Lando Norris has sharply criticized the commercial direction of Formula 1. According to the McLaren driver, the sport is increasingly focused on financial growth, while the quality of racing threatens to be lost sight of. Norris understands that Formula 1 is a profitable business, but believes that sporting interests should always come first. “It’s no longer about how to make the sport as good as possible,” said Norris.
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Lando Norris sees that commercial considerations are playing an increasingly larger role in decisions within Formula 1. The arrival of new manufacturers like Audi and Cadillac is, according to him, an example of this development. Although Norris acknowledges the importance of financial stability, he questions the direction the sport is taking. “Formula 1 is a business, and every business wants to make money. But it’s no longer about how to make the sport as good as possible. It’s mainly about how more money can be made. That’s not how a sport should be run, and I find that a shame,” Norris said in Hungary.
‘The Biggest Say’
According to Norris, the way fans experience Formula 1 has also changed. Where attention used to be primarily on the races themselves, the focus nowadays is more often on the drivers and their personal stories. He doesn’t find this development a problem in itself, although he warns that the sporting aspect should not disappear into the background as a result. “If you look at fans from five years ago, before Drive to Survive, they would probably find some developments terrible. Nowadays, fans often love the personalities and performances of individual drivers more than the race itself. That’s just how the sport has developed,” the McLaren driver noted.
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At the same time, Norris believes that drivers deserve a greater say when important changes are implemented. According to him, they, more than anyone, know what is needed to keep Formula 1 attractive. “The drivers should always have the biggest say. That’s not because we are selfish, but because we know best how racing should be,” concluded the reigning world champion.
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