Brundle says Lando Norris will thrive under 2026 F1 rules

Martin Brundle, Sky F1 analyst, says Lando Norris is the driver most likely to turn the 2026 rule changes into an advantage. The champion’s humility and hunger mirrors Max Verstappen’s post‑title confidence, but Brundle expects Norris to stay grounded while exploiting the new envelope.

Why it matters:

• The 2026 formula triples on‑board electrical energy, making battery strategy a race‑defining factor for every team.
• Reduced downforce and limited active aero force drivers to rely on smooth cornering and energy recovery, reshaping race‑craft.

The details:

• Testing in Barcelona and Bahrain showed McLaren, Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull still head the pace, but battery‑weight balance separated the front‑runners.
• Norris praised the new regulations, calling the post‑championship phase “a bonus” and emphasizing his willingness to adapt his driving style.
• The first 2026 test in Melbourne during the Australian GP weekend will give drivers a real‑race environment to fine‑tune power‑unit usage.
• The Australian Grand Prix opens on 6 March, with free‑practice sessions that will be the first glimpse of race‑length battery deployment.
• All eyes will be on Norris to see if he can convert his champion’s swagger into consistent points under the stricter energy limits.