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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLando Norris has let his feelings known about the new F1 cars. Image: XPB Images<\/p>\n
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLando Norris has let his feelings known about the new F1 cars. Image: XPB Images<\/p>\n
The reigning world champion was downbeat after qualifying sixth for the season-opening Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park, where the new generation of cars made their competitive debut.<\/p>\n
While the 2026 regulations have produced lighter and more agile chassis, drivers have raised concerns about the increased reliance on energy harvesting and electrical power management, which has dramatically changed the way the cars are driven.<\/p>\n
Norris did not hide his frustration with the situation.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve come from the best cars ever made in Formula 1, and the nicest to drive, to probably the worst,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt sucks, but you have to live with it and just maximise what you get given.\u201d<\/p>\n
The biggest issue for drivers has been managing the 50\/50 split between electric and combustion power which according to Norris, forces drivers into excessive lifting and coasting while constantly monitoring energy levels rather than simply pushing the car.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think everyone knows what the issues are,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s just the fact it\u2019s a 50\/50 split and it just doesn\u2019t work. Straightline mode means you\u2019ve got a lot of other issues at hand.<\/p>\n
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Lando Norris was not happy after qualifying in Australia. Image: XPB Images<\/p>\n
\u201cYou decelerate so much before corners, you have to lift everywhere to make sure the [battery] pack\u2019s at the top.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf the pack\u2019s too high, you\u2019re also screwed. It\u2019s just difficult, but it\u2019s what we have.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt doesn\u2019t feel good as a driver.\u201d<\/p>\n
The extra workload inside the cockpit has also added another complication.<\/p>\n
Norris explained that drivers must frequently check the steering wheel display to manage energy deployment, something he believes contributed to an incident in qualifying.<\/p>\n
During Q3, Norris ran over debris shed by Kimi Antonelli\u2019s Mercedes after the rookie left the pits with cooling equipment still attached to his car.<\/p>\n
Norris said his focus on energy management meant he did not spot the debris until it was too late.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m looking at my steering wheel,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s why I don\u2019t see the debris, because I have to look at the speed I\u2019m going to get at the end of the straight and know if I need a brake 30 metres earlier, 10 metres later.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe problem is you have to look at the steering wheel every three seconds to see what\u2019s going to happen, otherwise you\u2019re going to end up off the track.\u201d<\/p>\n
The criticism from Lando Norris echoes concerns also voiced by Max Verstappen after qualifying, with the Dutchman adding to his pre-season criticism of the cars<\/a> by saying \u201cthe formula is just not correct\u201d following his large crash in the opening part of the session<\/a>.<\/p>\n Not everyone in the paddock shared the same view, however.<\/p>\n Australian Grand Prix polesitter George Russell defended the chassis regulations, arguing the new cars feel more responsive and lively compared to their predecessors.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, the cars are more agile and you\u2019re sliding them around a bit more and it\u2019s easier to lock up and sort of run wide, lose the rear,\u201d Russell said.<\/p>\n \u201cIt feels more like a go-kart compared to last year when it felt like a bouncing bus, to be honest.\u201d<\/p>\n Russell acknowledged that opinions in the paddock remain divided but believes the chassis side of the regulations is a clear improvement.<\/p>\n \u201cI think there\u2019s lots of mixed views on the new regulations as a whole, but I do think the car regulations for everyone is definitely a step forward compared to what we\u2019ve had for the past eight years now.\u201d<\/p>\n Russell dominates Australian GP qualifying after Verstappen crash<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p>\n
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