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RSS ↗Wikimedia Commons · Christijan_Albers_2006.JPG: Mathieu Felten derivative work: Flyz1 · CC BY 2.5Albers says Piastri lacks Verstappen’s ‘bite’Sep.30 (GMM) Oscar Piastri’s difficult run has drawn fresh criticism after his mistake in Baku, with former F1 driver Christijan Albers questioning whether the McLaren driver has the aggression of a driver like Max Verstappen. The Australian had been on course for the 2025 title before his late-season collapse, and his struggles have continued into…Wikimedia Commons · Yu Chu Chin · CC BY-SA 4.0Perez warns F1 rules are becoming dangerousSep.30 (GMM) Sergio Perez has re-joined the ongoing criticism of Formula 1’s new-generation regulations, warning that extreme speed differences caused by energy management are now becoming a real safety concern. The Cadillac driver told Sport1 that he narrowly avoided a major accident while defending from Liam Lawson in Baku. “Above all, we need to closely…
via f1oversteer.comOtmar Szafnauer admits Sergio Perez nearly got a five-year FIA ban before he joined Red BullOtmar Szafnauer disclosed that Sergio Perez was close to receiving a five-year ban from the FIA due to a doping rules violation during the 2017 Malaysian Grand Prix. After the race, Perez underwent IV treatment for dehydration, which is prohibited under FIA regulations. The situation escalated when Perez shared details of the treatment on social media, prompting Szafnauer to engage a top sports lawyer to navigate the potential consequences.
Ultimately, the issue was resolved without a ban, allowing Perez to continue his career, which included a move to Red Bull in 2021. Now 36, Perez is on the verge of reaching 300 race starts, while Cadillac is evaluating potential driver changes for the 2027 season, which could impact his teammate Valtteri Bottas.
via f1chronicle.comSergio Perez Calls Pointless Baku Weekend ‘One of My Best’ as Cadillac’s Struggles ContinueSergio Perez has declared his Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend as one of his best despite finishing outside the points. After starting from P20 due to a grid penalty, he managed to recover to 14th place, matching his best result of the season with Cadillac, who are still seeking their first points in Formula 1.
Despite the lack of points, Perez expressed satisfaction with his performance, noting that he felt competitive throughout the race. He acknowledged the need for improvements in Cadillac's car to enhance their competitiveness, particularly in straight-line speed, as they aim for a points finish before the end of the season.
via gpfans.comRyanair mocks Lance Stroll after Aston Martin announcementRyanair has made a pointed social media remark aimed at Lance Stroll following the announcement that he will remain with Aston Martin for the upcoming Formula 1 season. The airline's comment adds to its history of playful jabs at public figures.
via f1oversteer.comDavid Coulthard is sure Lando Norris was a ‘better world champion for McLaren’ than Oscar PiastriDavid Coulthard has expressed his belief that Lando Norris was a more suitable world champion for McLaren than Oscar Piastri, following Norris's victory in the 2025 season. Norris secured the title by 13 points after a competitive season, during which he made a significant comeback from a 34-point deficit. Coulthard highlighted that Norris's longer tenure in Formula 1 and his British nationality contribute to his marketability, making him a better fit for the team.
Coulthard noted that while Norris has established himself as McLaren's lead driver, Piastri has struggled this season, finishing ahead of Norris only three times. He suggested that the reduced presence of Mark Webber in Piastri's management might be impacting his performance. Despite the competitive nature of their relationship, Coulthard believes that having strong drivers like Norris and Piastri is beneficial for McLaren, even if it leads to uncomfortable dynamics.
via gpfans.comEvery F1 driver to receive a race ban after Lando Norris FIA demandLando Norris has demanded that Franco Colapinto be suspended by the FIA following a multi-car collision during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Although Norris's comments have since been apologised for, Colapinto will only face a five-place grid penalty in the upcoming Malaysian Grand Prix.
The article discusses the history of race bans in Formula 1, highlighting notable cases such as Eddie Irvine's three-race ban in 1994 and Michael Schumacher's two-race ban that same year. Other drivers mentioned include Nigel Mansell, Mika Hakkinen, Jacques Villeneuve, Kevin Magnussen, and Romain Grosjean, each of whom faced suspensions for various infractions throughout their careers.
via Motorsport.com“I fear something bad is going to happen soon” – 2026 F1 cars are “too dangerous”, Sergio Perez warnsSergio Perez has raised alarms about the safety of the 2026 Formula 1 cars, citing significant speed differentials that could lead to accidents. His concerns were amplified after a serious crash involving Oliver Bearman at the Japanese Grand Prix, which underscored the risks associated with the new power units that feature a high percentage of electrical energy.
