Tag: Lando Norris

Categories
F1 2024 Season

Miami Grand Prix: Lando’s first win

Sprint

This was the first Sprint weekend held in Miami. Off the line, Lewis Hamilton caused an incident between the Aston Martins of Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso and the McLaren driver, Lando Norris. The incident was race ending for Norris.

Before the Sprint even started, Esteban Ocon was given a 10-second penalty because he clipped the Ferrari of Charles Leclerc while leaving the garage. Kevin Magnussen was handed a string of penalties totalling 35-seconds. While Hamilton received a 10-second penalty for speeding in the pit lane.

The home hero, Logan Sargeant, finished in P11. However, after penalties he was promoted to P10, his highest finish of the season so far.

RB driver, Daniel Ricciardo achieved P4 in the Sprint and put up an amazing defence against the Ferrari of Carlos Sainz behind.

Max Verstappen won the Sprint Race, with Charles Leclerc in P2 and Sergio Perez in P3.

Image Credit: pbs.twimg.com
Qualifying 

Aston Martin fans were on edge during Qualifying, with Stroll qualifying P11 and Alonso qualifying P15. 

After amazing results from the Sprint, Ricciardo fans were brought back to reality when he qualifying in P18. However, the Australian driver had a three-place grid penalty from the previous race in China and therefore started last on the grid.

McLaren locked out the third row of the grid with both Mercedes drivers behind them. After receiving points in the Sprint, Nico Hülkenberg continued his good form and qualified well in P9 for Haas. Despite a good Sprint result, Sargeant was knocked out in Q1 and qualified in P18.

Verstappen qualified in P1 putting his Red Bull in pole position for the race on Sunday.

Image Credit: Formula1.com
Grand Prix

As the lights went out, Verstappen kept the lead with the Ferraris of Sainz and Leclerc behind. 

However, Perez locked up into turn one nearly taking out Sainz and his teammate, Verstappen. Benefitting from this mistake, Oscar Piastri was able to advance into P3. The Alpine drivers of Ocon and Pierre Gasly were battling each other, nearly causing a collision.

After a couple laps, Piastri was able to overtake Leclerc at turn 17.

Alex Albon was the first driver into the pits on lap 11. Hülkenberg and Gasly followed suit, all pitting for the hard compound tyres. Norris was closing in on Perez for P5. 

Image Credit: Motorsport.com

On lap 18, Perez came into the pits and was able to re-join ahead of Alonso in P10. Lap 20 saw Leclerc pit, matching Red Bull’s 1.9 second pit stop. He re-joined the track in P6. Norris, who was in P4, was instructed to catch up to Sainz’s Ferrari in front of him.

Verstappen collided with a bollard which caused a virtual safety car. Magnussen, Ocon, and Alonso decided to take advantage of the VSC and pitted. Marshals were sent out onto the track to collect the debris. 

With the VSC ending, Verstappen – who was still leading – entered the pits and re-joined the race in fourth. Piastri became the new race leader with Sainz and Norris behind him.

 Due to the missing bollard, Hamilton took to the radio saying that the chicane was now “impossible to see”.

Norris managed to close the gap to Sainz when both Sainz and Piastri entered the pits with a 2.6 second stop for McLaren and 3.1 second stop for Ferrari. Norris then took the lead of the race.

After an incident between the home hero, Sargeant and Magnussen the yellow flag was waved, followed by the safety car.

Both RBs (Yuki Tsunoda and Ricciardo), Zhou Guyanu, Perez, Stroll, and Hulkenberg all took to the pits.

Image Credit: Formula1.com

On lap 30, Norris entered the pits and re-joined ahead of the other drivers due to the safety car coming out in front of Verstappen in P2.

Magnussen was given a 10-second penalty for the incident with Sargeant.

Two laps later the safety car ended and Norris kept the lead in the restart, with Verstappen close behind him. Leclerc and Piastri were close behind the three-time world champion. 

Then there was drama between Norris past and present teammates. Sainz and Piastri battled for position, with the Spaniard reporting that Piastri pushed him off the track. The incident was later dismissed by the stewards.

