA to investigate the situation. The stewards concluded that Stroll impeded Norris unnecessarily, leading to the warning for both the driver and the team.
Stroll's performance in FP2 was notably poor, as he finished last among all drivers. This incident adds to his struggles in the 2026 season, where he has not yet scored any points, with his best finish being 13th place in Hungary. The FIA's decision reflects ongoing concerns about driver safety and adherence to regulations in Formula 1.
PlanetF1Fri 4 Sep · 17:55 UTC
via Motorsport.comF1 Italian GP: Saturday schedule, weather forecast and how to watchThe article provides details about the schedule and weather for the upcoming Italian Grand Prix at Monza. George Russell topped the timesheets in the second practice session, narrowly beating Charles Leclerc, while championship leader Kimi Antonelli will start from the back due to an engine change. Max Verstappen struggled for balance, finishing ninth in practice.
Saturday's schedule includes free practice 3 and qualifying, with hot weather expected to impact tire and brake management. The race will take place on Sunday, and viewers can watch through various broadcasters depending on their region.
Motorsport.comFri 4 Sep · 17:50 UTC
via Motorsport.comMercedes vs Ferrari: Italian GP long runs leave no clear favouriteThe Italian Grand Prix is shaping up to be a close contest between Mercedes and Ferrari, with both teams showing competitive long run times during practice sessions. Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton demonstrated equal pace, while George Russell closely followed, indicating a tight race ahead. Mercedes appears to gain an advantage early in the lap, while Ferrari makes up time in the final sector, leaving the outcome uncertain as both teams prepare for qualifying and the race.
In contrast, McLaren struggled to keep pace, lagging behind by four tenths, and Red Bull is positioned as the fourth-best team at Monza. The midfield dynamics are shifting, with Audi facing challenges in engine performance, while Alpine seems to be making a comeback. Overall, the competitive landscape is tight, and minor mistakes could significantly impact race positions.Motorsport.comFri 4 Sep · 17:47 UTC
via F1iNorris casts doubt on Monza hat-trick after troubled FridayLando Norris faced challenges during the opening day of practice at Monza, finishing fourth and expressing concerns about McLaren's competitiveness against Mercedes and Ferrari. Despite recent victories, Norris noted that the car's performance was disappointing, particularly in areas where they expected to excel. His teammate, Oscar Piastri, also struggled, finishing sixth in FP2.
McLaren's new H-Wing showed promise, but the team remains three-tenths off their desired pace. Norris acknowledged the increased competition and the need to focus on energy management to improve their performance. Overall, the team is aware that achieving a hat-trick of wins at Monza will be more difficult than anticipated.
F1iFri 4 Sep · 17:25 UTC
via Formula1.comLando Norris doubts McLaren's chances for pole in MonzaAfter the practice sessions at Monza, Lando Norris expressed concerns about McLaren's competitiveness. He stated that the team is currently not in contention for pole position.
Formula1.com+ 2 moreFri 4 Sep · 17:22 UTC
via f1oversteer.comJolyon Palmer ‘loved’ the very difficult thing he saw George Russell do at the Italian Grand PrixDuring the Italian Grand Prix weekend, Jolyon Palmer expressed admiration for George Russell's driving skills, particularly his commitment in the challenging Parabolica corner during FP2. Russell's performance included a third-fastest time in FP1 and a top position in FP2, indicating a strong start to the race weekend despite facing a significant points deficit in the championship standings.
Additionally, Kimi Antonelli, who is leading the championship, will start from the back of the grid, providing Russell with an opportunity to close the gap in the standings. The article emphasizes the competitive nature of the race and the potential for Russell to capitalize on Antonelli's starting position.f1oversteer.comFri 4 Sep · 17:00 UTC
via F1iLewis Hamilton raises concerns over Ferrari's upgradesLewis Hamilton expressed concerns about Ferrari's performance following practice sessions at the Italian Grand Prix. He noted that while Ferrari has introduced an engine upgrade, Mercedes may still hold a top speed advantage that could impact the race.F1i+ 2 moreFri 4 Sep · 16:36 UTC
via espn.comGeorge Russell tops second practice at MonzaGeorge Russell achieved the fastest time in the second practice session for the Italian Grand Prix. This performance is seen as a significant boost for his championship campaign.
espn.comFri 4 Sep · 16:13 UTC
via Formula1.comRussell beats Leclerc and Antonelli to FP2 fastest timeIn Free Practice 2 for the 2026 Italian Grand Prix, George Russell set the fastest time, leading the session with a lap of 1m 22.559s. He was followed closely by Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and Mercedes teammate Kimi Antonelli, who faced challenges due to an engine change that will see him start at the back of the grid for the race. The session saw all regular drivers back on track after missing the earlier practice, with notable performances from Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton finishing fourth and fifth respectively.
