via gpfans.comFranco Colapinto faces backlash over Alpine seat threatFranco Colapinto has expressed concern over the potential loss of his Alpine seat due to backlash from fans. The situation has drawn criticism from Pierre Gasly, Lando Norris, and Flavio Briatore.
gpfans.com+ 1 moreSun 27 Sep · 17:45 UTC
via RacingNews365Oscar Piastri reveals 'pretty painful' misery after Baku 'surprise'Oscar Piastri expressed his frustration after a double front lock-up during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix ruined what could have been a strong race for him. The incident occurred on lap 40 while he was defending his position, dropping him from second to the rear of the field, and he ultimately finished in 13th place, leaving McLaren without any points.
Despite the disappointing outcome, Piastri noted that he had made progress throughout the weekend, feeling more comfortable and capable of extracting better lap times from his car. He acknowledged the painful nature of the result but remained optimistic about his performance leading up to the incident.
RacingNews365Sun 27 Sep · 17:30 UTC
via f1oversteer.comIsack Hadjar reflects on Liam Lawson's Red Bull stintIsack Hadjar expressed mixed feelings about watching Liam Lawson drive his Red Bull Formula 1 car while he was sidelined due to injury. Damon Hill commented on the psychological pressure Lawson faces after Hadjar's impressive performances.
f1oversteer.comSun 27 Sep · 17:00 UTC
via RacingNews365RUMOURChristian Horner stirs Ferrari pot as Lando Norris hits out – International Media ReactsGeorge Russell emerged victorious in a chaotic Azerbaijan Grand Prix, but the aftermath was dominated by Franco Colapinto's collision and speculation surrounding Christian Horner's future. Horner indicated that Ferrari is the only team he would consider joining as an employee, which has become a distraction for Ferrari's team principal Frederic Vasseur during race weekends.
Lando Norris criticized Colapinto's actions that led to his retirement, demanding stricter penalties for such incidents. Despite Ferrari's technical shortcomings, Vasseur noted that the team still managed to outscore McLaren in the race. Other notable events included Pierre Gasly's frustration over his retirement and Oscar Piastri's dramatic fall in positions due to a lock-up.
RacingNews365Sun 27 Sep · 16:45 UTC
via Motorsport WeekAlpine condemns online abuse after Colapinto incidentAlpine has issued a statement condemning the online abuse directed at drivers, media, and rival teams following the controversial collision involving Franco Colapinto and Lando Norris. The team highlighted the negative impact of such behaviour in the wake of the incident during the Baku race.
Motorsport Week+ 1 moreSun 27 Sep · 13:38 UTC
via PlanetF1Lando Norris ‘race ban’ theory under Verstappen, Hadjar and Russell scrutinyLando Norris has called for a race ban for Franco Colapinto following a multi-car collision at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, which resulted in Norris retiring from the race. Norris believes that Colapinto's actions were careless and deserving of a ban, stating that such incidents cost teams significant amounts of money.
However, his request has faced criticism from fellow drivers George Russell, Max Verstappen, and Isack Hadjar, who feel that a race ban is too severe for what they consider a small mistake. Colapinto received a 10-second penalty for causing the collision, which has been converted into a five-place grid drop for his next race.
PlanetF1Sun 27 Sep · 13:04 UTC
via espn.comNorris targeted with online abuse, called for banLando Norris has been targeted with significant online abuse after he urged Formula 1 to impose a ban on Franco Colapinto, following a collision that led to a three-car pile-up during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The incident forced Norris to retire from the race, prompting backlash from Colapinto's supporters on social media.
In response to the abuse, Colapinto's team, Alpine, issued a statement condemning the hate directed not only at Norris but also at other members of the Formula 1 community. They emphasised the need to address online abuse and promote healthy competition within the sport. Following the race, Norris's championship hopes appear diminished as he trails Kimi Antonelli by 116 points, while George Russell's victory has positioned him as Antonelli's primary title challenger.
espn.comSun 27 Sep · 12:20 UTC
via espn.comNorris targeted with online abuse, called for banLando Norris has been targeted with significant online abuse after he urged Formula 1 to impose a ban on Franco Colapinto, following a collision that led to a three-car pile-up during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The incident forced Norris to retire from the race, prompting backlash from Colapinto's supporters on social media.