Following a close call with Liam Lawson during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Perez urged for regulatory changes to address the dangerous disparities in engine performance. The FIA has already made some adjustments, and further changes are expected for the 2027 season to improve safety. Despite these efforts, Perez remains apprehensive about the implications for upcoming races.
via RacingNews365McLaren point to 'high priority' focus after Lando Norris concernMcLaren has acknowledged a significant issue that affected Lando Norris during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where he faced a challenging race that ended in retirement. Team principal Andrea Stella revealed that Norris experienced problems with fuel injection and power unit deployment, which contributed to his lack of pace and ultimately led to his early exit from the race.
Stella emphasised that the team needs to improve the car's performance to provide Norris with a more consistent and raceable vehicle. He noted that Norris's difficulties were not solely due to driver error, as the team must take responsibility for the issues encountered during the race.
via f1technical.netAlonso and Stroll confirmed for Aston Martin in 2027Aston Martin has announced that Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll will continue with the team for the 2027 Formula 1 season. This decision marks the fifth consecutive year that the duo will race together for Aston Martin.
via f1oversteer.comMax Verstappen picks overtake on Oscar Piastri as his favourite from his whole F1 careerMax Verstappen has declared his overtake on Oscar Piastri during the 2025 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix as his favourite move of his Formula 1 career. The Dutch driver executed the pass around the outside at the first chicane, a challenging overtaking spot, and went on to win the race by six seconds. He noted that the move was unexpected, particularly as Piastri braked earlier than anticipated.
In a discussion on the 'P1 with Matt and Tommy' YouTube channel, Verstappen reflected on the significance of the overtake, stating it was a pivotal moment in the race. Piastri acknowledged Verstappen's skill in the move, admitting he misjudged the situation. The overtake has since been recognised as the Overtake of the Year, highlighting Verstappen's prowess in wheel-to-wheel racing.
via CrashLando Norris rules out F1 career into his 40sLando Norris has stated he has no intention of extending his Formula 1 career into his 40s, distancing himself from Fernando Alonso's path. Alonso recently confirmed his new deal with Aston Martin, which will see him continue racing in Formula 1 until at least 2027.
via f1oversteer.comOscar Piastri told why he’s ‘not a racer’ like Max Verstappen after getting caught ‘asleep’ in BakuOscar Piastri faced criticism following his performance at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where a lock-up at turn one caused him to finish in thirteenth place. This incident occurred during a safety car restart while he was attempting to overtake George Russell, and it ultimately led to a disappointing race for McLaren, especially with teammate Lando Norris also facing issues.
Commentators like Christijan Albers and Jacques Villeneuve pointed out Piastri's lack of aggression and focus, suggesting he is not as competitive as drivers like Max Verstappen. Piastri has now gone eleven races without a podium, and with the next race at Sepang approaching, he is in urgent need of a turnaround in form to salvage his season.
via PlanetF1‘So dangerous’ – Heated Liam Lawson team radio after untelevised Sergio Perez moveDuring the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Liam Lawson expressed his frustration over Sergio Perez's aggressive defensive tactics, describing them as 'so dangerous' during a team radio transmission. This incident occurred after Lawson had passed Perez, who made a sudden move to the left, forcing Lawson to adjust his line. Both drivers finished the race in 12th and 14th positions, respectively, while George Russell secured his third victory of the season.
The rivalry between Lawson and Perez dates back to the 2024 Mexican Grand Prix, where tensions flared. Lawson's career has seen ups and downs, including being dropped by Red Bull and later returning to the Racing Bulls team. The F1 2026 season is set to continue with the Bahrain Grand Prix, marking a significant return to Malaysia for the first time since 2017.
via Motorsport.comWhy Mercedes thought Max Verstappen was "on some sort of massive bungee cord" in Azerbaijan GPDuring the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, George Russell initially created a significant lead over Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar, but the deployment of a safety car changed the race dynamics. After the safety car, Verstappen managed to close the gap and challenged Russell, leading to a nail-biting finish where only 0.196 seconds separated them at the line.
