The reigning world champion points to a worrying problem related to the new rules and calls for urgent adjustments.
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The debate around the 2026 rules continues to intensify, and Lando Norris has not hidden his concern about certain situations deemed dangerous. The McLaren driver believes he is sometimes totally dependent on circumstances… and other drivers.
At the heart of the problem: significant speed differences between two cars depending on their energy mode. A situation that can create sudden and unpredictable gaps, especially in fast corners.
“There are circuits where it’s better than others, but there are still many things to improve,” he explains, clearly calling for rapid developments.
Suzuka, symbol of a problematic system
The Japanese Grand Prix perfectly illustrated these limits. On the Suzuka track, some drivers were forced to lift off in corners that are supposed to be taken flat out, like the legendary 130R.
A counter-intuitive situation for drivers used to attacking without restraint.
“We want to drive flat out, I don’t want to lift off and lose 60 km/h in the 130R,” deplores Norris
This imposed energy management not only breaks the rhythm, but profoundly changes the way of driving. It also leads to significant speed differences between two cars, making certain phases particularly delicate.
A real danger linked to speed differences
It is precisely this point that worries the Briton. When a driver is forced to lift off while another is in full deployment phase, closing speeds become critical.
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“The problem is that the battery deploys in the 130R and I have to lift off, but I can’t re-accelerate,” he explains.
The current system indeed prevents drivers from regaining control immediately without triggering an unwanted new energy cycle. Result: they find themselves trapped in a situation they do not control.
“There is nothing I can do, there is not enough control for the driver,” Norris continues.
“At the mercy of others”
It is this loss of control that constitutes, according to him, the real problem. In these conditions, a driver can find himself exposed to a rival arriving much faster behind him.
“That’s why you are at the mercy of what’s behind you,” he warns.
A worrying observation while the FIA, F1 and the teams are currently in discussion to adjust certain aspects of the new rules.
While the show may seem attractive on television, Norris insists on a very different reality in the cockpit. Between technical constraints and safety, F1 2026 faces a major challenge: finding the balance between innovation… and pure driving.
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