Bahrain – McLaren driver Lando Norris has echoed recent sentiments from reigning world champion Max Verstappen, admitting that the current generation of Formula 1 cars, set to continue with largely the same regulations into the 2026 season, are a departure from what many consider the “purest form of racing.” The comments come during pre-season testing, as teams prepare for the opening race of the championship in Melbourne next month.
Norris, who secured his maiden drivers’ world championship in 2025, dethroning Verstappen after a challenging year, acknowledged the need for improvements to his McLaren car but also highlighted a broader issue with the demands placed on drivers by the complex energy management systems required by the current engine regulations. The focus, he suggests, has shifted away from maximizing driving skill and towards optimizing battery performance.
“I agree with Max on a lot of comments,” Norris stated in Bahrain, as reported by multiple sources. “Probably most of the comments I agree with, but it’s not that I don’t have fun out there. So there’s two sides. I do agree with basically every other driver, due to the fact that I think every other driver has made their comments pretty clear. I just didn’t wish to come out into the media and complain to everyone on the first weekend back. I want to still enjoy my time and just say what I feel.”
The core of the concern revolves around the increased power delivered by the electrical component of the power unit – now accounting for approximately half of the total output – coupled with batteries of similar size. This combination forces drivers to employ counter-intuitive tactics during qualifying and races, such as lifting and coasting on straights and deliberately slowing before the end of a lap, all in the pursuit of optimal energy usage and lap time. This focus on energy management, rather than outright speed, is what Norris and others discover detracts from the traditional essence of Formula 1.
Energy Management Dominates Driving Focus
Verstappen’s initial criticisms centered on the extensive energy management required with the new cars. According to ESPN, Verstappen stated that if he were driving Norris’ McLaren, “the championship would have been won, easily.” But, he also pointed to the complexities of the current regulations as a contributing factor to the shift in driving style.
Norris elaborated on this point, stating, “A lot of the driving is focused on just trying to get the battery to work properly and less focused on how can you as a driver get everything out of the car.” He emphasized that the championship, along with the FIA and Formula 1, are aware of the issue and are actively seeking improvements.
The situation has sparked behind-the-scenes discussions about potential rule tweaks, both before and after the start of the season. The already intricate regulations governing the engines add another layer of complexity to these deliberations.
McLaren’s Dominance and the 2025 Season
Norris’s comments come after a dominant 2025 season for McLaren, securing the Constructors’ Championship at the Singapore Grand Prix with six rounds to spare. The team’s early-season performance gave Norris a significant advantage in the Drivers’ Championship battle, ultimately leading to his first title victory, finishing just two points ahead of Verstappen, as reported by Sports Illustrated.
However, Verstappen, while acknowledging McLaren’s superiority, suggested that his own championship challenge was hampered by circumstances. He claimed, as detailed in Formula1.com, that if he had been in a McLaren, he would have secured the title much earlier in the season. Norris dismissed these claims as “talking nonsense.”
What’s Next for F1?
As pre-season testing continues, teams will be working to refine their car setups and address the concerns raised by drivers like Norris and Verstappen. The FIA and Formula 1 are expected to continue evaluating potential rule changes aimed at restoring a greater emphasis on driver skill and reducing the reliance on energy management. The opening race in Melbourne will provide the first real indication of whether these efforts are successful and how the new regulations will impact the competitive landscape of the 2026 season. The focus will be on whether teams can find a balance between maximizing energy efficiency and allowing drivers to fully exploit the performance potential of their cars.
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