Mercedes deputy team principal Bradley Lord remarked on Verstappen's ability to catch up, likening it to being on a 'massive bungee cord'. Despite Russell's superior speed in the second sector, Verstappen's straight-line speed allowed him to stay close. The race highlighted the intense competition and strategic nuances of Formula 1, with Russell managing to maintain his lead despite the pressure.
via Formula1.comPerez reflects on 'one of my best weekends'Sergio Perez expressed satisfaction with his performance during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, calling it one of his best weekends despite finishing 14th and missing out on points for Cadillac. He highlighted his strong practice sessions but faced challenges in qualifying, which resulted in a grid penalty that hindered his race position.
Despite the struggles, Perez managed to stay competitive with midfield runners and noted the need for improvements in Cadillac's car performance. He acknowledged that the team has not planned any major upgrades for the remainder of the season but remains optimistic about operational improvements and pushing the team forward as they prepare for 2027.
via Motorsport.comHow was Valtteri Bottas so much slower than Sergio Perez in the Azerbaijan GP?In the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Valtteri Bottas experienced a significant performance gap compared to his teammate Sergio Perez, being outqualified by over a second and falling far behind during the race. Bottas struggled with pace, losing time consistently and ultimately crashing due to a technical issue shortly before the finish.
Sergio Perez, on the other hand, managed to extract maximum performance from his car, competing closely with faster vehicles despite lacking straight-line speed. He expressed pride in his aggressive driving style throughout the race, while Bottas's difficulties continued, marking a third consecutive race without leading his teammate.
via Motorsport.comAlpine clears Franco Colapinto of internal punishmentAlpine has decided not to impose any internal sporting punishment on Franco Colapinto following his crash during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Colapinto stated that the team's analysis indicated his mistake was 'minor'.
via racer.com‘It was wrong of me’ - Norris apologizes to Colapinto over race ban callLando Norris has publicly apologised to Franco Colapinto for suggesting that Colapinto should be banned following a crash during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The incident occurred when Colapinto missed his braking point on a safety car restart, resulting in a collision that took out both Norris and his teammate Pierre Gasly, leading to their retirements from the race.
After the race, Norris expressed his frustration and called for a ban, but later recognised that his comments were inappropriate. He reached out to Colapinto to apologise, stating that emotions were high but that he should have known better. Both drivers have since reconciled and are looking forward to the upcoming race in Malaysia.
via PlanetF1Valtteri Bottas explains Azerbaijan Grand Prix strugglesValtteri Bottas has shared his thoughts on his disappointing performance at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, attributing it to damper degradation affecting his Cadillac's ride quality. He noted that the car 'got a bit confused,' which contributed to his retirement from the race.
via CrashOscar Piastri slammed for “rookie error” in “weird” Azerbaijan GP momentOscar Piastri faced criticism for a significant lock-up at Turn 1 during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, which was labelled a 'rookie error' by former champion Jacques Villeneuve. This mistake caused Piastri to drop from second place to 13th, missing out on points in the process.
Both Piastri and his McLaren teammate Lando Norris struggled with pace throughout the race, with Norris also experiencing a lock-up that forced him to take the escape road. After the race, Piastri expressed his surprise at the incident, stating he did not believe he had done anything unusual to cause the lock-up.
via f1oversteer.comAlpine supports Franco Colapinto after Baku crashFlavio Briatore, the Alpine Formula 1 chief, has confirmed that the team will not impose any internal punishment on Franco Colapinto following his collision with team-mate Pierre Gasly during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Colapinto stated he has the full support of Briatore despite the initial anger over the incident.
via racer.comRussell, Verstappen, Hadjar find Norris call for Colapinto race ban 'too harsh'Lando Norris has suggested that Franco Colapinto should be banned from racing following a crash during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, which he deemed dangerous. However, fellow drivers George Russell, Max Verstappen, and Isack Hadjar have expressed that this punishment is too severe, arguing that the incident stemmed from a minor mistake exacerbated by challenging track conditions.
Russell, who won the race, emphasized that race bans should be reserved for intentional reckless behaviour, while Verstappen highlighted the importance of accountability from Colapinto. Hadjar pointed out that the bumpy track and difficulties in warming up tires contributed to the crash's severity. Colapinto has received a five-place grid penalty for the upcoming Malaysian Grand Prix.
via f1oversteer.comMcLaren warned Oscar Piastri about lock-up risk in unheard Azerbaijan Grand Prix radioDuring the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Oscar Piastri was in contention for a podium finish when he experienced a lock-up that caused him to fall to 15th place. He initially passed Charles Leclerc for second position and defended against Red Bull drivers until a safety car incident changed the race dynamics. Piastri's lock-up occurred while he was under pressure from Isack Hadjar, leading to a significant drop in his race position due to heavily flat-spotted tyres.
