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via the-race.comLando Norris highlights McLaren's straight-line issuesLando Norris expressed frustration over McLaren's performance on the long straights at the Sepang circuit, stating that it is costing them valuable speed. The team is reportedly puzzled by the ongoing straight-line speed deficit Norris is experiencing compared to his teammate Oscar Piastri.
+ 1 moreSat 3 Oct · 12:50 UTC
via Motorsport.comMcLaren shares "heartwarming" Oscar Piastri moment with young fan at SepangDuring the Bahrain Grand Prix weekend, Oscar Piastri had a touching encounter with a young fan named Harry, who has overcome leukaemia twice. The McLaren team arranged for Harry to meet Piastri, where he received a tour of the garage, advice on karting, and had his hat signed by the driver.
The moment resonated with fans on social media, highlighting the positive impact that drivers like Piastri can have as role models. As for the race, Piastri qualified seventh but will start from sixth on the grid due to a penalty for another driver, Isack Hadjar. He expressed cautious optimism about the race, noting the importance of strategy and tire degradation.
Sat 3 Oct · 12:44 UTC
via Motorsport.comMika Hakkinen returns to F1 cockpit in Ayrton Senna's title-winning McLaren MP4/6Mika Hakkinen, a two-time Formula 1 champion, returned to the F1 cockpit at the Allwyn x McLaren Racing event in Athens, where he drove Ayrton Senna's iconic McLaren MP4/6. The event featured a bespoke track layout and showcased the MCL39, which won the 2025 constructors' championship.
The MP4/6, powered by a Honda V12 engine, was a significant car in F1 history, winning the constructors' title in 1991. McLaren's chief marketing officer, Louise McEwan, highlighted the importance of connecting with fans through such events. The event also included simulators and was expected to attract other former F1 drivers.Sat 3 Oct · 11:24 UTC
via RacingNews365Lando Norris voices 'hurt' over major McLaren weakness in MalaysiaLando Norris expressed his disappointment after qualifying sixth in Malaysia, feeling that McLaren's performance was lacking, particularly in straight-line speed. He noted that he felt strong behind the wheel but was unable to translate that into a better qualifying position, finishing just ahead of his teammate Oscar Piastri.
Despite recent successes, including three pole positions in four races and victories in Hungary and the Netherlands, Norris anticipates that the team's struggles will continue into the race. He believes that McLaren is not extracting the full potential from the car, which complicates their chances for a competitive showing on race day.
Sat 3 Oct · 10:50 UTC
via Motorsport.comLando Norris frustrated by McLaren's straight-line speedLando Norris expressed frustration over his McLaren's lack of straight-line speed during qualifying for the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. Team principal Andrea Stella acknowledged the ongoing issues with Norris' Mercedes power unit, which have hindered his performance compared to teammate Oscar Piastri.+ 5 moreSat 3 Oct · 10:44 UTC56
via CrashLando Norris dismisses Bahrain GP qualifying excuses with blunt "just slow" admissionLando Norris provided a candid assessment of McLaren's qualifying performance at the Bahrain Grand Prix, stating that the team was simply "just slow" after qualifying sixth. He acknowledged that they were six tenths off the pole position and highlighted that the unique tarmac at the Sepang International Circuit contributed to their struggles, particularly affecting the Mercedes-powered teams.
Despite the disappointing qualifying results, Norris expressed satisfaction with his own lap time but recognised the need for the team to improve their overall performance. He mentioned ongoing issues with straight-line speed and indicated that while the deficit to competitors like Red Bull and Ferrari is significant, there remains potential for recovery during the race through strategic pit stops.
Sat 3 Oct · 10:30 UTC
via RaceFansVerstappen claims pole position at Bahrain Grand PrixMax Verstappen secured his first pole position of the 2026 Formula 1 season during qualifying for the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. Lewis Hamilton qualified in second place, marking his fifth consecutive front-row start at the Sepang circuit.
+ 1 moreSat 3 Oct · 09:03 UTC
via RacingNews365McLaren record surprising financial loss despite record £588 million turnoverMcLaren's financial report for 2025 revealed a surprising loss of £17.3 million GBP despite a record turnover of £588.483 million GBP. The team, led by Lando Norris, won both championship titles, marking its first championship double since 1998. However, increased costs and expenses significantly impacted the bottom line, resulting in a loss after tax.
The team's gross profit was £54.141 million GBP, but after accounting for expenses of £129.651 million GBP, McLaren faced a before-tax loss of £42.758 million GBP. CEO Zak Brown's compensation increased substantially, with a base salary of £8.215 million GBP and additional long-term incentive payments. Despite the loss, McLaren maintains strong financial reserves, with net assets of £45.948 million GBP.Sat 3 Oct · 06:00 UTC
via RacingNews365Oscar Piastri hopeful McLaren 'takes its turn' in jumbled Sepang pecking orderOscar Piastri expressed his hope that McLaren could take its turn at the top of the pecking order during the Bahrain Grand Prix in Sepang. After a mixed performance in Free Practice 1 and 2, where McLaren showed improvement, Piastri noted the competitiveness among the top teams, including Red Bull and Ferrari.
