Reigning Formula 1 World Champion Lando Norris has called out rival Max Verstappen, claiming “he can retire” if he doesn’t like the sport’s new regulations.
After the first day of testing in Bahrain, drivers had a lot to say about the new regulations and cars for 2026. Namely, four-time world champion Max Verstappen offered a brutally honest review of the sport’s new era after completing over 100 laps in his 2026 challenger. Verstappen emphasised that new regulations feel completely different to previous eras of the sport.
The Dutchman labelled these regulations as “anti-racing” and even described the car as “Formula E on steroids.”
The regulation changes Verstappen is referring to include F1’s bid to reduce its carbon emissions. Thus, the introduction of 50/50 electric and biofuel engines has come into play. Allowing 2026’s challengers to be significantly smaller and lighter than previous seasons.
Verstappen has been vocal about his desire to continually have fun whilst performing at his best in F1. In saying this, the Red Bull Driver also clarified that if the new regulations are ‘boring’ he is willing to try pathways outside of this series.
“It needs to be fun to drive as well,” Verstappen told media including Motorsport Week.
“I mean, I am, of course, also exploring other things outside of Formula 1 to have fun at.”
The 28-year-old has already explored several series outside of F1, including endurance and sim racing. Ultimately maintaining his love for motorsport outside of F1.
Norris responds to Verstappen’s ‘boring’ claims
Despite Verstappen disliking the new regulation of the sport, his main rival last season, Lando Norris, shared a different opinion. The Briton shared his excitement for the season ahead, alongside an overwhelmingly positive response whilst driving the new-era F1 car.
“A lot of fun. I really enjoy it,” Norris told media including Motorsport Week in Bahrain whilst reflecting on his testing thus far.
When informed on his rivals thoughts on the new era, Norris left his response short and to the point.
“So, yeah, if he wants to retire, he can retire.”
He then emphasised the sport’s changing nature and that drivers must adapt, even when conditions are not as fun to drive.
“I mean, Formula 1 changes all the time. Sometimes it’s a bit better to drive, sometimes not as good to drive,” Norris added.
When asked if he shared a similar sentiment to his rival, to which he had a more complex response.
“ I mean, we get paid a stupid amount of money to drive, so you can’t really complain in the end of the day.
“Any driver can go and find something else to do. It’s not like he has to be here. Or any driver has to be here.
“It’s a challenge, but it’s a good, fun challenge for the engineers, for the drivers. It’s different. You have to drive it in a different way and understand things differently and manage things differently.
“But I still get to drive cars and travel the world and have a lot of fun. So no, nothing to complain about.”
Does this mean Norris has the advantage in 2026?
The stark difference between Verstappen and Norris’ reactions to the cars left many wondering if this could be a potential upperhand for the Briton. Potentially enabling him to secure back-to-back championship victories.
However, the Briton reminded fans and media that there is no counting out Max Verstappen. Even if he doesn’t enjoy these new regulations, the Dutchman’s ability to understand and work with his machinery is hard to underestimate.
“Not really,” Norris said when asked if he had the upper hand in 2026, based on Verstappen’s early thoughts.
“I don’t expect Max to go out and not give a sh*t.”
“He’s going to try and win. Max is never going to not try.”
“So anyone and everyone can make their own opinions and have their own opinions and say and decide what they want to do. No one should complain about that or be upset about it.
Every driver has their own opinions, and he didn’t like it, and I like it.”
READ MORE – Max Verstappen issues damning ‘like Formula E on steroids’ assessment of new F1 cars
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