Norris kept his lead, with the gap constantly increasing between him and Verstappen.

A 10-second penalty was given to Magnussen for failing to serve his first penalty properly.

Due to a collision with Sainz, Piastri had to pit for a new front wing, with a pit stop of over 10 seconds, he re-joined at the back of the pack.

Nearing the end of the race, Norris’ first win was in sight. His teammate was able to set the fastest lap and also gained two positions. 

As the chequered flag flew, Norris became the 21st British driver to win a grand prix. He had achieved his maiden F1 win with a 7.7 second lead ahead of Verstappen in P2. Leclerc finished in P3 to complete the Miami Grand Prix podium.

As David Croft said: “Lando has landed!”

Image Credit: images.ps-aws.com

Written by Chloe.

Featured Image Credit: Sportico.com

Categories
F1 2024 Season

Chinese Grand Prix Race Review

Zhou Guanyu’s first home race was a great watch. Brits watching at home got a slightly later start as the race began at 8am BST (3pm in Shanghai).

Kick Sauber driver, Zhou was emotional after receiving support from start to finish, ending the race in P14. The Chinese driver spoke to reporters post-race, he said:

“It’s such an emotional journey these twenty years. It reflects so quickly on your mind, I’m so grateful to be here.”

Emotions were high as Zhou is the first, and so far only, Chinese driver to line up on the starting grid in Shanghai.

Max Verstappen stormed to victory, 13.773 seconds ahead of his friend and racing opponent, Lando Norris. Norris finished in P2, securing 18 points. The McLaren driver was also voted Driver of the Day. Norris was strong all weekend, securing pole position in Saturday’s Sprint Race. However, the 24-year old went wide at Turn 1, missing his opportunity to claim a Sprint Race win and finishing in P6.

Image Credit: Formula1.com

The fastest lap (1:37.810) of the Chinese Grand Prix went to Fernando Alonso. He finished in P7 after reaching speeds up to 200km/h.

However, the mood was low in the RB garage. Daniel Ricciardo was handed a three-place grid penalty for the next race in Miami due to overtaking Nico Hulkenberg under safety car conditions.

This was not the only bad news for Ricciardo. After a promising race weekend for the RB driver, his race came to an end thanks to a collision from behind by Lance Stroll at the safety car restart. Stroll was handed a ten-second penalty for hitting the back of Ricciardo’s RB. The Aussie suffered damage and retired from the race at the end of lap 34. Tensions were high and Ricciardo complained about the Aston Martin driver. He stated: “he’s making my blood boil”.

Image Credit: Getty Images

Ricciardo’s position at RB may be endangered after the summer break. There is pressure due to reserve driver, Liam Lawson waiting in the wings for an F1 seat.

For F1’s sixth round, we head to the first of three American races. Next up is the Miami Grand Prix at Miami’s International Autodrome on Sunday 5th May. 

Let us know which incident in Shanghai surprised you the most!

Written by Frankie.

Featured Image Credit: Sky Sports

Categories
F1 2024 Season

The Long Winter Break!

After a long and intense 2023 racing season, many drivers as well as their teams said they were looking forward to a much-needed winter break! With freedom finally on the cards for the drivers, here is what they got up to:

Source: F1.com

Lando Norris

Lando Norris went here, there, and everywhere with holiday snaps from all over the globe, including Bali and Australia! He had time to pay a visit to football club Paris Saint-Germain after heading on a ski trip with friends. He has also been working hard on Team Quadrant, announcing a new group of racers and championships they will be competing in!

Oscar Piastri

Oscar Piasti started the off-season by attending the FIA prize giving evening. He attended an NBA game and celebrated his girlfriend’s 21st birthday before enjoying some down-time after an epic rookie season. 

George Russell

Repeating the viral photo from 2023, George Russell and Fernando Alonso teamed up again to see in the New Year in style! There was also time for a skiing trip with Mercedes boss Toto Wolff and family! As well as enjoying some much-needed family time, Russell also caught up with some of his other favourite sports, attending a Manchester United football match!

