Lando Norris
Norris and Verstappen criticize power unit control at Suzuka
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Lando Norris and Max Verstappen expressed frustration with Formula 1's 2026 power unit regulations after the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka. Norris overtook Lewis Hamilton unwillingly due to automatic battery deployment, calling it 'yo-yoing' rather than racing. Verstappen highlighted the track layout's role in making overtakes inefficient.
McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri missed the start of the Chinese Grand Prix due to separate battery problems supplied by Mercedes HPP. Norris' unit suffered a software fault rendering it unusable, while Piastri encountered a hardware issue with a connecting component. The team has removed Norris' battery from use, potentially impacting his season allocations.
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Lando Norris has expressed caution about McLaren's prospects for the 2026 Formula 1 season, stating the team is currently a bit off the pace compared to rivals. During Bahrain pre-season testing, he explained that while some strengths from 2025 persist, significant improvements are needed under the new regulations. Norris also clarified his earlier positive comments on the new cars as an intentional contrast to others' criticisms.
Lando Norris described seeing the number 1 on his McLaren as surreal during the team's debut of the 2026 challenger at Barcelona's pre-season shakedown. The reigning world champion completed 77 laps on Wednesday, focusing on understanding the radically new MCL40 car. McLaren delayed its start to the third day to ensure the vehicle was fully prepared.
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McLaren team principal Andrea Stella has confirmed that the team will continue to offer equal opportunities to drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri in the 2026 Formula 1 season. Stella emphasized maintaining the 'McLaren way' of racing, building on the collaborative success achieved in 2024 and 2025. The approach, known as the 'papaya rules,' prioritizes fairness and sportsmanship between the teammates.
In a dramatic turn at the 2025 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri faced their team's worst performance of the season, with Norris finishing seventh and Piastri crashing out early. Norris highlighted the challenges of maintaining consistency in Formula 1, underscoring how quickly fortunes can shift in the high-stakes world of motorsport. The race exposed vulnerabilities in McLaren's strategy and car setup, potentially impacting their championship aspirations.