Lando Norris: 2026-spec F1 car “feels more like an F2 car”

McLaren’s Lando Norris has offered a provocative early assessment of Formula 1’s impending 2026 technical regulations, describing the simulated next-generation machinery as possessing a driving sensation akin to a Formula 2 car. The accomplished F1 race winner and 2018 Formula 2 runner-up shared his initial impressions during the recent Barcelona pre-season testing for the 2024 season, though his remarks pertained to his experiences with early conceptual models of the 2026 cars in the simulator.

Norris, who recently sampled McLaren’s new MCL38 (for the 2024 season) during a behind-closed-doors shakedown at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, emphasized that his conclusions regarding the 2026-spec cars were still preliminary. "It certainly feels more like an F2 car in some ways with how you have to drive it," Norris stated, reflecting on his simulator runs. "I don’t know if I like that or not for the time being." He acknowledged the limited scope of initial testing, noting that circuits like Barcelona, characterized by high-speed third and fourth-gear corners, might not fully reveal the cars’ ultimate characteristics. "I think we understood quite a few things already from Barcelona on how you had to drive the car, but in Barcelona you’re talking about fourth-gear corners, third-gear corners, quite open, quite wide. When you get to a street track or bumpy tracks, slower tracks, I think that’s a question we’re yet to answer, and Bahrain will answer some of those questions."

The radical overhaul planned for Formula 1 in 2026 aims to introduce a new era of racing defined by sustainability, closer competition, and enhanced road relevance. The regulations stipulate a significant shift towards smaller, lighter chassis, a reduction in overall downforce, and the implementation of active aerodynamics, featuring movable front and rear wings designed to reduce drag on straights and increase downforce through corners. Perhaps the most profound change lies in the power unit, which will see an unprecedented 50% split between internal combustion and electric energy. This new hybrid architecture is expected to introduce "power boosts" – a manually deployable electric energy system for both overtaking and defense, adding a strategic layer to racing.

In contrast, current Formula 2 cars, while also turbocharged, operate with a simpler, non-hybrid powertrain. Their chassis are designed to be more robust and less aerodynamically complex than Formula 1 cars, demanding a driving style often described as more raw and physically demanding due to less grip and reliance on mechanical balance. The perceived similarity Norris and others have noted likely stems from the expected reduction in downforce and the lighter chassis of the 2026 F1 cars, which could necessitate a more fundamental, less aero-dependent driving approach akin to F2. The active aerodynamics, while advanced, are intended to manage drag and downforce dynamically, potentially leading to moments where the car feels less ‘glued’ to the track than current F1 machinery. The sophisticated energy management required for the new 50% electric power unit will also introduce a new dimension, possibly influencing how drivers attack corners and deploy power, drawing parallels to the more straightforward, unassisted power delivery of F2.

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Norris is not the first driver to draw this comparison. The debate surrounding the 2026 regulations intensified last year during the Las Vegas Grand Prix, as drivers began to share insights from their early simulator sessions. Aston Martin reserve driver Jak Crawford notably described the simulated 2026 car as "quite similar to drive to an F2 car." This sentiment was echoed by Isack Hadjar, who, upon being presented with Crawford’s comments, agreed, stating the car felt "closer to an F2 car performance-wise." These early observations quickly shifted the discourse from merely discussing driving behaviour to raising concerns about potential performance degradation.

The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) has been keen to address and mitigate these concerns, which it increasingly views as potentially damaging to the championship’s image. Nikolas Tombazis, the FIA’s single-seater director, strongly refuted the more extreme comparisons. "I think comments about Formula 2 pace are way off the mark," Tombazis asserted, providing clarification on the projected performance of the new cars. He explained the FIA’s strategy, noting, "We are talking about lap times, overall, which are in the region of one or two seconds off where we are now, depending on the track, depending on the conditions."

Tombazis further elaborated on the rationale behind a deliberately slower initial cycle. "At the start of a cycle, it would be silly to be faster than the previous cycle. It would cost us nothing from a regulations point of view, it would be very easy to make the cars go faster. But one has to gradually claw back what is gained by natural development. So you can’t start the cycle going faster than the previous one." He warned against the long-term implications of such an approach: "Then, you know, in 20 years from now, you can imagine what would happen." Despite the initial performance dip, Tombazis remained firm on the cars’ F1 identity. "So I think it’s natural that the cars are a bit slower, but I don’t think we are anywhere near the ‘it’s not a Formula 1’ [car] discussion in any way or shape."

While the discussions initially centred on driving feel, and later performance, more recent driver feedback has also highlighted positive aspects of the future machinery. Esteban Ocon, Oliver Bearman, and Oscar Piastri have all described the new cars as "more nimble," a characteristic that could be attributed to the reduced weight and redesigned aerodynamics. This ‘nimble’ quality could lead to more dynamic handling, particularly in tighter sections of circuits, potentially enhancing driver enjoyment and race spectacle.

Gabriel Bortoleto, another driver who has had simulator exposure to the 2026 regulations, also weighed in on the first day of the Barcelona test for the 2024 season. He likened the new machinery to F2 without delving into specific details but highlighted the overall change. "They are very different," Bortoleto remarked. "They feel a little different. I don’t know how to express because I didn’t really drive any similar car in the past. I would say the Formula 2 car, it’s much slower than the old regulations of Formula 1. And I feel these ones are going to be slower as well." He did, however, express enthusiasm for the technological advancements. "But it’s very cool, you know, to have the power unit being 50% electric now, you’ll go out of the corner and you have so much speed being deployed and then you can see how strong it is. And these things are different and you need to get used to it and adapt your way of driving the car as well. But as I always say, it’s still a racing car and it’s not another world. It’s just a new regulation change that is very different."

Regarding lap times, an unofficial benchmark from the Barcelona shakedown for the 2024 season saw Lewis Hamilton clock a 1m16.348s. This time, achieved with a 2024-spec car in early testing conditions, was approximately five seconds slower than last year’s pole position time at the Spanish Grand Prix (Max Verstappen’s 1m12.272s in 2023). However, such shakedown times are rarely indicative of a car’s full potential, given the limited running, non-optimal track conditions, and early stage of development. Teams typically find significant pace as the season progresses. For context, last year’s F2 pole time at Barcelona was Arvid Lindblad’s 1m25.180s. This stark difference unequivocally demonstrates that even the initial, slower F1 2026 cars will remain substantially faster than their F2 counterparts, despite the driving feel similarities perceived by some. The "one or two seconds off" current pace projected by the FIA remains a significant margin over F2.

The upcoming Bahrain tests will provide further critical insights into the performance and characteristics of the 2024 cars, information that will undoubtedly feed into the ongoing development of the 2026 regulations. As teams and drivers continue to grapple with simulated data and conceptual designs, the blend of innovation and adaptation required for the 2026 Formula 1 season promises a transformative era for the sport. The debate over whether the cars will retain their essential F1 identity, while embracing new technologies and driving styles, remains a central theme as the sport approaches this significant regulatory shift.

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Jonas Leo: Jonas Leo is a passionate motorsport journalist and lifelong Formula 1 enthusiast. With a sharp eye for race strategy and driver performance, he brings readers closer to the world of Grand Prix racing through in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive paddock insights. Jonas has covered everything from preseason testing to dramatic title deciders, capturing the emotion and precision that define modern F1. When he’s not tracking lap times or pit stop tactics, he enjoys exploring classic racing archives and writing about the evolution of F1 technology.

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