Reigning Formula 1 World Champion Lando Norris remains “passionate” about improving the sport, despite concerns about the series’ groundbreaking 2026 regulations.
The 2026 regulations have been one of the most heavily scrutinised rule packages in F1 history. Since early testing, criticism has arisen from drivers, teams, and even fans concerned about the mass changes.
This was evident in the early rounds of the season, with the introduction of superclipping, seeing cars dramatically reduce electrical deployment on long straights, creating significant speed differences between competitors.
Widespread concern and an incident with Ollie Bearman in Suzuka prompted the FOM and FIA to make swift changes. These revisions were introduced to improve both safety and the quality of racing.
McLaren’s Norris believes that despite early issues, the sport is heading in a positive direction. Emphasising the importance of change for a better F1 future.
“As we’ve said a few times, these regulations are a bit of a departure from what’s come before, but what we are seeing is more intense racing, more overtaking and more battles,” Norris explained.
“It’s important to find the right balance, so that as drivers and teams, we can make the difference on track and deliver exciting racing, but that’s where work is ongoing.”
Despite the initial challenges the series faced, Norris highlighted that F1 is in a strong position moving forward.
“In terms of where F1 is as a sport, it’s clearly the healthiest it’s ever been, and we’ve all seen the benefits of that – fans, drivers and teams,” the Briton explained.
“F1 will always be great, and I know everyone involved in the sport, me included, is passionate about making it even better still.”
Norris welcomes greater collaboration with F1
Norris also praised the governing bodies’ willingness to engage with driver feedback. Throughout the season, there has been greater collaboration between competitors, the FIA and FOM, something rare in recent seasons, according to Norris.
“Sometimes we try to use our voice to improve the sport, and that doesn’t always come across the right way. That passion can get the better of us. And it might be the case that in an ideal world we, as drivers we would want something a bit different.”
“What is important – and different from the past – is that we know we can go and speak to Stefano [Domenicali, F1 CEO], to Mohammed [Ben Sulayem, FIA president] and have those discussions. But we live in the real world where it’s just not always possible to do everything we as drivers want.
The Briton continued by claiming the sport has already made important steps forward. Improving aspects of racing not only for drivers but for the fans tuning in across the world.
“We’ve made some good progress this year already,” Norris said.
“And we know bigger changes will need to come across the next few seasons.
We all know that if we can make the racing as exciting as possible, we can make the sport even more enjoyable for the fans, and that’s what we’re working towards achieving.”
Following victory in Hungary, Norris enters the summer break with renewed momentum in the championship. While work on the 2026 regulations is set to continue, the McLaren driver remains confident the series is heading in the right direction.
READ MORE: Gabriel Bortoleto hits back at F1 regulation criticism
Discussion about this post