Norris warns of F1 becoming ‘too artificial’ under 2026 rules

McLaren’s Lando Norris has called on Formula 1 to preserve the authenticity of racing as the sport gears up for its major regulatory overhaul in 2026.

As part of Grand Prix racing’s new rules, the current DRS system will be replaced with active aerodynamics featuring movable front and rear wings.

Drivers will switch between a high-downforce ‘Z-mode’ for corners and low-drag ‘X-mode’ for straights, a shift aimed at promoting overtaking but also adding a fresh layer of strategic complexity to proceedings.

Speaking recently at the Belgian Grand Prix, Norris expressed concerns about the sport veering toward artificial or “scripted” racing dynamics, and urged F1 to maintain the driver-focused essence of motorsport.

“It’s different – it’s good and different in different ways,” the McLaren driver told reporters as he emphasized both the positives and drawbacks of the direction the sport is taking.

“I think Formula 1, in terms of the pinnacle of motorsport and speed and everything, you don’t get much better than what we’ve had this year and the last few years.

“When we’re going to go into next year, the gaps will be bigger. It doesn’t mean racing is going to be worse. I think there are many things that are going to make racing better.

“I just don’t want to go too artificial with things – I don’t want things to be too fake, too scripted – I don’t think that’s correct. That’s not motorsport and that’s not what I like.”

Slower Cars, New Challenges

Norris acknowledged that the new-generation cars will inevitably bring trade-offs in performance and spectacle.

“Some things will be better – the cars are going to be even slower and straighter in the corners and things like that,” he added.

“They’re not going to look as spectacular in terms of performing laps. They’re not going to look as quick because at the end of straights you’re losing speed, you’re decelerating.

“It’s not going to look as cool or as special. I think there are still things I would like more from the car. Just more battery and things like that. We could just have some more normality in it.

“I think it’s a new challenge for everyone. We should all look forward to the challenge of a new car and new regulations.

“That’s also what makes Formula 1 exciting at times. It’s a fresh start for everyone. We look forward to it as a team. I think it’s something we relish.

“As a driver, we want cars that we can just drive.”

A Plea for Simplicity

For Norris, the heart of F1 should remain in the pure skill of driving, rather than in managing layers of technological aids.

“Honestly, I don’t want to do all this DRS nonsense – I just want to drive the car,” he said. “I just want to upshift, downshift, and that’s it. That’s what I enjoy. You see, you can push it the most and you can be the most on the limit.”

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Looking to the future, Norris sees potential for the grid to tighten up once the initial disruption of the new regulations has passed.

“Some things I love. Some things I think will be better. Over the next two or three years, I think everyone will close back up.

“You always get bigger gaps in regulation changes. It’s a new challenge and I look forward to that. I think there are still more things that could be better.”

With the countdown to F1’s next era underway, Norris’ comments underline the tension between embracing innovation and preserving the raw, unscripted competition that defines the sport.

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