According to reigning world champion Lando Norris, the new F1 cars sometimes feel like their smaller siblings from Formula 2. The 26‑year‑old Brit was able to put his brand‑new MCL40 through its paces last week during a private shakedown in Barcelona. The cars are smaller and lighter in 2026, but at the same time use an advanced hybrid system with multiple modes for extra electrical power. Norris therefore calls it a learning process.
From the start of the new F1 season the top category switches to smaller, lighter cars. In addition, the familiar DRS system gives way to active aerodynamics and power is shared evenly between an internal combustion engine and a larger battery. Drivers can deploy the hybrid system for boost and overtaking moves, but must also manage recharging their electrical reserves.
‘Feels like an F2 car’
All teams, with the exception of Williams, were able last week to sample this new F1 era during a private shakedown in Barcelona. The first metres produced mixed reactions. The prevailing view is that drivers will need time to adapt; the new regulations demand several adjustments. Reigning world champion Lando Norris compared his new MCL40 to a Formula 2 machine. “In some respects it certainly feels like an F2 car,” he said this week during a McLaren press appearance. “I’m mainly talking about the handling. Right now I can’t say whether I like that.”
“I think we already learned a lot about the car’s steering in Barcelona,” Norris added. “At the same time that’s an open, wide circuit where you take many corners in third or fourth gear. On street circuits, or on bumpier and slower tracks, we don’t yet know how the car will react. Bahrain will likely give more clarity on that,” he said, looking ahead to the upcoming pre-season tests at the Bahrain International Circuit. “It’s going to be a learning process, but I have full confidence in myself and in my team.”
