The Formula 1 world is abuzz with the latest round of criticism from its top drivers, with Lando Norris and Max Verstappen leading the charge against the new generation of F1 cars. The 2026 regulations, which aim to introduce a 50-50 split between electric and combustion power, have seemingly resulted in a driving experience that is far from ideal.
Norris, who recently qualified sixth and was almost a second off the pace for the first race of the new season, expressed his dissatisfaction with the new cars, stating, 'The problem is 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.' This distraction, he believes, is a significant issue that affects his performance.
The driver's comments come as no surprise, given his previous experience with the 2025 car, which he describes as 'the best car ever made in Formula 1, and the nicest to drive.' The stark contrast between the two generations of cars is evident, and Norris' frustration is palpable.
Verstappen, who has been a consistent critic of the new regulations since the initial simulations, shares Norris' sentiments. The two drivers are not alone in their dissatisfaction, as Oscar Piastri also weighed in, stating, 'It's the same as we imagined. We'll have different challenges at other tracks because the tracks are kind of in two categories at the moment of being energy-starved and energy-rich.'
The underlying issue, as Norris points out, is the 50-50 split between electric and combustion power. This has led to a range of problems, including the need to decelerate significantly before corners and the constant lifting required to maintain the battery pack's position. These factors contribute to the overall difficulty of driving the new cars.
The criticism from these top drivers highlights a deeper issue within the sport. The introduction of new regulations, while intended to promote innovation and sustainability, has seemingly resulted in a driving experience that is far from ideal. The challenge now lies in finding a balance between the technical advancements and the driving experience that F1 enthusiasts have come to expect.
In the meantime, the drivers are left to navigate the challenges presented by the new cars, with the hope that the issues will be addressed in future seasons. The future of Formula 1 may depend on finding a solution that satisfies both the technical and driving aspects of the sport.
