Lando Norris Compares 2026 F1 Cars to F2 Machines—And He’s Not Sure What to Think
The 2025 World Champion shares his mixed feelings about the upcoming regulation changes.
A Bold New Era for Formula 1
The 2026 season is shaping up to be a revolutionary chapter for Formula 1. With sweeping regulation changes set to redefine the sport, teams and drivers are bracing for a seismic shift in car design and performance. Among the most vocal figures weighing in on the transformation is Lando Norris, the reigning 2025 F1 World Champion. In a recent statement, Norris drew a surprising comparison between the 2026 F1 cars and the Formula 2 machines he once raced—leaving him with more questions than answers.
Norris: « The 2026 Cars Feel Like F2 »
Norris, who clinched the 2025 title in a dominant campaign, has firsthand experience with both F1 and F2 machinery. His observations about the 2026 regulations suggest a significant departure from the current generation of cars. According to Norris, the new designs bear a striking resemblance to the F2 cars he piloted earlier in his career—a comparison that has left him uncertain about the direction of the sport.
« It’s interesting to see how the 2026 cars are shaping up. In some ways, they remind me of the F2 cars I drove. I’m not sure if that’s a good thing or a bad thing yet. »
Norris’s comments highlight a potential identity crisis for Formula 1. While the sport has always been about pushing technological boundaries, the 2026 regulations—focused on sustainability, cost reduction, and closer racing—risk diluting the raw performance and engineering brilliance that define F1.
What Does This Mean for the Future of F1?
The 2026 regulations are designed to make the sport more sustainable and competitive, with a stronger emphasis on hybrid power units and lighter chassis. However, Norris’s comparison to F2 raises important questions:
- Will the new cars lose the « F1 feel »? F2 cars, while impressive in their own right, lack the aerodynamic sophistication and sheer power of modern F1 machines. If the 2026 cars lean too far in this direction, purists may argue that F1 is losing its soul.
- Could this level the playing field? On the flip side, simpler, more standardized designs could reduce the performance gap between teams, leading to closer racing—something fans have clamored for.
- How will drivers adapt? For a champion like Norris, who thrives on the nuances of high-downforce, high-speed F1 cars, the transition to a more « F2-like » machine could be a double-edged sword.
The Bigger Picture: Evolution or Compromise?
Formula 1 has always been a balancing act between innovation and tradition. The 2026 regulations are a bold step toward a greener, more accessible future, but Norris’s comments underscore the challenges of maintaining the sport’s elite status.
As teams begin testing the new prototypes, all eyes will be on how these changes translate on the track. Will the 2026 cars revolutionize racing, or will they blur the lines between F1 and its feeder series? Only time—and Norris’s future feedback—will tell.
Sources
This article is based on the following source: « Norris compare les F1 2026 à des F2… et ne sait pas quoi en penser »(Lando Norris compares 2026 F1 cars to F2 and isn’t sure what to think).