Norris compares 2026 F1 cars to F2 machinery after Barcelona test

Lando Norris has ignited debate by comparing the driving feel of Formula 1's new 2026 cars to that of a Formula 2 machine following initial shakedown running in Barcelona. The McLaren driver's comments echo sentiments from other drivers who have sampled the new-generation machinery, prompting a firm response from the FIA to counter what it views as misleading performance comparisons.

Why it matters:

The perception of the new cars is critical for both fan engagement and driver acceptance as F1 enters a major regulatory shift. If top drivers feel the pinnacle of motorsport is becoming too similar to its primary feeder series, it could challenge the sport's elite status and the technical spectacle it aims to project. The FIA's swift rebuttal highlights its sensitivity to narratives that could undermine the new rules before the cars even race.

The details:

• Driver Impressions: Following a closed-door shakedown at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Norris stated the MCL40 "certainly feels more like an F2 car in some ways with how you have to drive it." He noted unanswered questions about how it will handle street circuits and slower, bumpier tracks.
• Echoing Sentiments: Norris is not alone. Aston Martin reserve Jak Crawford and Isack Hadjar have previously described their simulator experiences as "quite similar to drive to an F2 car" and 'closer to an F2 car performance-wise,' respectively. Recent test drivers like Esteban Ocon, Oliver Bearman, and Oscar Piastri have used the term "more nimble."
• FIA's Firm Rebuttal: Nikolas Tombazis, the FIA's Single-Seater Director, strongly contested the performance comparison. He called comments about F2 pace "way off the mark," estimating the 2026 cars are only "one or two seconds off" current lap times. He argued it is logical for a new cycle to start slower to allow for development.
• The Performance Data: An unofficial benchmark from the Barcelona test was a 1m16.348s set by Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton. While this is roughly five seconds off 2025 Spanish GP pole, the FIA expects the gap to close significantly with development and better track conditions. For context, the 2025 F2 pole time in Barcelona was a much slower 1m25.180s.
• Technical Shift: The 2026 cars feature radically different specifications: smaller, lighter chassis with active aerodynamics and power units where nearly 50% of the output comes from electrical energy, introducing new driving techniques for energy deployment and overtaking.

What's next:

The true character and pace of the 2026 cars remain a developing story. The upcoming official pre-season test in Bahrain will provide the first comprehensive, public dataset and more driver feedback across a different circuit layout. This will be the key to validating or dispelling the early comparisons and setting a realistic performance benchmark for the new era.