Lando Norris pulls no punches. The reigning world champion is anything but pleased with the new 2026-generation Formula 1 cars, and made that clear after qualifying in Melbourne. “We’ve gone from the best cars ever made in Formula 1 to probably the worst,” said the McLaren driver, who could manage no better than sixth.
Read more Qualifying results Australian GP 2026
The biggest pain point lies in the way the new power units work. The 2026 regulations place an enormous emphasis on electrical energy recovery, forcing drivers to constantly adapt their driving style. Braking earlier, lifting off the throttle where it wasn’t necessary before, and continuously monitoring the battery level. According to Norris, it makes driving anything but pleasant. “You slow down so much for every corner and have to lift off everywhere to ensure the battery stays at the right level. And if it’s too full, you’re also in trouble.”
Read also: Clear language from Verstappen: ‘I’m not enjoying myself at all’
Looking at the steering wheel every three seconds
On top of that, drivers have to constantly monitor their steering wheel while driving. This had direct consequences for Norris in Q3, when he ran over debris that had ended up on the track from Kimi Antonelli’s Mercedes. “I’m looking at my steering wheel,” he explained. “I have to check what’s about to happen every three seconds, otherwise you end up off the track. Because of that, I simply didn’t see the debris coming.”
Read more Antonelli euphoric after second time in Australia: ‘Mechanics were the real heroes’
Pole-sitter George Russell defended the new rules, which Norris noted with a sense of irony: “I’m sure George is smiling.” For now, the world champion can find little positive in it, though he realizes that complaining is of little use. “It’s not pleasant as a driver, but you have to live with it.”
Read more Russell lives up to favorite status: ‘Car really came to life’
Read everything about the Australian GP here
