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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.
via PlanetF1Andrea Stella addresses Oscar Piastri's performance issuesMcLaren team principal Andrea Stella has identified that Oscar Piastri's driving style may not be well-suited to the current Formula 1 cars. Piastri has struggled this season, contributing less than 40% to McLaren's overall points.
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.
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.
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.
via CrashMartin Brundle calls Lando Norris 'robbed' in SpainMartin Brundle has described Lando Norris as being 'robbed' of victory at the inaugural Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix due to a controversial decision regarding the virtual safety car. Brundle has also suggested potential changes to the virtual safety car rules to prevent similar situations in the future.
via F1iColapinto: Madrid ‘probably my best race weekend’ in F1Franco Colapinto described his performance at the Spanish Grand Prix as his best race weekend in Formula 1, highlighting a strong qualifying session and a solid race that culminated in a seventh-place finish. He noted that everything fell into place, allowing him to maximize his performance and secure points for Alpine, especially after a previous points-scoring race in Italy.
Colapinto attributed part of his success to learning from his teammate Pierre Gasly, particularly during qualifying. He felt a strong connection with the car and emphasized the importance of continuous improvement as he looks forward to upcoming races, including the next event in Baku.
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.
via the-race.comAndrea Stella calls for review of VSC rulesMcLaren team boss Andrea Stella has suggested that Formula 1 should consider revising the Virtual Safety Car procedures. His comments follow Lando Norris's unfortunate timing during the Spanish Grand Prix, which raised questions about the fairness of the current rules.
via RacingNews365Lando Norris makes major car swap as Max Verstappen title requirement revealed - RacingNews365Lando Norris has recently tested McLaren's new hypercar, which is scheduled to compete in the World Endurance Championship starting next year. This marks a significant step for McLaren as they expand their racing portfolio beyond Formula 1.
In related news, Toto Wolff has outlined what he believes Max Verstappen will require to contend for the championship in 2027, likely against Kimi Antonelli. Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton's title aspirations have dwindled significantly, with his points gap increasing to 101 after a challenging series of races.
via PlanetF1Lewis Hamilton Spanish GP DNF update; Hamilton’s defiant message; Norris criticised – roundupLewis Hamilton experienced a retirement during the Spanish Grand Prix due to brake problems with his Ferrari. Team principal Fred Vasseur provided insights into the situation, explaining that the team attempted to resolve the issue before ultimately instructing Hamilton to retire from the race. This DNF could significantly affect Hamilton's aspirations for a record eighth world championship title in 2026.
In the aftermath, Hamilton took to social media to express his determination and look ahead to the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Meanwhile, Lando Norris drew criticism for his choice of beverage, Coca-Cola, in the cooldown room, which is against Formula 1's sponsorship rules. Former Haas team boss Guenther Steiner labeled Norris's actions as 'unprofessional,' highlighting the ongoing discussions surrounding team conduct and sponsorship agreements.
via gpfans.comNorris nightmare as ex Magui Corceiro watches Spanish Grand Prix debacleLando Norris experienced a challenging race at the Spanish Grand Prix, where he started as the fastest driver but was ultimately affected by a poorly timed virtual safety car. This incident allowed Kimi Antonelli to take the victory, while Norris managed to secure a third-place finish, which was not the outcome he had hoped for. His ex-girlfriend, Margarida 'Magui' Corceiro, was present at the event, adding to the pressure of the situation for Norris.
Corceiro, who attended the race as a VIP guest of TAG Heuer, had previously been a regular presence at Norris's races during their relationship. Since their breakup, Norris has publicly stated he is single, while Corceiro has been rumored to be dating NFL player Braxton Berrios. Despite the disappointment of not winning, Norris's podium finish still reflects his competitive performance in the ongoing season.
via Formula1.comWho impressed our Power Rankings judges in Madrid?The Spanish Grand Prix saw Kimi Antonelli take victory after a strategic advantage during a Virtual Safety Car, which hindered Lando Norris's chances of winning. Despite leading early in the race, Norris had to settle for third place, while Max Verstappen capitalized on the situation to finish second, marking a solid performance for Red Bull. Franco Colapinto and Nico Hulkenberg also had notable finishes, with Colapinto achieving seventh and Hulkenberg rounding out the top ten.