The practice session was marked by competitive lap times and close racing, with drivers attempting to gain an advantage through slipstreaming. Verstappen encountered issues with downforce, while Leclerc briefly lost control but managed to recover. The session concluded with Russell maintaining his lead, setting the stage for an exciting qualifying ahead of the Grand Prix.Formula1.comFri 4 Sep · 15:47 UTC
via F1iGeorge Russell leads practice sessions at MonzaGeorge Russell emerged as the fastest driver in both practice sessions for the 2026 Italian Grand Prix at Monza. He topped the timesheets in FP2, closely followed by Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and teammate Kimi Antonelli.F1i+ 7 moreFri 4 Sep · 15:23 UTC
via the-race.comEverything you need to know about Italian GP FP2In the second practice session for the Italian Grand Prix, George Russell topped the timesheets, outperforming Charles Leclerc and Kimi Antonelli. Russell's performance was marked by a strong showing on soft tires, despite ending the session with concerns about his car's suspension. Leclerc attempted to match his earlier pace from FP1 but faced a setback with a spin late in the session.
Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton rounded out the top five, while Max Verstappen struggled with car issues, finishing ninth. The session also saw notable performances from Arvid Lindblad and Ollie Bearman, with Bearman benefiting from an upgraded Ferrari power unit. Overall, the session highlighted competitive dynamics among the teams ahead of the race weekend.
the-race.comFri 4 Sep · 15:15 UTC
via the-race.comGeorge Russell tops final practice at Italian Grand PrixThe results from Free Practice 3 at the 2026 Italian Grand Prix in Monza have been published. This session is part of the ongoing preparations for the race, which is the 13th round of the Formula 1 World Championship.the-race.com+ 6 moreFri 4 Sep · 11:32 UTC
Wikimedia Commons · Steffen Prößdorf · CC BY-SA 4.0Untitled story
via F1iRussell reveals Mercedes master plan for Monza qualifyingGeorge Russell has outlined Mercedes' tactical approach for the upcoming Monza qualifying, where Kimi Antonelli will assist him by providing a tow, despite starting from the back due to a grid penalty. This strategy aims to enhance Russell's chances of securing pole position on the long straights of the Monza circuit, which are conducive to slipstreaming tactics. Russell expressed optimism about the plan while acknowledging the limitations of modern aerodynamic configurations compared to previous years.
Despite the championship implications of Antonelli's penalty, Russell remains focused on his own performance and improvement. He feels revitalized after the summer break but recognizes the increasing challenge posed by competitors like McLaren and Ferrari, who are introducing upgrades. Russell anticipates a highly competitive race weekend, with the potential for any of the top four teams to contend for victory.F1iFri 4 Sep · 07:42 UTC
via Motorsport.comPierre Gasly takes pole position at Italian Grand PrixPierre Gasly achieved pole position for the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, marking a significant milestone for Alpine. He narrowly edged out George Russell by just 0.060 seconds during the qualifying session.Motorsport.comThu 3 Sep · 17:35 UTC
via Motorsport WeekGeorge Russell admits belief that Mercedes must ‘put the team first’ ahead of F1 Italian GP weekendGeorge Russell has highlighted the necessity of prioritizing teamwork as he heads into the Italian Grand Prix weekend. Following a strong performance in Zandvoort, where he achieved Sprint pole and victory, Russell is looking to capitalize on his momentum despite his teammate Antonelli facing a grid penalty due to a new engine. The two drivers are currently in a competitive championship battle, with Russell emphasizing the importance of collaboration over individual ambition at this stage of the season.
As they prepare for the Monza race, known for its high speeds and challenging layout, Russell expressed optimism about the potential for an exhilarating race. He noted the excitement surrounding the slipstreaming opportunities and the strategic energy management required on the track. Russell's focus remains on teamwork, as both drivers aim to support each other while navigating the complexities of the championship.
