Championship Defence in Jeopardy: Norris Sidelined for Opening Practice at Albert Park
Defending Formula 1 champion Lando Norris will miss the opening practice session of the 2026 season at the Australian Grand Prix this weekend. The McLaren driver's absence marks an inauspicious beginning to his title defence campaign.
McLaren's defending world champion Lando Norris faces an unexpected setback as he prepares to kick off his 2026 title defence at Albert Park. The British driver has been ruled out of Friday's opening practice session at this weekend's Australian Grand Prix, dealing a frustrating blow to his bid to retain the prestigious championship.
The timing of Norris's unavailability could hardly be worse for the reigning champion, as the opening practice session typically provides crucial opportunities for drivers to familiarize themselves with updated machinery and track conditions ahead of the competitive weekend ahead. Missing these initial running sessions places the McLaren star at a disadvantage as the championship season commences in earnest.
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Related Regulations
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Full Regulation Text
Article B2.1.3
Free Practice Session Classification
Chapter: B2
In Simple Terms
Free Practice sessions are ranked based on each driver's fastest single lap time. The driver with the quickest lap gets first place, the second quickest gets second place, and so on down the grid.
- Classification is based solely on fastest lap time achieved during the session
- Drivers are ranked from fastest to slowest
- Only the single best lap for each driver counts toward the classification
- Free Practice results do not affect the actual race grid positions
Official FIA Text
Classification determined by fastest lap time set by each driver, with fastest in first position, second fastest in second position, and so on.
Article B1.8.1
Changes Of Driver - Maximum Drivers
Chapter: ARTICLE B1: ORGANISATION OF A COMPETITION
In Simple Terms
Each F1 team can use a maximum of four different drivers across the entire season in race events. Any driver who races, whether they're a regular team member or a substitute, can earn Championship points for themselves and contribute to the team's points total.
- Teams are limited to using only 4 drivers maximum during a Championship season
- This limit applies to all race events throughout the year
- Any driver used can score Championship points - there's no restriction on point-scoring eligibility
- Once a team has used all 4 driver slots, they cannot introduce new drivers for the remainder of the season
Official FIA Text
During Championship each Competitor permitted to use maximum four drivers in Races. Any new driver may score Championship points.
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