The race was challenging for several drivers, including Lewis Hamilton, who retired due to brake issues after showing promise in practice. Esteban Ocon managed to improve from a difficult mid-season, finishing just outside the points. Liam Lawson, filling in for Isack Hadjar, delivered his best result in sixth place. Overall, the weekend showcased a mix of strategic plays and driver performances that shaped the latest Power Rankings.
via Motorsport.comLando Norris lost Madring F1 win because of impossible overtaking – McLarenLando Norris faced challenges in securing a victory at the Spanish Grand Prix due to difficulties in overtaking at the Madring circuit. Despite starting from pole and initially leading the race, Norris lost crucial time during a pit stop caused by a virtual safety car, which left him unable to close the gap to the leaders. McLaren team principal Andrea Stella highlighted that the slow pit stop did not significantly impact the race outcome, as overtaking proved to be nearly impossible on the track.
The Madring circuit recorded only 10 overtakes during the race, the lowest number for the 2026 season, raising concerns about its design. Stella pointed out that the narrowness of Turn 5 made it particularly difficult for drivers to attempt overtakes, suggesting that modifications may be necessary to enhance racing opportunities in future events. Norris's pace advantage was evident, but without the ability to overtake, he could not regain his lead.
via f1technical.netHow did the VSC boost and derail Alpine's Madrid race at the same time?Alpine came away from the Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid with a valuable haul of points after Franco Colapinto produced one of his strongest weekends of the season to finish seventh, while Pierre Gasly was left frustrated after a high-risk strategy failed to pay off.
via PlanetF1Steiner calls Norris ‘unprofessional’ over Coca-Cola cooldown room rowGuenther Steiner has publicly criticized Lando Norris for his actions in the cooldown room after the Spanish Grand Prix, where Norris was seen drinking a Coca-Cola despite it being against the rules due to Formula 1's partnership with Pepsi. Steiner emphasized that as a professional driver, Norris should have known better than to consume a branded drink in that setting, labeling his behavior as unprofessional. He noted that while the incident was not harmful, it was not the right thing to do.
Norris finished third in the race, leaving him significantly behind Kimi Antonelli in the championship standings. Steiner suggested that if the official had not intervened, the incident might have gone unnoticed, ultimately benefiting Coca-Cola's visibility. He expressed indifference towards the situation, acknowledging that it had turned into a notable headline.
via Motorsport.comKimi Antonelli's Spanish GP win will still "sting", says James HinchcliffeKimi Antonelli secured his eighth victory of the 2026 Formula 1 season at the Spanish Grand Prix, held on September 15, 2026. His win at the Madring circuit allowed him to extend his championship lead to 81 points over teammate George Russell. The race was notably affected by a virtual safety car that Antonelli capitalized on, allowing him to take a cheaper pit stop compared to Lando Norris, who had started from pole position and initially led the race.
Despite his victory, former IndyCar driver James Hinchcliffe remarked that Antonelli would feel a 'sting' knowing that Norris had the faster car throughout the race. Hinchcliffe highlighted that even successful drivers can feel frustrated when they are not the quickest on the track, suggesting that Antonelli's win was a mix of good fortune and his driving skills. This commentary reflects the competitive nature of Formula 1, where drivers strive not only for victory but also for the title of being the best on the day.
via Motorsport.comWhat Colapinto learned from Gasly's Monza pole to make his Madrid breakthroughFranco Colapinto has acknowledged the significant impact Pierre Gasly's qualifying performance at Monza had on his own development. After qualifying eighth at Monza, where Gasly achieved a surprising pole position, Colapinto analyzed the data to identify areas for improvement. He noted that while he was close to Gasly in Q1, the gap widened in subsequent sessions, prompting him to focus on understanding Gasly's performance enhancements.
At the Spanish Grand Prix, Colapinto applied the lessons learned from Monza, ultimately finishing seventh after successfully reaching Q3. He highlighted the importance of energy management and driving techniques that he observed from Gasly. Colapinto expressed pride in his qualifying performance in Madrid, stating it was one of his best sessions and reflecting on the progress he made since Monza.
via F1iLando Norris enjoys McLaren Hypercar outing after SpainFollowing a disappointing performance at the Spanish Grand Prix, Lando Norris quickly shifted his focus to a special outing with McLaren. He participated in a rare non-F1 test, exploring Hypercar machinery and expressing interest in future endurance racing opportunities.Page 5 of 23