Motorsport WeekThu 3 Sep · 17:30 UTC
via RacingNews365Lando Norris raises McLaren concern as biggest weakness set for ultimate exposureLando Norris is preparing for the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, where he hopes to achieve a third consecutive victory. However, he has raised concerns about McLaren's performance, particularly in chicanes and low-speed corners, which have been a weakness since the introduction of new power-unit regulations. Despite recent successes, Norris acknowledges that Monza may not be as favorable for McLaren due to the circuit's characteristics.
Norris indicated that the team is aware of their limitations and is actively working on solutions. He noted that while they might consider compromising their top speed to improve performance in slow-speed corners, such adjustments are complex and do not guarantee immediate results. The team is focused on addressing these issues as they prepare for the race.
RacingNews365Thu 3 Sep · 16:45 UTC
via the-race.comLando Norris launches junior racing team and programmeLando Norris has announced the formation of his own racing team and driver development program aimed at supporting underfunded talent. The initiative seeks to guide aspiring drivers through the ranks to Formula 1.the-race.com+ 1 moreThu 3 Sep · 16:33 UTC
via PlanetF1Stella makes Italian GP admission after Norris McLaren requestLando Norris has expressed concerns regarding the performance of the McLaren MCL40, particularly in low-speed situations, and has requested the team to focus on improvements. Despite recent successes, including back-to-back wins, he does not believe the car is capable of winning the championship without significant enhancements. McLaren's team principal, Andrea Stella, agrees that the upcoming Italian Grand Prix at Monza will be a critical test for the team's capabilities, especially given the track's characteristics that do not favor the MCL40's strengths.
Stella and Norris both recognize the challenges posed by Monza's long straights and braking zones, which are not ideal for their car. While McLaren has shown promise in high-speed circuits, the team needs to confirm their improvements at Monza to maintain optimism for the remainder of the season. The last victory for McLaren at Monza was in 2021, and the team is eager to break that drought while addressing the performance gaps highlighted by Norris.PlanetF1Thu 3 Sep · 16:17 UTC
via Formula1.comColapinto grateful for Alpine ‘trust’ amid contract extensionFranco Colapinto has extended his contract with Alpine for the 2027 season, expressing gratitude for the trust placed in him by the team. He has had a strong start to the season, currently sitting in P12 in the Drivers' Championship with 19 points, and is looking forward to continuing his journey with Alpine alongside teammate Pierre Gasly.
As the Italian Grand Prix approaches, Colapinto is optimistic about the new upgrade package that will be implemented for both cars. He believes the upgrades will enhance their performance and help them close the gap to Racing Bulls in the Teams' Championship, where they are only three points behind. Colapinto is eager to maximize the car's potential during qualifying at Monza.Formula1.comThu 3 Sep · 16:09 UTC
via RacingNews365Leclerc to assist Hamilton with tow at Italian GPCharles Leclerc plans to provide a tow for his Ferrari teammate Lewis Hamilton during the qualifying session of the Italian Grand Prix. This strategy highlights the importance of teamwork and slipstreaming in the upcoming race.RacingNews365+ 3 moreThu 3 Sep · 16:00 UTC
via CrashGeorge Russell claims McLaren is the team to beatGeorge Russell has expressed his ambition for Mercedes to reclaim the title of the 'team to beat' in Formula 1. He acknowledges McLaren's current strong performance but remains uncertain about the overall favorites in the ongoing season.
Crash+ 1 moreThu 3 Sep · 15:40 UTC
via RacingNews365RUMOURKimi Antonelli confirms Mercedes discussions in George Russell support roleKimi Antonelli has confirmed that he is in talks with Mercedes regarding a support role for George Russell during the upcoming Italian Grand Prix. Due to a new power unit fitted to his car, Antonelli will start from the back of the grid, which has implications for his championship lead as his rivals have the opportunity to close the gap on him. The decision to take a grid penalty at Monza was made because the track is conducive to overtaking, making it a strategic choice for the team.
Despite his starting position, Antonelli is prepared to assist Russell in qualifying by offering a tow if requested by Mercedes. He has acknowledged that while he aims for pole position, his priority will be to support the team’s efforts. This collaboration highlights the dynamics within the Mercedes team as they navigate the challenges of the race weekend.RacingNews365Thu 3 Sep · 13:45 UTC