McLaren's Tom Stallard had warned Piastri about the risk of lock-ups after Lando Norris had a similar incident earlier in the race. Despite the setback, Stallard noted that Piastri's first stint was impressive and expressed optimism about their performance moving forward. Andrea Stella acknowledged that the team's car performance contributed to the lock-ups, indicating that insufficient straight-line speed put additional pressure on the drivers.
via f1oversteer.comOtmar Szafnauer admits Sergio Perez nearly got a five-year FIA ban before he joined Red BullOtmar Szafnauer disclosed that Sergio Perez was close to receiving a five-year ban from the FIA due to a doping rules violation during the 2017 Malaysian Grand Prix. After the race, Perez underwent IV treatment for dehydration, which is prohibited under FIA regulations. The situation escalated when Perez shared details of the treatment on social media, prompting Szafnauer to engage a top sports lawyer to navigate the potential consequences.
Ultimately, the issue was resolved without a ban, allowing Perez to continue his career, which included a move to Red Bull in 2021. Now 36, Perez is on the verge of reaching 300 race starts, while Cadillac is evaluating potential driver changes for the 2027 season, which could impact his teammate Valtteri Bottas.
via f1chronicle.comSergio Perez Calls Pointless Baku Weekend ‘One of My Best’ as Cadillac’s Struggles ContinueSergio Perez has declared his Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend as one of his best despite finishing outside the points. After starting from P20 due to a grid penalty, he managed to recover to 14th place, matching his best result of the season with Cadillac, who are still seeking their first points in Formula 1.
Despite the lack of points, Perez expressed satisfaction with his performance, noting that he felt competitive throughout the race. He acknowledged the need for improvements in Cadillac's car to enhance their competitiveness, particularly in straight-line speed, as they aim for a points finish before the end of the season.
via gpfans.comRyanair mocks Lance Stroll after Aston Martin announcementRyanair has made a pointed social media remark aimed at Lance Stroll following the announcement that he will remain with Aston Martin for the upcoming Formula 1 season. The airline's comment adds to its history of playful jabs at public figures.
via f1oversteer.comDavid Coulthard is sure Lando Norris was a ‘better world champion for McLaren’ than Oscar PiastriDavid Coulthard has expressed his belief that Lando Norris was a more suitable world champion for McLaren than Oscar Piastri, following Norris's victory in the 2025 season. Norris secured the title by 13 points after a competitive season, during which he made a significant comeback from a 34-point deficit. Coulthard highlighted that Norris's longer tenure in Formula 1 and his British nationality contribute to his marketability, making him a better fit for the team.
Coulthard noted that while Norris has established himself as McLaren's lead driver, Piastri has struggled this season, finishing ahead of Norris only three times. He suggested that the reduced presence of Mark Webber in Piastri's management might be impacting his performance. Despite the competitive nature of their relationship, Coulthard believes that having strong drivers like Norris and Piastri is beneficial for McLaren, even if it leads to uncomfortable dynamics.
via gpfans.comEvery F1 driver to receive a race ban after Lando Norris FIA demandLando Norris has demanded that Franco Colapinto be suspended by the FIA following a multi-car collision during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Although Norris's comments have since been apologised for, Colapinto will only face a five-place grid penalty in the upcoming Malaysian Grand Prix.
The article discusses the history of race bans in Formula 1, highlighting notable cases such as Eddie Irvine's three-race ban in 1994 and Michael Schumacher's two-race ban that same year. Other drivers mentioned include Nigel Mansell, Mika Hakkinen, Jacques Villeneuve, Kevin Magnussen, and Romain Grosjean, each of whom faced suspensions for various infractions throughout their careers.
via Motorsport.com“I fear something bad is going to happen soon” – 2026 F1 cars are “too dangerous”, Sergio Perez warnsSergio Perez has raised alarms about the safety of the 2026 Formula 1 cars, citing significant speed differentials that could lead to accidents. His concerns were amplified after a serious crash involving Oliver Bearman at the Japanese Grand Prix, which underscored the risks associated with the new power units that feature a high percentage of electrical energy.