Piastri highlighted that McLaren's performance in Free Practice 2 was better than in the first session, where they struggled. He acknowledged the close competition among the top four teams and expressed optimism about continuing their upward trend as they prepare for the race.Fri 2 Oct · 21:00 UTC
via PlanetF1Oscar Piastri spots ‘unpredictable’ Malaysia curveball in McLaren progress updateOscar Piastri, the McLaren driver, is looking forward to the possibility of racing in wet conditions during the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. He highlighted the unpredictability of the new power units in rain, noting that the deployment of power is capped, which could affect performance. Piastri finished sixth in the second practice session, just behind his teammate Lando Norris, who was third.
Piastri has been working on adapting to the latest generation of Formula 1 cars and feels he is gradually finding a better setup. He mentioned that while the process is challenging, he is becoming more comfortable with the car's demands. The anticipation for rain adds an extra layer of excitement, as F1 has yet to experience wet weather this season despite several forecasts.
Fri 2 Oct · 17:02 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.
Fri 2 Oct · 13:33 UTC
via PlanetF1Revealed: Mercedes takes up 2026 development path abandoned by McLarenMercedes has launched a significant upgrade package at the Bahrain Grand Prix, marking a shift in their development strategy that mirrors a path previously abandoned by McLaren. This upgrade includes a complete redesign of the sidepod, rear corner, and diffuser, aimed at enhancing aerodynamic efficiency and downforce.
The new design features a steeper downwash slope and a narrower bodywork, which is expected to improve airflow to the rear of the car. Additionally, vertical elements have been added to the floor board to optimize the car's performance. The effectiveness of these changes will be evaluated during the race weekend in Malaysia.Fri 2 Oct · 12:01 UTC/GettyImages-2298210625.webp)
via Formula1.comMcLaren explain what ‘caught us by surprise’ in MalaysiaMcLaren experienced mixed results during the first day of the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, with Oscar Piastri acknowledging that the team seemed to have improved from the first to the second practice session. Piastri finished sixth in FP2 after struggling in FP1, while Lando Norris climbed to third place, indicating progress for the team.
Randy Singh, McLaren's Senior Racing Director, explained that the track conditions were unexpectedly challenging due to lower grip and rougher surfaces. He expressed optimism about the car's performance after adjustments made during the day, although Piastri suggested that the team remains slightly behind the leading competitors, including Red Bull, Mercedes, and Ferrari.
Fri 2 Oct · 10:53 UTC
via RacingNews365George Russell warns of Mercedes struggles in BahrainGeorge Russell has expressed concerns about Mercedes' performance at the Bahrain Grand Prix, stating that the car is 'off the pace' compared to rivals Red Bull and McLaren. Despite a significant upgrade, Russell believes adjustments are necessary to improve competitiveness.+ 2 moreFri 2 Oct · 10:50 UTC
via PlanetF1Charles 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.+ 8 more
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.Fri 2 Oct · 06:27 UTC
via AutosportMercedes introduces new floor, sidepods for F1 Bahrain GPMercedes has revealed significant updates to its car for the Bahrain Grand Prix, including a redesigned floor and new sidepods. These changes are aimed at maintaining their competitive edge in the 2026 Formula 1 season, where they have been performing strongly against rivals like Ferrari, McLaren, and Red Bull.
The updates involve a shift in sidepod geometry and enhancements to the floor design to improve airflow and downforce. George Russell noted the importance of these upgrades, as it has been several months since the last major update. Mercedes will also sport a special teal and black livery in recognition of its title partner, Petronas.
Fri 2 Oct · 04:31 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.Thu 1 Oct · 19:39 UTC
via Motorsport.comOscar Piastri brushes off F1 friendship fears after Langkawi boys' tripOscar Piastri has addressed concerns regarding friendships among Formula 1 drivers, stating that such relationships do not diminish their competitive spirit. This comes after a boys' trip to Langkawi, where Piastri and several other drivers, including Lando Norris and George Russell, spent time together between races.
Piastri emphasized the importance of the trip as a rare opportunity to unwind and connect with fellow drivers outside of the racing environment. He acknowledged that while they are competitors on the track, they share common interests that are often overlooked during the racing season.Thu 1 Oct · 18:26 UTC
via AutosportLando Norris apologises to Franco Colapinto after backlashLando Norris has publicly apologised to Franco Colapinto following his controversial comments after the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The reigning Formula 1 champion stated that the apology was intended to help calm the situation after facing significant online criticism.+ 3 moreThu 1 Oct · 14:17 UTCPage 1 of 23