Source: GPBlog.com

Lewis Hamilton

Lewis Hamilton’s need for speed and adrenaline saw him indulge in one of his favourite hobbies with a skydiving session, before enjoying some quality time with his dog, Roscoe, when he landed back on the ground.

Charles Leclerc

Charles Leclerc opted for both hot and cold weather over the break as he explored Los Angeles and then went for a wild toboggan ride in the mountains while on a ski trip. He also enjoyed a few rounds of golf before finishing off the winter break by dropped his new EP “DREAMERS”.

Carlos Sainz

Carlos Sainz swapped four wheels for two with some cycling, before celebrating his father’s success at the Dakar Rally. Although a lot of his break was spent in the gym keeping fit, there was also time for a quick ski tri before the season starts!

Sergio Perez

Alongside Max Verstappen, Sergio Perez paid a visit to the Red Bull factory in Milton Keynes to celebrate the team’s remarkable season, he also became and ambassador for NESCAFÉ sharing where he likes to get his caffeine hit!

Source: X.com

Max Verstappen

After his visit to the factory, Max Verstappen spent a quiet Christmas with his family. Verstappen completed a track day with his father then headed on a trip to Amsterdam before getting back into training for the 2024 season.

Fernando Alonso

Fernando Alonso was in tough competition with Lando Norris for most packed winter break! He started with a skiing trip, then continued to enjoy multiple track days in lots of different vehicles. He continued to support his karting team and became an ambassador for Arcano Partners. He continued to train with a rally cross team before heading to Bahrain for testing.

Lance Stroll

Lance Stroll had a winter mostly away from social media however he did share a clip of him having fun snowboarding in January!

Pierre Gasly 

Pierre Gasly started his winter break in London with some ice skating before joining Yuki Tsunoda for a karting race! Gasly headed out on a ski trip and also did some promotional work with Arsenal football club.

Source: F1.com

Esteban Ocon

Esteban Ocon spent time with one of his childhood heroes, Zinedine Zidane, the legendary footballer who is now an Alpine ambassador. He then celebrated the New Year with good friend Mick Schumacher.

Alex Albon

Alex Albon headed to Thailand for his winter break, spending the downtime with girlfriend and professional golfer Lily Muni He. Albon also headed to LA for some track time and fun!

Logan Sargent

Logan Sargent headed to Dubai for his break, heading into the desert with dune buggies and friends. He has also been spending time in the gym to make sure 2024 is more successful than 2023.

Source: @Alex_Albon

Yuki Tsunoda

Yuki Tsunoda started the break by meeting Jason Statham and then shared a photo of himself, Daniel Ricciardo and Red Bull pair Verstappen and Perez during their appearance at the Honda Thanks Day in Japan. Tsunoda dropped a line of merchandise before playing tennis and karting with Gasly.

Daniel Ricciardo 

Daniel Ricciardo spent some of the winter break back home in Australia with friends and family. He headed to a couple of music festivals after enjoying his time at the Honda thanks day.

Valtteri Bottas

One of F1’s most prolific social media users, Valtteri Bottas’ feed has been full of cycling photos from all over the world, along with the occasional helicopter ride! He also enjoyed some down time in Australia and then headed into the mountains for a ski trip.

Source: @Valtteribottas

Zhou Guanyu

Zhou Guanyu took a trip home to China and visited the Shanghai Disneyland Park for a particularly magical winter break. He also adopted a cat and did several magazine photo shoots!

Nico Hulkenberg

Nico Hulkenberg had a quiet family Christmas with his wife and daughter as well as their new puppy Zeus! A lot of time was also spent in the gym preparing for the new season. 

Kevin Magnussen

Magnussen was one of the least active drivers on social media during the off-season but found time to pay tribute to former Haas team boss Guenther Steiner. Having recently welcomed his second child to the world, some family time was probably on the cards for the Magnussen’s.

Whose winter sounded the most fun to you? Leave a comment below!

Written by Cesca.

Categories
F1 2024 Season

Silly Season Begins!