In response to the abuse, Colapinto's team, Alpine, issued a statement condemning the hate directed not only at Norris but also at other members of the Formula 1 community. They emphasised the need to address online abuse and promote healthy competition within the sport. Following the race, Norris's championship hopes appear diminished as he trails Kimi Antonelli by 116 points, while George Russell's victory has positioned him as Antonelli's primary title challenger.
espn.comSun 27 Sep · 12:20 UTC
via the-race.comAntonelli passed a key test Piastri had failedKimi Antonelli demonstrated resilience during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, finishing fifth despite a challenging weekend that he labelled as his worst of the season. With an 81-point lead in the championship, Antonelli managed to navigate the race carefully after sustaining damage, showcasing a strategic approach that avoided the pitfalls faced by Oscar Piastri in the previous year's event, where Piastri's campaign began to unravel due to multiple errors.
Antonelli's ability to adapt his driving style and mindset during the race was crucial, as he opted for a conservative strategy rather than risking a crash. This decision allowed him to minimize the points lost to rival George Russell, ultimately preserving his championship lead. Looking ahead, Antonelli expressed confidence in returning to form for the upcoming race in Malaysia, indicating his determination to re-establish his competitive edge.
the-race.comSun 27 Sep · 12:04 UTC
via CrashAlpine issues statement as Lando Norris targeted by online abuse after Franco Colapinto remarksAlpine has publicly condemned the online abuse directed at Lando Norris following his call for Franco Colapinto to be banned from Formula 1. This came after Colapinto caused a significant crash during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, which eliminated both Norris and his teammate Pierre Gasly from the race.
The team emphasised the need to address the issue of online hate, stating that such behaviour is unacceptable regardless of the circumstances. Colapinto has acknowledged his mistake and will face a five-place grid penalty in the next race, while Alpine continues to advocate for a healthier sporting environment.
CrashSun 27 Sep · 11:47 UTC
via f1oversteer.comLando Norris is already in disbelief over what he's heard about Mercedes' 'big upgrade' for SepangLando Norris has voiced skepticism regarding claims from Mercedes about a significant upgrade expected for the upcoming Bahrain Grand Prix. According to reports, some sources within Mercedes suggest that the upgrade could provide a half-second improvement in lap time, a notion Norris dismissed as unrealistic, stating that typical upgrades yield only two-tenths of a second.
The discussion arose after George Russell's recent pole position at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where he won by a narrow margin of 0.196 seconds. This upcoming upgrade will be only the second major enhancement for the Mercedes W17 this season, following an earlier update introduced at the Canadian Grand Prix.
f1oversteer.comSun 27 Sep · 06:30 UTC
via Motorsport.comIsack Hadjar earns "team-mate points" after "exceptional comeback" in Baku, says Alex BrundleIsack Hadjar received acclaim for his impressive comeback drive, finishing third at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix after recovering from a wrist injury. His performance was highlighted by F1 TV pundit Alex Brundle, who noted Hadjar's ability to follow team orders and maintain pace, contributing to a strong result for Red Bull Racing alongside Max Verstappen.
Brundle and 1996 champion Damon Hill both commended Hadjar's resilience and the team's overall strength. With Hadjar and Verstappen now positioned sixth and eighth in the drivers' championship, Red Bull sits fourth in the constructors' standings, bolstered by points scored by Liam Lawson during Hadjar's absence.
