Lando Norris Responds After Max Verstappen Slams New F1 2026 Cars

Lando Norris has hit back at Max Verstappen after he launched an extraordinary attack on the new cars in Formula 1 this season.

The sport is going to look very different this season. F1 wants to become more sustainable and thus major regulations have been introduced, with new chassis and power units.

The new engines are more reliant on electrical energy, meaning drivers have to use new techniques to charge their batteries.

The 11 teams have been testing their new cars vigorously in recent times, with the new season now just three weeks away. They are currently in Bahrain as they partake in three testing events.

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Max Verstappen Slams New F1 Cars

Verstappen, who narrowly missed out on his fifth world title last year, has now made his feelings very clear about the new cars.

“As a driver, the feeling is not very Formula 1 like. It feels a bit more like Formula E on steroids,” the Red Bull Racing driver said.

“But the rules are the same for everyone, so you have to deal with that. And that’s also not my problem, because I’m all for that, equal chances, I don’t mind that.

“And for me, that’s just not Formula 1, because maybe it’s then better to drive Formula E, right? Because that’s all about energy, efficiency and management. That’s what they stand for.”

While Verstappen isn’t happy about the new regulations, he did promise to give his best, despite excitement not being high.

He added: “So yeah, driving wise, not so fun. But at the same time, I also know what is at stake with the team, our own engine, and seeing the excitement of the people. Of course, when I sit in the car, I will always give it my very best. They know that. But, excitement level’s not so high, to drive.”

Lando Norris Disagrees With Max Verstappen

Reigning world champion Lando Norris has now given his take on the regulations. When told about Verstappen’s complaints, the McLaren driver responded, per ESPN:

“Any driver can go and find something else to do, you know? It’s not like he has to be here or any driver has to be here.

“It’s a challenge but it’s a good fun challenge for the engineers, for the drivers. It’s different, you have to drive it in a different way and understand things differently and manage things differently. But you still get to drive cars and travel the world and have a lot of fun. So, no nothing to complain about.”

Norris added: “I don’t expect Max is going to go out and not give a s–, you know? He’s going to try and win and Max is never going to not try, he’s just not going to smile as much maybe — I guess that might be the case.

“Anyone and everyone can make their own opinions and have their own opinions, and say and decide what they want to do. No one should complain about that or be upset about it. Every driver has their own opinions and he didn’t like it and I like it.”

The Formula 1 season gets underway on March 8 at Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit in. Melbourne, Australia.