Norris Admits Agreement with Verstappen's Criticism of 2026 F1 Cars

Lando Norris has clarified his initial positive comments about the 2026 Formula 1 cars, revealing he largely agrees with the critical assessments from drivers like Max Verstappen. Norris admitted his earlier upbeat stance was partly to gauge reactions, but now aligns with the widespread driver concern that the new energy-focused regulations detract from the sport's purity and driver skill.

Why it matters:

The unified skepticism from top drivers, including a reigning world champion and a leading contender, presents a significant challenge for F1's rulemakers. It highlights a potential disconnect between the sport's technological roadmap and the core racing experience valued by its competitors, raising questions about the entertainment and sporting integrity of the 2026 era before the cars have even raced.

The details:

• Norris initially described the 2026 cars as "a lot of fun," a stark contrast to peers like Verstappen, who labeled them "Formula E on steroids."
• He has now reversed that position, stating he agrees with "most of the comments" from other drivers and that the cars are "certainly not as pure" or "beautiful to drive" as their predecessors.
• A Calculated Comment: Norris revealed his original positive take was a deliberate move to "see what the reaction was of everyone," calling the ensuing debate "amusing."
• Core Driver Complaint: The central issue, echoed by Norris, is the excessive focus on energy and battery management. He stated driving is now more about "trying to get the battery to work properly" than a driver extracting maximum performance from the car.
• Verstappen's Stance: The Red Bull driver has been the most vocal critic, not ruling out that the 2026 regulations could influence his decision to leave the sport.

The big picture:

The driver feedback points to a fundamental shift in what defines Formula 1 performance. While the 2026 power unit regulations aim for a more sustainable and electrified future, the current prototype phase suggests they may be compromising the visceral, driver-centric challenge that has long been the sport's hallmark. This creates a crucial development period for the FIA and teams to refine the package before its competitive debut.