World champion Lando Norris disagrees with Max Verstappen’s criticism of the new Formula 1 regulations. Unlike his rival, the Brit has so far been enjoying the 2026 rules. Norris isn’t surprised by Verstappen’s comments about the new cars, but he does think there’s too much complaining going on.
Verstappen said on Thursday in Bahrain that he takes little pleasure from driving the new cars. The Dutch world champion explained how, in 2026, managing the battery has become more important, meaning drivers can’t always push flat out. Norris describes that as a fun challenge. “If Verstappen wants to stop, he can just stop. Sometimes the cars are better and sometimes a bit worse. We’re paid a massive amount to race, travel the world and enjoy ourselves, so ultimately you can’t really complain,” the McLaren driver told the media in Bahrain.
‘This is just the beginning’
Energy consumption plays a much bigger role in 2026 because of the new rules. Drivers must adapt their driving style to recharge the battery. Verstappen has already called the new cars “Formula E on steroids.” “It makes no sense. Sometimes you have to go slower through a corner to recover enough energy. Sorry, but that belongs in Formula E,” the Dutchman concluded.
The reigning world champion sees it differently. “It may feel different, but it’s still a good car. This is just the start of a new set of regulations. The cars will be quicker by the end of the season,” Norris said.
‘I don’t like it at all’
The Dutchman said Formula 1 had made the wrong call. “This is not worthy of Formula 1,” Verstappen concluded about the new cars. He even admitted he is unsure about continuing in the sport. “I don’t like driving these cars at all. There are many other things I can and will do. That doesn’t help me want to keep going for a long time,” the driver stressed.
Norris, however, doesn’t believe Verstappen will stop trying to become a five-time world champion. “He will always try to win, that doesn’t change. You might see him smile a bit less,” the Brit added. Verstappen himself also insisted that he still enjoys working with the best people in Formula 1.