2024’s ‘silly season’ could be one of the most interesting we have seen in a while with 15 of the 20 drivers having contracts that expire at the end of 2024! Sergio Perez, Pierre Gasly, Esteban Ocon, Lance Stroll, Fernando Alonso, Carlos Sainz, Zhou Guanyu, Valtteri Bottas, Logan Sargent, Alex Albon, Daniel Ricciardo, Yuki Tsunoda, Niko Hulkenburg, Kevin Magnussen, and Charles Leclerc are all at risk of not making a return in 2025.

Source: SkySports.com

January 25th saw the first of the announcements made with Charles Leclerc extending his contract with Ferrari beyond the 2024 season. Leclerc has been with the Scuderia Ferrari team full time since 2019 and has so far achieved 5 race wins and 23 pole positions. When the announcement was made, Leclerc commented “I’m very pleased to know I will be wearing the Scuderia Ferrari race suit for several more seasons to come”. The announcement was not a surprising one to F1 fans as Leclerc has become Ferrari’s ‘golden boy’ and he has always said he wants to win a World Driver’s Championship with Ferrari.

Team principal Fred Vasseur commented “Charles’ bond to the Scuderia goes beyond that of just a driver and a team, as he has been part of the Ferrari family for eight years now, dating back to a time before he first sported the Prancing Horse emblem on his race suit. His values and those of our team are intertwined and so it was natural for us to be in agreement on extending our collaboration.”

Source: MonocoAddict.com

The next announcement was made a day later on the 26th January as McLaren and Lando Norris announced they were continuing their successful relationship beyond 2024. Norris joined McLaren’s F1 team as a driver in 2019 and was promoted to number 1 driver in 2023 when rookie Piastri joined. Norris’ announcement was unexpected as the deal signed in 2022 saw him staying with the team until the end o0f the 2025 season. However, with the successes the team have been enjoying with him as a driver they have decided to extend that contract into another multi-year deal. With Piastri signing a new contract in September 2023, the McLaren team is set to run the same line up for the next 3 seasons!

Source: RacingNews365.com

Norris’ comment on the new contract was that: “It’s a great feeling to be staying in papaya, I’ve grown up with McLaren and feel at home here, the team are like family to me.”

The most unexpected announcement of silly season 2024 came on February 1st when Sky Sports F1 unexpectedly announced they had a reputable source who had told them Hamilton would be moving to Ferrari at the end of the 2024 season! After a day of rumours flying around social media, F1 and Mercedes-AMG F1 made the official announcement that Hamilton had activated a release option in his contract ending a 17-year relationship with Mercedes-Benz and an 11-year relationship with the Brackley team. As of the end of the 2024 season, Hamilton will be partnering Leclerc at Ferrari which is a team up no fans saw coming. 

Source: SportsKeeda.com

Hamilton’s statement on the news was: “I have had an amazing 11 years with this team and I’m so proud of what we have achieved together. Mercedes has been part of my life since I was 13 years old. It’s a place where I have grown up, so making the decision to leave was one of the hardest decisions I have ever had to make. But the time is right for me to take this step and I’m excited to be taking on a new challenge. I will be forever grateful for the incredible support of my Mercedes family, especially Toto for his friendship and leadership and I want to finish on a high together. I am 100% committed to delivering the best performance I can this season and making my last year with the Silver Arrows, one to remember.”

With Hamilton’s unexpected move to Ferrari being announced it now means there is an open seat at Mercedes that nobody saw coming leaving drivers to fight for a seat with one of the top teams! It also reveals to fans that Ferrari will not be renewing their contract with Carlos Sainz leaving him looking for a new team to race for in 2025. 

What do you make of silly season so far!? Leave a comment below!

Written by Cesca.

Categories
F1 2023 Season

Action In Austin 2023!

The US Grand Prix held at the Circuit of the America’s in Austin Texas was 56 laps of great racing and overtaking! The starting grid looked a little different this weekend after Max Verstappen’s qualifying lap time was deleted and he only started 6th. Charles Leclerc was on pole and lined up alongside Lando Norris in P2. It was Lewis Hamilton in P3, Carlos Sainz in P4 and George Russell who completed the top 5 on the grid. 

