McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri are adapting their preparations for Formula 1's major 2026 regulation changes, focusing on an increased workload in the cockpit. They emphasize more time in the simulator to handle new controls and energy management systems. The updates include a balanced power unit and active aerodynamics replacing DRS.
McLaren's Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have outlined how they are gearing up for Formula 1's transformative 2026 regulations during the team's launch event. The new rules introduce a power unit with an almost 50:50 split between internal combustion and electric power, replacing the Drag Reduction System (DRS) with active aerodynamics. Drivers will also need to manage more input for harvesting and deploying energy, adding complexity to race operations.
While physical training remains largely unchanged, Norris noted a shift toward simulator work to familiarize himself with the alterations. "I mean, you're still preparing a lot of the same ways. Probably a bit more time has been spent on the sim, trying to get used to the different buttons, the different way things work," the 2025 F1 champion explained. He added, "But this year, with the new regulations, there's more changes on the steering wheel and things like that, that we can already start to focus on the simulator and help us prepare for here in Bahrain and Australia."
Piastri echoed the need for heightened focus on the hybrid elements, which will play a more significant role. "There is going to be more for us to think about. We've had the hybrid element of the power units previously, but there's much more significance around it this year," he said. "A lot more power comes from the battery. You can use it up a lot quicker. You can recharge it a lot quicker, so it's a much more dynamic thing that we'll have to keep an eye on."
Both drivers stressed that the core goal of maximizing speed persists, but the cockpit demands will introduce fresh challenges. Their preparations build on last season's review, aiming to refine procedures amid the regulatory overhaul.
