Lando Norris calls 2026 F1 power unit changes the 'biggest challenge' for drivers

Lando Norris has admitted that managing the complex new 2026 Formula 1 power units is the "biggest challenge" facing drivers, stating that in a "perfect world," he would prefer not to have to deal with the intricate energy management systems. The McLaren driver explained that the increased reliance on electrical energy recovery and deployment has introduced new variables like turbo lag and strategic gear usage, fundamentally changing how a lap is driven.

Why it matters:

The 2026 regulations represent a significant technological shift for Formula 1, with a mandated 50-50 power split between the internal combustion engine and the battery. This move intensifies the sport's focus on energy efficiency and hybrid technology. Success will no longer hinge solely on outright car performance or driver bravery but increasingly on a driver's technical skill in managing a finite energy resource and a team's strategic mastery of its deployment, potentially reshuffling the competitive order.

The details:

• The 2026 power units mandate a 50-50 split between ICE and electrical power, a dramatic increase from the previous 80-20 ratio, placing far greater emphasis on the Electrical Energy Store (battery).
• Norris identifies the core challenge as managing a "very powerful battery that doesn't last very long," requiring precise decisions on when and how much energy to use across a lap.
• A key new technique involves using lower gears in slow-speed corners to force more energy back into the battery through regenerative braking.
• Drivers must now also manage the recovery of that battery energy, adding a strategic layer to every corner exit.
• The changes have reintroduced elements like turbo lag, which had been largely mitigated in recent engine generations, requiring further adaptation.

What's next:

As teams continue development, mastering these new systems will become the critical differentiator. Norris emphasized that the challenge extends beyond the drivers to the entire team and their engine manufacturer, Mercedes. The driver who best adapts their style to optimize energy harvesting and deployment, while working in sync with their team's strategic software, will gain a crucial advantage when the new era begins.