Lando Norris believes the brand new 2026 rules have taken F1 from “the perfect automobile ever” to “in all probability the worst”.
The reigning world champion, together with Max Verstappen, slammed F1’s new era of vehicles after qualifying for the season-opening Australian Grand Prix.
Verstappen continues to slam the 2026 guidelines, and Norris is in full settlement, agreeing with the McLaren driver’s pessimistic evaluation, quipping that he does not thoughts speaking for “hours” about how dangerous the automobile is.
Norris certified sixth behind McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri, whereas George Russell took a commanding pole place forward of teammate Andrea Kimi Antonelli, highlighting Mercedes’ pre-season favourite tag.
“I feel everybody is aware of what the issue is,” Norris mentioned. “It’s simply the truth that it’s 50-50 and it’s not going to work. Straight line mode means you may have quite a lot of different issues.
“You decelerate a lot earlier than the nook that you must carry all over the place to verify the (battery) pack is on high. If the pack is simply too excessive, you are screwed too. It is simply tough, however that is what we now have. It does not really feel nice as a driver, however I am certain George is smiling. We have got to benefit from what we will give him.”
“We have produced among the greatest vehicles in F1 historical past, among the greatest to drive, and doubtless among the worst. It is a disgrace, however we now have to stay with it.”
Requested if there was any enjoyable half about driving the brand new era F1 automobile, Norris mentioned: “Probably not.”
F1 drivers aren’t having fun with their new 2026 vehicles
Lewis Hamilton, who can be a vocal critic of the brand new F1 automobile, commented: “This automobile is basically enjoyable to drive. It is all in regards to the energy. Energy is very nice if you get it, however it does not final.”
“I begin the lap at half throttle popping out of the final nook and 1 / 4 of the best way down the straight, then I activate the throttle.
“It utterly goes towards the entire F1 concept of a flat-out assault, with lifts and coasting. That factor is just not excellent and I do not suppose the drivers prefer it.”
Hamilton mentioned he did not must say a lot throughout Friday’s heated drivers’ briefing.
“I did not say a lot. I wasn’t paying consideration,” admitted the seven-time world champion.
“What I say there does not actually make a distinction. We had been simply attempting to work with the FIA to see if we will make all the things higher.”
After qualifying third on the grid, Pink Bull’s Isaac Hajar didn’t totally profit from his new automobile.
When requested for his ideas, the Frenchman replied, “I feel the chassis is fairly good, however apart from that I am not a fan.”
In the meantime, Lance Stroll added: “I feel everybody has an opinion on that, however I feel it will be nice to have some good-sounding vehicles which might be rather less advanced and extra like common good racing.
“We now have environmentally pleasant fuels. We are able to now race on sustainable fuels. Then we will race with actually good-sounding, car-like engines. And it will be a disgrace as a sport that we do not do this.”