Motorsport.comSat 26 Sep · 21:35 UTC
via f1oversteer.comLiam Lawson reflects on tough Azerbaijan Grand PrixLiam Lawson expressed disappointment after being taken out of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix by his Racing Bulls teammate Arvid Lindblad. Despite the setback, Lawson remains focused on the team's goals moving forward.
f1oversteer.com+ 1 moreSat 26 Sep · 20:00 UTC
via RacingNews365Russell survives Verstappen charge as Colapinto causes crash chaosGeorge Russell secured victory at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, narrowly beating Max Verstappen by 0.196 seconds. This win places Russell 66 points behind Kimi Antonelli, who made a remarkable recovery from 16th on the grid to finish fifth.
The race was relatively calm until an incident involving Alex Albon brought out the safety car. The restart led to chaos as Franco Colapinto collided with Pierre Gasly and Lando Norris, prompting Norris to call for a race ban for Colapinto.
RacingNews365Sat 26 Sep · 19:42 UTC
via f1oversteer.comIsack Hadjar team orders at Azerbaijan GP show Liam Lawson was right all along about Red BullAt the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Isack Hadjar and Max Verstappen secured Red Bull's first double podium in two and a half years. Hadjar demonstrated his commitment to team orders by allowing Verstappen to pass him early in the race, despite having a slight pace advantage. However, when Verstappen struggled to overtake Oscar Piastri, Hadjar's willingness to follow orders was put to the test as he later requested to race against his teammate.
The race highlighted the dynamics within Red Bull, where Verstappen's dominance often limits his teammates' opportunities to compete on equal terms. Hadjar's performance and subsequent contract renewal suggest he is prepared to embrace a supportive role in exchange for driving a competitive car. This situation echoes Liam Lawson's earlier comments about the challenges faced by Verstappen's teammates, who must adapt to the team's structure that prioritises Verstappen's success.
f1oversteer.comSat 26 Sep · 19:00 UTC
via RacingNews365Liam Lawson baffled after being 'smoked' by Arvid LindbladLiam Lawson expressed confusion after being involved in a collision with his Racing Bulls teammate Arvid Lindblad during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The crash occurred during a restart on lap 36, following a separate incident that involved multiple drivers, including Franco Colapinto and Pierre Gasly. Lawson reported that he was hit hard from the left, resulting in significant damage to his car and forcing him to retire from the race.
In interviews, Lawson described the incident, noting that he was trying to give space to Esteban Ocon when Lindblad made contact. Despite Lindblad's apology and explanation that he locked up and had nowhere to go, Lawson remained perplexed about the situation. The stewards reviewed the incident and concluded that it was a typical first-corner incident with no driver predominantly at fault.
RacingNews365Sat 26 Sep · 18:00 UTC
via the-race.comShock inaction over Baku's other F1 team-mate clash explainedDuring the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, a collision between Racing Bulls team-mates Liam Lawson and Oliver Lindblad resulted in significant damage to Lawson's car. Despite the incident being investigated, the stewards decided no further action was necessary, attributing the collision to a chain reaction from a separate incident involving Franco Colapinto, Pierre Gasly, and Lando Norris.
Lindblad acknowledged the chaotic nature of the race restart and apologised for the clash, while Lawson expressed his confusion over the ruling. The stewards' decision has raised questions about the criteria used for penalising team-mate collisions, as Lawson indicated he would not protest against Lindblad.
the-race.comSat 26 Sep · 16:06 UTC
via theguardian.comNorris says some drivers ‘shouldn’t be in F1’ after Colapinto shunt dents title hopesLando Norris expressed his frustration after being taken out of the race by Franco Colapinto during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Norris, who was running in eighth place, stated that Colapinto does not deserve to be in Formula One and called for a race ban for the Alpine driver due to his reckless driving that caused the incident.
