F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Norris in hot water with F1 over live Twitch stream

Lando Norris landed himself in hot water with Formula 1 on Friday when the McLaren driver broadcasted a live chat with his fans on Twitch.

During Friday's washout, when everyone was trying to keep themselves occupied or entertained during the endless wait, Norris kicked off a Twitch stream in his driver's room flanked by McLaren teammate Carlos Sainz.

The pair were interacting with their fans who were also patiently waiting for proceedings to start when a member of the McLaren team ordered the two drivers to immediately end the stream, insisting F1 were "not happy" with the online initiative.

"What?!" replied a bewildered Norris.

"Ok I think it is time to say goodbye," Sainz added. “We need to say adios. We’re getting told off!"

A disappointed Norris ended the broadcast by telling his fans to "Go and blame F1, chat."

It's likely Norris fell foul of Formula 1's media rights that restricts drivers from streaming live from the paddock, even if it is from the confines of a private space at the track.

When it took over Formula 1 in 2017, Liberty Media gave teams and drivers greater freedom to engage with fans on social media from inside the circuit, relaxing the rules that had been highly controlled up to then by former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone.

Teams and drivers were issued a formal set of guidelines, but streaming live from the paddock is still off limits for everyone.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.

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