Source: PlanetF1.com

Lap 1 was home to most of the race action as Lando Norris got the better start of the front row and took the lead of the race! Piastri and Ocon made contact off the start with Piastri’s rear tyre making a large dent in Ocon’s side pod which forced him to retire a few laps later. The contact from lap 1 also forced a retirement from Piastri in the Mclaren.

It was at the mid-point of the race on lap 28 that Verstappen’s pit stop strategy caught him up with former race leader Norris. It was then on lap 39 that Verstappen took the lead of the Grand Prix by overtaking Leclerc who was the only driver to run a 1 stop strategy for the race.

Source: APNews.com

It was only minor incidents reordered by the stewards for most of the race, but none required further investigation. There were black and white flags for Logan Sargent and Alex Albon with Albon ending up with a 5 second penalty. 

On lap 50, Alonso and his Aston Martin were forced to retire to the pits after Fridays break issue resurfaced. It was disappointing for the team who had started in the pit lane as they had managed to get both cars into point scoring positions. 

With 7 laps to go, Hamilton started his charge and managed to overtake Norris and started his hunt for Verstappen who was reportedly nursing a break issue for most of the race. Hamilton got himself within 2 seconds of Verstappen, but the chequered flag came too soon to challenge for the win. Verstappen took his 50th Grand Prix win and was joined on the podium by Hamilton in P2 and Norris who held onto P3!

Source: F1Chronical.com

It was the drama after the race that is likely to be more memorable than the race itself! Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton were put under investigation and later disqualified from the race for a technical infringement! The FIA statement revealed that irregularities were spotted in the cars and after investigation it was found that the skids located within the floor of the car were not compliant with article 3.5.9 e) of the 2023 Formula One Technical Regulations. With the disqualifications removing 2 cars from the points and one from the podium, it means that Logan Sargent in the Williams scored his first points as he moved into 10th place while the other Williams of Albon moved to 9th to secure double points for the team! It also means that Norris’ third place is converted to second and Carlos Sainz joins the podium team.

Source: Motorsport.com

What are your thoughts on Austin 2023?

Written by Cesca.

Categories
F1 2023 Season

McLaren’s Sensational Turnaround!

Source: McLaren.com

The Singapore and Japan legs of the formula 1 championship have been the hosts to some thrilling races but there is one team who has taken the biggest advantage from rounds 16 and 17. In the last 2 weeks McLaren have scored 3 podiums and 57 points with Oscar Piastri also achieving his first F1 podium! 

Sensational Singapore!

Lando Norris started the race 4th on the grid but after an intense race and some teamwork with former teammate Carlos Sainz, he came 2nd, equalling his previous best result in Formula 1. Piastri started the race down in 17th but after an enormous effort and some efficient strategy with pit stops, he raced his way up into 7th by the time the chequered flag came out. 

Source: SkySports.com

Spectacular Suzuka!

The Suzuka circuit hosted Piastri’s first front row start in Formula 1 as he lined up in P2 alongside Verstappen on pole. Norris started close behind in P3, making an excellent start at lights out while Verstappen focused on Piastri. McLaren held their own making good decisions and taking advantage of the safety car resulting in a double podium at the end of the race! Norris came home in 2nd with Piastri in 3rd, adding two further trophies to the cabinet back at the McLaren Technology Centre. 

Source: MotorsportWeek.com

For a team who started the season with two 0-point races, McLaren have come along way. Lando Norris has equalled his record of 4 podiums in a season and with six rounds left of the 2023 season there is potential for more if McLaren can keep up the momentum from the previous races. 

McLaren have stated part of the reason for their newfound success is the work the drivers have been putting in to improve their race and start line statistics. Norris has been working hard recently with his start line engineer to improve his inputs and feet to get a better jump off the line. The hard work has certainly been seen this season in his hard battles at the front of the grid and the places he is making up on lap 1. McLaren have continuously worked hard to bring upgrades to the car to try and catch up with the leading teams and have a focus already on developing their 2024 car to be more competitive.

Do you think McLaren can keep up the good work for another podium in 2023? Leave your thought is the comments below!

Written by Cesca.