Following a close call with Liam Lawson during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Perez urged for regulatory changes to address the dangerous disparities in engine performance. The FIA has already made some adjustments, and further changes are expected for the 2027 season to improve safety. Despite these efforts, Perez remains apprehensive about the implications for upcoming races.
via RacingNews365McLaren point to 'high priority' focus after Lando Norris concernMcLaren has acknowledged a significant issue that affected Lando Norris during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where he faced a challenging race that ended in retirement. Team principal Andrea Stella revealed that Norris experienced problems with fuel injection and power unit deployment, which contributed to his lack of pace and ultimately led to his early exit from the race.
Stella emphasised that the team needs to improve the car's performance to provide Norris with a more consistent and raceable vehicle. He noted that Norris's difficulties were not solely due to driver error, as the team must take responsibility for the issues encountered during the race.
via f1technical.netAlonso and Stroll confirmed for Aston Martin in 2027Aston Martin has announced that Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll will continue with the team for the 2027 Formula 1 season. This decision marks the fifth consecutive year that the duo will race together for Aston Martin.
via f1oversteer.comMax Verstappen picks overtake on Oscar Piastri as his favourite from his whole F1 careerMax Verstappen has declared his overtake on Oscar Piastri during the 2025 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix as his favourite move of his Formula 1 career. The Dutch driver executed the pass around the outside at the first chicane, a challenging overtaking spot, and went on to win the race by six seconds. He noted that the move was unexpected, particularly as Piastri braked earlier than anticipated.
In a discussion on the 'P1 with Matt and Tommy' YouTube channel, Verstappen reflected on the significance of the overtake, stating it was a pivotal moment in the race. Piastri acknowledged Verstappen's skill in the move, admitting he misjudged the situation. The overtake has since been recognised as the Overtake of the Year, highlighting Verstappen's prowess in wheel-to-wheel racing.
via CrashLando Norris rules out F1 career into his 40sLando Norris has stated he has no intention of extending his Formula 1 career into his 40s, distancing himself from Fernando Alonso's path. Alonso recently confirmed his new deal with Aston Martin, which will see him continue racing in Formula 1 until at least 2027.
via f1oversteer.comOscar Piastri told why he’s ‘not a racer’ like Max Verstappen after getting caught ‘asleep’ in BakuOscar Piastri faced criticism following his performance at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where a lock-up at turn one caused him to finish in thirteenth place. This incident occurred during a safety car restart while he was attempting to overtake George Russell, and it ultimately led to a disappointing race for McLaren, especially with teammate Lando Norris also facing issues.
Commentators like Christijan Albers and Jacques Villeneuve pointed out Piastri's lack of aggression and focus, suggesting he is not as competitive as drivers like Max Verstappen. Piastri has now gone eleven races without a podium, and with the next race at Sepang approaching, he is in urgent need of a turnaround in form to salvage his season.
via PlanetF1‘So dangerous’ – Heated Liam Lawson team radio after untelevised Sergio Perez moveDuring the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Liam Lawson expressed his frustration over Sergio Perez's aggressive defensive tactics, describing them as 'so dangerous' during a team radio transmission. This incident occurred after Lawson had passed Perez, who made a sudden move to the left, forcing Lawson to adjust his line. Both drivers finished the race in 12th and 14th positions, respectively, while George Russell secured his third victory of the season.
The rivalry between Lawson and Perez dates back to the 2024 Mexican Grand Prix, where tensions flared. Lawson's career has seen ups and downs, including being dropped by Red Bull and later returning to the Racing Bulls team. The F1 2026 season is set to continue with the Bahrain Grand Prix, marking a significant return to Malaysia for the first time since 2017.
via Motorsport.comWhy Mercedes thought Max Verstappen was "on some sort of massive bungee cord" in Azerbaijan GPDuring the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, George Russell initially created a significant lead over Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar, but the deployment of a safety car changed the race dynamics. After the safety car, Verstappen managed to close the gap and challenged Russell, leading to a nail-biting finish where only 0.196 seconds separated them at the line.
Mercedes deputy team principal Bradley Lord remarked on Verstappen's ability to catch up, likening it to being on a 'massive bungee cord'. Despite Russell's superior speed in the second sector, Verstappen's straight-line speed allowed him to stay close. The race highlighted the intense competition and strategic nuances of Formula 1, with Russell managing to maintain his lead despite the pressure.
via Formula1.comPerez reflects on 'one of my best weekends'Sergio Perez expressed satisfaction with his performance during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, calling it one of his best weekends despite finishing 14th and missing out on points for Cadillac. He highlighted his strong practice sessions but faced challenges in qualifying, which resulted in a grid penalty that hindered his race position.
