Lando Norris has issued a stern warning to Formula 1, expressing his desire to prevent the sport from becoming "too fake" or deviating from traditional racing principles. His comments come as F1 prepares for a significant overhaul of its technical regulations in 2026.
Why it matters:
Norris's concern highlights a core tension within F1: balancing innovation with the purity of motorsport. His plea for genuine racing over "gimmicks" reflects a sentiment among some drivers and fans who value raw skill and authentic competition. The upcoming regulations, one of the biggest in F1 history, could drastically alter the on-track product.
The big picture:
The 2026 season will introduce major changes to power units and aerodynamics. Drivers anticipate a dramatically different approach to car performance, with a significant increase in battery output and fundamental chassis modifications. While these changes aim to improve the sport, Norris fears they could lead to an artificial racing experience.
Norris's perspective:
- Concerns about artificiality: Norris stated, "I just don't want to go too artificial with things. I don't want things to be too fake, too scripted. That's not motorsport and that's not what I like." He specifically mentioned a dislike for "DRS nonsense."
- Visual impact of new cars: He expects the cars to look "less spectacular" due to reduced cornering speeds and deceleration at the end of straights, making them appear "not as quick."
- Focus on pure driving: Norris emphasized his preference for cars that drivers can simply drive, focusing on fundamental skills like upshifting and downshifting, pushing the limits through pure talent.
What's next:
Despite his concerns, Norris acknowledges the new regulations present a "new challenge for everyone," which he and McLaren relish. He expects bigger gaps in the field initially but believes this doesn't necessarily mean worse racing. The key will be understanding how to optimally use the battery throughout a lap.