Colapinto's actions not only affected Norris's title hopes but also resulted in a costly crash for his own team, Alpine. The stewards imposed a 10-second penalty on Colapinto, but since he had already retired, he will face a grid drop in the next race. Norris remains mathematically in contention for the championship, but with eight races left, his chances appear slim.
theguardian.comSat 26 Sep · 16:04 UTC
via espn.comNorris hits out after Baku pile-up DNF with AlpineLando Norris expressed his frustration after being taken out of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix due to a collision caused by Franco Colapinto. Following the incident, Norris stated that there are drivers who do not belong in Formula 1, implying that Colapinto's actions were unacceptable. The crash occurred during a Safety Car restart on lap 36, leading to both Norris and Pierre Gasly retiring from the race.
Colapinto acknowledged his mistake and accepted responsibility, apologising to his team and teammates. He received a 10-second time penalty, which will affect his grid position in the next race. Gasly, visibly upset, highlighted the significant points lost due to the incident, while also emphasising the importance of respect in their working relationship.
espn.comSat 26 Sep · 15:51 UTC
via f1oversteer.comJacques Villeneuve criticises Oscar Piastri's errorJacques Villeneuve has labelled Oscar Piastri's double lock-up during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix as a 'rookie mistake'. The incident caused Piastri to drop to the back of the field in Baku.
f1oversteer.com+ 1 moreSat 26 Sep · 14:14 UTC
via RaceFansColapinto handed 10-second penalty for crash which took out team mate and Norris | Formula 1Franco Colapinto was handed a 10-second penalty by the stewards following a crash during the Safety Car restart at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The incident involved Colapinto colliding with his team mate Pierre Gasly, who then hit McLaren's Lando Norris, resulting in the elimination of three drivers from the race.
As Colapinto did not finish the race, the stewards have the option to convert his penalty into a grid drop for the next event. According to the FIA's 2026 penalty guidelines, a 10-second penalty is the baseline for causing a collision, although there are provisions for mitigating circumstances that could lessen the penalty.
RaceFansSat 26 Sep · 13:03 UTC
via F1iNorris ready to risk it all in desperate title pursuitLando Norris is approaching the Azerbaijan Grand Prix with a bold mindset, acknowledging the need to take risks in his pursuit of the championship. With a significant gap of 106 points to Kimi Antonelli, Norris understands that a conservative approach will not suffice. His recent qualifying performance, where he locked up and ended up fifth, reflects his all-or-nothing mentality as he aims to maximize every opportunity.
Despite the pressure of being the reigning world champion, Norris feels a newfound confidence that stems from his previous successes. He no longer doubts his ability to win races and championships, which has shifted his approach to racing. As he prepares for the race, he is determined to attack rather than manage his position, even if it means risking further mistakes on the challenging Baku circuit.
F1iSat 26 Sep · 09:56 UTC
via f1oversteer.comOscar Piastri admits what McLaren did to his car in Baku is ‘never a great sign’Oscar Piastri achieved his best qualifying result of the 2026 season by securing P3 for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, despite facing challenges throughout the weekend. He noted that McLaren had to use cable ties to hold his car together after experiencing issues with loose bargeboards, which he described as 'never a great sign.'
Piastri's performance improved significantly during qualifying after the team removed fuel from his car, allowing him to feel the full benefit of recent upgrades. However, reliability problems plagued McLaren during practice sessions, affecting both Piastri and teammate Lando Norris. Piastri aims to maintain his podium position in the race, although he acknowledges that George Russell and Mercedes are likely to be strong competitors.
f1oversteer.comSat 26 Sep · 08:00 UTC
via RaceFansOn This Day: Hamilton scores 100th F1 win as Norris throws away his first | BriefOn 26 September 2021, Lewis Hamilton achieved his 100th Formula 1 victory, capitalising on Lando Norris's decision to remain on slick tyres during a rain shower. This strategic error allowed Hamilton to take the lead and secure the win, marking a significant milestone in his career.
Norris's misjudgment cost him his first grand prix win, while Max Verstappen, who had incurred a power unit change penalty, managed to race from 20th to finish in second place. Hamilton's victory also enabled him to reclaim the lead in the championship standings, intensifying the competition for the title.
RaceFansFri 25 Sep · 23:01 UTC