Despite the struggles, Perez managed to stay competitive with midfield runners and noted the need for improvements in Cadillac's car performance. He acknowledged that the team has not planned any major upgrades for the remainder of the season but remains optimistic about operational improvements and pushing the team forward as they prepare for 2027.
via Motorsport.comHow was Valtteri Bottas so much slower than Sergio Perez in the Azerbaijan GP?In the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Valtteri Bottas experienced a significant performance gap compared to his teammate Sergio Perez, being outqualified by over a second and falling far behind during the race. Bottas struggled with pace, losing time consistently and ultimately crashing due to a technical issue shortly before the finish.
Sergio Perez, on the other hand, managed to extract maximum performance from his car, competing closely with faster vehicles despite lacking straight-line speed. He expressed pride in his aggressive driving style throughout the race, while Bottas's difficulties continued, marking a third consecutive race without leading his teammate.
via Motorsport.comAlpine clears Franco Colapinto of internal punishmentAlpine has decided not to impose any internal sporting punishment on Franco Colapinto following his crash during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Colapinto stated that the team's analysis indicated his mistake was 'minor'.
via racer.com‘It was wrong of me’ - Norris apologizes to Colapinto over race ban callLando Norris has publicly apologised to Franco Colapinto for suggesting that Colapinto should be banned following a crash during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The incident occurred when Colapinto missed his braking point on a safety car restart, resulting in a collision that took out both Norris and his teammate Pierre Gasly, leading to their retirements from the race.
After the race, Norris expressed his frustration and called for a ban, but later recognised that his comments were inappropriate. He reached out to Colapinto to apologise, stating that emotions were high but that he should have known better. Both drivers have since reconciled and are looking forward to the upcoming race in Malaysia.
via PlanetF1Valtteri Bottas explains Azerbaijan Grand Prix strugglesValtteri Bottas has shared his thoughts on his disappointing performance at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, attributing it to damper degradation affecting his Cadillac's ride quality. He noted that the car 'got a bit confused,' which contributed to his retirement from the race.
via CrashOscar Piastri slammed for “rookie error” in “weird” Azerbaijan GP momentOscar Piastri faced criticism for a significant lock-up at Turn 1 during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, which was labelled a 'rookie error' by former champion Jacques Villeneuve. This mistake caused Piastri to drop from second place to 13th, missing out on points in the process.
Both Piastri and his McLaren teammate Lando Norris struggled with pace throughout the race, with Norris also experiencing a lock-up that forced him to take the escape road. After the race, Piastri expressed his surprise at the incident, stating he did not believe he had done anything unusual to cause the lock-up.
via f1oversteer.comAlpine supports Franco Colapinto after Baku crashFlavio Briatore, the Alpine Formula 1 chief, has confirmed that the team will not impose any internal punishment on Franco Colapinto following his collision with team-mate Pierre Gasly during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Colapinto stated he has the full support of Briatore despite the initial anger over the incident.
via racer.comRussell, Verstappen, Hadjar find Norris call for Colapinto race ban 'too harsh'Lando Norris has suggested that Franco Colapinto should be banned from racing following a crash during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, which he deemed dangerous. However, fellow drivers George Russell, Max Verstappen, and Isack Hadjar have expressed that this punishment is too severe, arguing that the incident stemmed from a minor mistake exacerbated by challenging track conditions.
Russell, who won the race, emphasized that race bans should be reserved for intentional reckless behaviour, while Verstappen highlighted the importance of accountability from Colapinto. Hadjar pointed out that the bumpy track and difficulties in warming up tires contributed to the crash's severity. Colapinto has received a five-place grid penalty for the upcoming Malaysian Grand Prix.
via f1oversteer.comMcLaren warned Oscar Piastri about lock-up risk in unheard Azerbaijan Grand Prix radioDuring the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Oscar Piastri was in contention for a podium finish when he experienced a lock-up that caused him to fall to 15th place. He initially passed Charles Leclerc for second position and defended against Red Bull drivers until a safety car incident changed the race dynamics. Piastri's lock-up occurred while he was under pressure from Isack Hadjar, leading to a significant drop in his race position due to heavily flat-spotted tyres.
McLaren's Tom Stallard had warned Piastri about the risk of lock-ups after Lando Norris had a similar incident earlier in the race. Despite the setback, Stallard noted that Piastri's first stint was impressive and expressed optimism about their performance moving forward. Andrea Stella acknowledged that the team's car performance contributed to the lock-ups, indicating that insufficient straight-line speed put additional pressure on the drivers.