Norris: New F1 qualifying style will take time for fans to get used to
Lando Norris explains that 2026 F1 regulations will force drivers to lift off the throttle during qualifying laps to manage battery energy, a dramatic break from the traditional 'flat-out' approach. He admits this new style is a mental challenge for drivers and may take time for fans to accept, but believes it will open new strategic opportunities and improve racing.
Defending world champion Lando Norris says the new 2026 Formula 1 regulations will require drivers to lift off the throttle on qualifying laps to manage battery energy, a fundamental shift from the traditional 'flat-out' approach. He acknowledges this new style, born from the increased importance of energy deployment, presents a unique mental challenge for drivers and may initially feel unnatural for fans accustomed to maximum-attack laps.
Why it matters:
The core spectacle of a qualifying lap—a driver pushing a car to its absolute limit—is being redefined by the 2026 technical rules. This change directly impacts how drivers approach the single most intense moment of a Grand Prix weekend and could alter the perceived purity of the ultimate speed test, requiring a new understanding from the audience.
The details:
- Norris confirmed that circuits will have corners requiring a lift where drivers previously went flat-out, specifically citing the final corner in Barcelona as a key example.
- The mental challenge is significant: drivers must begin a hot lap knowing they cannot use full power in certain sections to preserve electrical energy for later deployment.
- This energy management creates a new strategic layer, turning previously grip-limited corners into opportunities for tyre performance to make a bigger difference.
- The McLaren driver believes the adjustment will improve over time as teams and drivers optimize their approaches, potentially leading to better racing.
The big picture:
The 2026 regulations aim to make cars lighter, nimbler, and more reliant on electrical power. Norris's comments highlight the tangible, on-track consequence of this shift: a qualifying lap is no longer just about bravery and car control, but also about precise energy budgeting from the very start. This evolution mirrors Formula 1's broader technical direction but fundamentally alters a classic element of the sport.
What's next:
As pre-season testing continues, drivers and teams will refine their understanding of the new energy management demands. Norris expects the sport to make adjustments to improve the spectacle for racing and viewers. The true test of fan reception will come during the first qualifying sessions of 2026, where the sight and sound of drivers lifting on a flying lap will become the new normal.