Norris Slams 2026 Cars as "Probably the Worst" to Drive, Echoing Verstappen's Concerns
Lando Norris has added his voice to growing criticism of Formula 1's latest generation of machinery, joining Max Verstappen in expressing serious reservations about the 2026 car design. The McLaren driver has labeled the new vehicles as "probably the worst" from a driver experience standpoint, highlighting a significant shift from the previous regulation era.
The complaints about Formula 1's 2026 generation of cars continue to mount, with Lando Norris becoming the latest prominent driver to voice his frustration with the new machinery. Norris has aligned himself with fellow championship contender Max Verstappen in condemning the handling characteristics of the current regulation's designs.
Describing the driving experience in unsparing terms, Norris characterized the 2026 cars as "probably the worst" when evaluated purely from the perspective of what drivers encounter behind the wheel. His remarks underscore a broader sentiment that this generation represents a significant step backwards compared to its predecessor in terms of driver enjoyment and engagement.
Verstappen had previously raised similar objections regarding the 2026 specification, suggesting that Norris's assessment reflects a shared concern among the sport's top talent about the direction of technical regulations. The criticisms point to fundamental issues with how the cars perform and respond to driver inputs during competition.
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The Race
Related Regulations
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Full Regulation Text
Article C3.18.2
Bodywork Flexibility General
Chapter: C3
In Simple Terms
F1 cars must have bodywork that doesn't flex too much when tested with a special device. The test device pushes down on the car's body at a specific location, and the car's panels can only bend a maximum of 15mm under normal pressure or 20mm if pushed to one side.
- Bodywork deflection limits are 15mm symmetrical load or 20mm single-side load
- Test device must weigh no more than 2kg with a flat surface
- Device is positioned 475mm from the car's centerline (Y=0) and 1100mm forward from reference point
- Rules prevent teams from using overly flexible bodywork for aerodynamic advantage
Official FIA Text
Load application devices must have flat top surface without recesses, apply full load to bodywork at test point, be placed with inner face 475mm from Y=0, forward face at XF=-1100, top face at Z=300, and have mass no more than 2kg. Vertical deflection must not exceed 15mm when load applied symmetrically or 20mm when applied to one side.
Article C3.18.3
Front Wing Flap Flexibility
Chapter: C3
In Simple Terms
F1 front wing flaps are tested to ensure they don't flex too much during cornering. When engineers push down on the flap with a force equivalent to about 13 pounds using a rubber pad, the flap's trailing edge can only bend a maximum of 10mm (less than half an inch). This prevents teams from gaining unfair aerodynamic advantages through excessive flap movement.
- Maximum deflection allowed is 10mm at the trailing edge of front wing flaps
- Test applies a 60 Newton load (approximately 13 pounds of force) to the flap
- Flap must be tested in Cornering Mode, simulating real race conditions
- Load is applied through a 25mm diameter rubber pad to simulate realistic contact
Official FIA Text
Trailing edge of FW Primary or Secondary Flap may deflect no more than 10mm when 60N point load applied normal to flap. Flap must be in Cornering Mode. Load applied through 25mm diameter rubber pad. Deflection measured relative to forward-most element of Front Wing Profiles.
Article C1.2
Regulatory Framework
Chapter: ARTICLE C1: GENERAL PRINCIPLES
In Simple Terms
F1 is governed by four main rulebooks: the International Sporting Code (general racing rules), plus three F1-specific regulations covering technical specifications, sporting conduct, and financial matters. These documents are regularly updated and work together to ensure fair competition.
- Four core regulatory documents govern F1: ISC, Technical Regulations, Sporting Regulations, and Financial Regulations
- These regulations are amended periodically to adapt to changing circumstances in the sport
- All four document sets must be followed equally by teams, drivers, and officials
- The regulations cover every aspect of F1 from car design to driver conduct to team finances
Official FIA Text
The regulations applicable to the Championship are the International Sporting Code (the ISC), the Formula One Technical Regulations, the Formula One Sporting Regulations, and the Formula One Financial Regulations, as amended from time to time, together referred to as the Regulations.
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