Lando NorrisPierre Gasly 
via f1oversteer.comLando Norris just did something ‘no one else’ could at the Bahrain Grand Prix in MalaysiaDuring the second practice session for the Bahrain Grand Prix, Lando Norris achieved P3, showcasing a significant improvement from his earlier performance. Despite not having the fastest overall pace, Norris demonstrated the best long-run pace, which is crucial for the race strategy given the unique conditions of the Sepang track.
Norris' lap time of 1'44"727 was unmatched by his competitors, who all fell into the 1m 45s range. This performance, combined with McLaren's usual Friday pace and good tyre degradation, positions Norris as a strong contender for a podium finish in the upcoming race.
f1oversteer.comFri 2 Oct · 15:00 UTC
via RaceFansFeatured Comment: Social media abuse must not stop drivers speaking their minds | BriefLando Norris has called for respect and humility following a wave of social media abuse directed at him after he commented on fellow driver Franco Colapinto. The backlash included death threats, prompting discussions about the pressures drivers face when expressing their opinions publicly.
A reader, @GongTong, defended Norris, arguing that drivers should be allowed to speak candidly without fear of severe repercussions. The incident underscores the growing concern over social media abuse in the sport, as it can stifle open dialogue among drivers.
RaceFansFri 2 Oct · 14:37 UTC
via f1technical.net“We're struggling more than we'd like to," claims Norris after Sepang practice dayMcLaren made significant progress between the two Friday practice sessions at the Malaysian Grand Prix, with Lando Norris finishing third in FP2 and Oscar Piastri sixth as the team continued to unlock its package at Sepang.
f1technical.netFri 2 Oct · 13:33 UTC
via PlanetF1FIA investigates multiple drivers after Bahrain GP chaosThe FIA has announced a formal investigation into the events at the Bahrain Grand Prix, which included significant issues during the formation lap. Lando Norris, Lance Stroll, and Lewis Hamilton are among the drivers facing scrutiny following the chaotic scenes in Malaysia.
PlanetF1+ 1 moreFri 2 Oct · 09:10 UTC
via PlanetF11 videoCharles Leclerc fastest in Bahrain Grand Prix FP2Charles Leclerc set the fastest time in the second practice session for the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, clocking a lap of 1m37.528s. The session remained dry despite a significant threat of rain, with both Mercedes drivers struggling to find pace.PlanetF1+ 8 moreFri 2 Oct · 09:01 UTC
via Motorsport.comFranco Colapinto: "No one" talks about how I receive social media abuse following Baku clashFranco Colapinto, the Alpine driver, has spoken out about the social media abuse he has faced following a collision during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. He highlighted that while he has received significant backlash, the issue of online hate extends beyond just his situation and involves fans from various backgrounds, not solely from Argentina.
Colapinto urged for greater awareness among drivers regarding the impact of their words and the need for collective action to address the problem of online abuse. He also mentioned that he is facing grid penalties for his actions in Baku, while Lando Norris, who initially reacted strongly to the incident, later issued an apology.
Motorsport.comFri 2 Oct · 06:27 UTC
via Motorsport.comMcLaren fans say Colapinto's latest interview is keeping the Norris row aliveLando Norris has publicly apologised to Franco Colapinto following their clash during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where both drivers were involved in a multi-car incident that ended their races. Despite their reconciliation, Colapinto's recent comments in an interview have reignited tensions among fans, who feel the situation is far from resolved.
In the interview, Colapinto critiqued Norris's reaction, comparing it to how Max Verstappen handled a similar incident. This comparison did not sit well with fans, leading to a wave of negative responses on social media. While both drivers have moved on from the incident, the fanbase remains divided, with many still expressing frustration over the events that unfolded in Baku.Motorsport.comThu 1 Oct · 19:39 UTC
via AutosportLando Norris apologises to Franco Colapinto after BakuLando Norris has publicly apologised to Franco Colapinto following controversial comments made after the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Norris expressed regret over his remarks, which called for a race ban for Colapinto and led to significant online backlash.
Autosport+ 2 moreThu 1 Oct · 14:17 UTC
via RaceFansNorris calls for “respect and humility” after “death threats” on social media | Formula 1Lando Norris has spoken out against the death threats he received on social media following his collision with Franco Colapinto during a recent race. He expressed that such threats are unacceptable and called for respect and humility in the sport.
Norris also apologised to Colapinto for his critical comments after the incident, where he suggested that Colapinto did not deserve to compete in Formula 1. He emphasised that while he usually maintains composure, the situation had pushed him to react strongly.RaceFansThu 1 Oct · 14:04 UTC
via espn.comNorris calls for action to tackle online abuseLando Norris has urged Formula 1 and social media platforms to take stronger measures against online abuse following a backlash he faced after the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. After suggesting that Alpine driver Franco Colapinto should be banned for a collision, Norris was inundated with negative messages, prompting him to publicly apologise on Instagram.
In his comments, Norris acknowledged the need for better management of online discourse, particularly regarding extreme reactions like death threats. Colapinto, who accepted the apology, expressed surprise at Norris' public criticism, noting that both drivers have experienced the negative side of fan interactions. He emphasised the importance of being mindful of the impact of words on social media.
espn.comThu 1 Oct · 13:41 UTC
via Formula1.comNorris apologises to Colapinto for Baku commentsLando Norris has publicly apologised to Franco Colapinto following his strong criticism of the Alpine driver after the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Norris clarified that he felt it was important to address his comments, which he initially expressed privately.
