— reporting by AAP
Reigning world champion Lando Norris has launched a scathing attack on Formula 1’s new regulations, declaring that they “suck” and the 2026 cars are the “worst” in history.
The sport’s biggest regulations overhaul looms as the key issue for Sunday’s season-opening grand prix in Melbourne, with reliability also likely to be a big issue.
Under the new regulations, almost 50 per cent of a car’s power unit is a battery, which drains unless drivers recharge it while braking or by lifting off the throttle.
That has created a particular issue at Albert Park, with drivers needing to lift on the long sweeping back straight, given there are minimal twisty sections of the track.
The reigning champion Norris made no secret of his frustration over the current regulations, and where he fears they have left the sport.
“We’ve come from the best cars ever made in Formula 1, and the nicest to drive, to probably the worst. It sucks,” Norris said.
“Everyone knows what the issues are. It’s just the fact the engine is a 50-50 split and it just doesn’t work.
“You decelerate so much before corners, you have to lift everywhere to make sure the battery pack is at the top level.
“But if the pack’s too high, you’re also screwed. It’s just difficult.”
The British champion also suggested 20 of the 22 drivers on the grid had complained about the situation in a meeting on Friday.
Piastri was more reserved in his views around the new regulations after qualifying on Saturday, but noted the car was down 450 horsepower on some corners compared to last year.
“I think everyone can see the state of things,” the Australian said.
“I think it will probably improve a bit but there is clearly some fundamental things that won’t be very easy to fix. I don’t really know what we do about that.
“It will be better at different tracks. We will have different challenges at other tracks.”
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