Following the first qualifying session under Formula 1's new 2026 rules at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, several drivers expressed dissatisfaction with the cars' handling and energy management demands. Max Verstappen and Lando Norris led the public critiques, describing the vehicles as unenjoyable and a step back from previous eras. While Mercedes secured a front-row lockout with George Russell on pole, the focus shifted to concerns raised in an intense drivers' briefing.
The qualifying session at Albert Park highlighted the challenges of F1's 2026 regulations, which feature a 50-50 split between electric and combustion power, emphasizing energy harvesting and straight mode zones. Mercedes confirmed its pre-season form as George Russell took pole position ahead of teammate Kimi Antonelli, with Red Bull's Isack Hadjar in third and McLaren's Lando Norris in sixth. However, defending champion Norris was outspoken about the cars' shortcomings, stating, "We've come from the best cars ever made in Formula 1 and the nicest to drive to probably the worst. It sucks, but you have to live with it."
Norris explained the difficulties, noting drivers must "decelerate so much before corners" and "lift everywhere to make sure the [battery] pack's at the top," while constantly monitoring the steering wheel every three seconds to avoid going off track. This distraction contributed to him running over debris from Antonelli's car in Q3. Red Bull's Max Verstappen echoed these sentiments, having previously called the rules "Formula E on steroids" and refusing simulator sessions. After crashing out in qualifying, he said, "I'm not enjoying it at all... emotionally and in terms of feeling it's completely empty."
An intense drivers' briefing preceded the session, lasting longer than usual and focusing on track-specific issues like straight mode zones. The FIA proposed removing the zone between Turns 8 and 9, but most teams opposed it, with Audi reportedly pushing hardest—though driver Gabriel Bortoleto denied being the most vocal. Behind closed doors, Lewis Hamilton and Aston Martin's Lance Stroll also criticized the regulations, with Stroll lamenting, "It would be nice... to have some cars that sound good, a little bit less complicated, and just more like normal, good racing."
McLaren's Oscar Piastri added that the cars require lifting and coasting multiple times per lap, resulting in up to 450 horsepower less in some corners. While Russell defended the chassis as more agile, like a "go-kart" compared to prior "bouncing bus" designs, he acknowledged power unit adjustments are needed. The FIA plans an evaluation after the Chinese Grand Prix to explore tweaks like limiting energy recovery or reducing electrical power deployment, though Verstappen warned the latter could slow lap times. Norris emphasized drivers' complaints stem from the sport's best interests, saying, "We also want the best for the sport... cooler cars, better to watch, more exciting."