Formula1.com+ 1 moreThu 1 Oct · 11:37 UTC
via lightsoutblog.com2026 Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia: Milestones and F1 Records Which Could Be BrokenThe 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix, taking place at Sepang International Circuit, marks a significant return for Formula 1 to Malaysia after a nine-year hiatus. This race will be the 1,165th in World Championship history and the first time a country has hosted another country's F1 race since 2006. Notably, it is also the fourth F1 race ever held on October 4, with twelve drivers on the grid making their debut at this circuit.
Several records are on the line during the event, including Lando Norris aiming for his 50th podium finish, which would place him among the top British drivers. Lewis Hamilton could break the pole position record at Sepang, while Carlos Sainz and Fernando Alonso have a chance to match Felipe Massa's record for sixth place finishes. Additionally, a victory for Max Verstappen would mark his 11th consecutive season with a win, further solidifying his legacy in the sport.lightsoutblog.comThu 1 Oct · 10:56 UTC
via Formula1.comGasly insists Alpine must ‘look ahead’ after Baku collisionPierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto of Alpine have moved past their collision during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where Colapinto's mistake led to both drivers retiring from the race. Gasly expressed the need for the team to focus on the Constructors' Championship and work together to improve their standings, particularly as they aim for fifth place in the championship.
Colapinto acknowledged the importance of teamwork in overcoming the incident and highlighted that difficult moments can strengthen their bond. Both drivers are optimistic about their performance in the upcoming Bahrain Grand Prix, with Gasly noting their strong pace and Colapinto emphasizing the need to learn from past mistakes to avoid similar issues in the future.Formula1.comThu 1 Oct · 08:45 UTC
via PlanetF1Franco Colapinto receives grid penalty for Bahrain GPAlpine driver Franco Colapinto has been handed an additional grid penalty for the 2026 Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia due to a new Mercedes V6 engine. This penalty adds to the adjustments made to the starting grid following multiple penalties for three drivers.PlanetF1+ 6 moreThu 1 Oct · 08:11 UTC
via Motorsport.comFlavio Briatore backs Franco Colapinto after Baku crashFlavio Briatore, the Alpine Formula 1 chief, has expressed his support for Franco Colapinto following the driver's involvement in a late-race collision during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Despite the incident costing the team a potential double points finish, Briatore stated that they will move on and focus on their championship fight.newsonf1.com+ 2 moreThu 1 Oct · 07:14 UTC
via f1oversteer.comLando Norris apologises to Franco Colapinto after BakuLando Norris has publicly and privately apologised to Franco Colapinto following critical comments made after the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Norris expressed regret for his remarks that called for a race ban for Colapinto, acknowledging the backlash and the impact on both drivers.f1oversteer.com+ 4 moreThu 1 Oct · 07:00 UTC
via Motorsport.comGeorge Russell details F1 drivers' Langkawi boys' trip ahead of Bahrain GP in MalaysiaGeorge Russell, a driver for Mercedes, has shared insights about a recent trip to Langkawi, Malaysia, which he took with six other Formula 1 drivers ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix. The trip featured activities such as go-karting and sightseeing, with Russell expressing his admiration for the island's beauty and the friendliness of its people. He noted that the itinerary was influenced by Mercedes' title partner, Petronas.
In addition to Russell, Kimi Antonelli, his teammate, arrived in Malaysia early but chose to explore Kuala Lumpur and visit a water park. Antonelli currently leads the championship standings by 66 points, following Russell's victory at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The trip served as a unique way for the drivers to bond and prepare for the upcoming race.Motorsport.comWed 30 Sep · 19:56 UTC
via Motorsport.comF1 pundit says drivers are "complicit" if they stay silent on fan abuseFormula 1 broadcaster Will Buxton has stated that drivers who do not publicly denounce toxic online abuse from their supporters are 'complicit' in its continuation. His comments follow backlash faced by Lando Norris after he suggested that Franco Colapinto should be banned from racing due to a crash at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, which resulted in multiple drivers retiring from the race.
Buxton emphasised the responsibility of public figures, particularly athletes, to address abusive rhetoric from their fanbases. He noted that while Colapinto had previously condemned such behaviour, he had not done so recently, and called for drivers to take a stand against their fans' abusive comments to demonstrate their commitment to ending such conduct.Motorsport.comWed 30 Sep · 16:04 UTC
via Motorsport.comAlex Brundle questions McLaren F1 upgrade after Azerbaijan GP disappointmentF1 TV pundit Alex Brundle has raised concerns about McLaren's recent upgrade package following a disappointing performance at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Despite the team arriving with significant upgrades, both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri faced incidents that left them without points, prompting Brundle to question the structural integrity of the new components.
Brundle highlighted that while the zero points finish may not reflect the upgrades' potential, the physical fragility of the parts is alarming. He warned that if the upgrades cannot withstand the rigours of racing, they may end up being discarded, which would be a significant setback for the reigning champions.Motorsport.comWed 30 Sep · 14:16 UTC
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.f1oversteer.comTue 29 Sep · 17:00 UTC
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.
gpfans.comTue 29 Sep · 13:48 UTC
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.
RacingNews365Tue 29 Sep · 12:20 UTC
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.
Crash+ 1 moreTue 29 Sep · 11:07 UTC
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'.Motorsport.com+ 2 moreMon 28 Sep · 14:21 UTC