Lando Norris has revealed his earlier praise of Formula 1’s new-generation cars was partly intended to gauge public reaction, admitting he described them as “a lot of fun” simply to “see what the reaction was of everyone.”
Speaking during pre-season testing, the world champion acknowledged the machines are “certainly not the purest form of racing,” aligning with criticism from rival Max Verstappen, who said the cars felt unlike traditional Formula 1.
Norris said he agreed with “basically every other driver” about concerns surrounding heavy energy management demands, which now dominate driving strategy through lifting, coasting and battery optimisation rather than outright performance.
With overtaking effectiveness and race dynamics under scrutiny, drivers including GPDA director Carlos Sainz have urged Formula 1 and the FIA to remain “open-minded” about adjusting regulations as teams continue grappling with the complex new power systems.
Lando Norris says that he actually agrees with the other drivers “on a lot of comments” towards the 2026 F1 cars 😅 pic.twitter.com/kGHpD2EEOP
— ESPN F1 (@ESPNF1) February 19, 2026
