Norris: ‘We’ve gone from the best cars ever to probably the worst’

Reigning world champion Lando Norris has delivered a blunt verdict on Formula 1’s new generation of cars, claiming the sport has taken a major step backwards as drivers wrestle with the complexities of the 2026 power unit regulations.

The McLaren driver cut a frustrated figure after qualifying sixth for Sunday’s Australian GP at Albert Park Circuit, where the opening round of the season has already exposed the challenges created by the sport’s heavy focus on electric energy management.

At the front of the grid, George Russell secured pole position for Mercedes ahead of team-mate Kimi Antonelli, underlining the Silver Arrows’ early dominance. But while Mercedes celebrated, Norris suggested the driving experience itself has deteriorated dramatically under the new rules.

"I think everyone knows what the issues are," Norris said. "It's just the fact it's a 50-50 split and it just doesn't work. Straightline mode means you've got a lot of other issues at hand.

"You decelerate so much before corners, you have to lift everywhere to make sure the [battery] pack's at the top. If the pack's too high, you're also screwed. It's just difficult, but it's what we have.

“It doesn't feel good as a driver, but I'm sure George is smiling. You've just got to maximise what you're going to give him.

"We've come from the best cars ever made in Formula 1 and the nicest to drive to probably the worst. It sucks, but you have to live with it."

Drivers Distracted by Energy Management

A major complaint from Norris is the amount of attention drivers must now devote to managing battery deployment and harvesting during a lap.

Instead of focusing purely on racing lines and braking points, drivers are frequently forced to monitor data on their steering wheels to ensure the complex energy systems remain within optimal limits.

The issue even played a role in an unusual moment during qualifying. Norris ran over debris shed from Antonelli’s Mercedes after the latter left the pits with cooling equipment still attached to his car.

According to Norris, the intense focus on monitoring the car’s energy status meant he didn’t even see the debris in time.

"I'm looking at my steering wheel," he explained. "It's why I don't see the debris, because I have to look at the speed I'm going to get at the end of the straight and know if I need a brake 30 metres earlier, 10 metres later.

“That's also the problem. You have to look at the steering wheel every three seconds to see what's going to happen, otherwise you're going to end up off the track."

Divided Opinions in the Paddock

Norris is not alone in his concerns. Max Verstappen has also voiced doubts about the new power unit balance, while Red Bull’s Isack Hadjar admitted he is “not a fan” of the energy-focused systems now shaping race strategy.

Yet others see positives. Russell, who will start Sunday’s race from pole, argued that the new chassis rules have improved the cars’ handling characteristics even if the power unit changes remain controversial.

• Read also: Domenicali hits back at early critics of F1’s 2026 rules

The Mercedes driver suggested the lighter, more agile machines feel more responsive behind the wheel, even as drivers continue adapting to the heavy emphasis on energy harvesting.

For Norris, however, the verdict is already clear. After experiencing the new era firsthand, the defending champion believes Formula 1 has sacrificed the raw driving feel that once defined the sport – replacing it with a complicated balancing act that many drivers are still struggling to embrace.

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