Verstappen and Norris: Champions of Disappointment
Two of F1’s biggest stars struggle to hide their frustration with the 2026 regulations
They fought hard on track, but Max Verstappen and Lando Norris had no reason to smile after the Australian Grand Prix. The 2026 regulations remain a bitter pill to swallow for Formula 1’s biggest names.
While George Russell celebrated a dominant victory at Albert Park, two of the sport’s most prominent figures were left questioning the direction of Formula 1. Both Verstappen and Norris made their feelings unmistakably clear: the new 2026 cars are not what they hoped for.
Verstappen: « Not Having Fun at All »
The four-time world champion’s frustration reached boiling point after a qualifying crash that sent him to the back of the grid. The Dutchman suffered a dramatic rear-axle lock-up entering Turn 1, sliding into the gravel trap and into the barrier.
« I just hit the pedal and the whole rear axle just completely locked, » Verstappen explained. « Which, especially with these F1 cars, is very weird. I’ve never experienced that in my whole life. »
« I’m definitely not having fun at all with these cars. Whether I had been at the front or where I am now, in terms of emotion and feeling, I am completely empty. »
— Max VerstappenVerstappen had been vocal about his concerns even before arriving in Melbourne, describing the new regulations as « Formula E on steroids » during pre-season testing. The Australian GP only confirmed his worst fears.
« In the simulator, it already felt bad, too, to the point where you just don’t want to drive anymore, » he added. « I’ve already explained that, and it’s just the same now. The formula is just not correct. »
Norris: « It Sucks »
The defending champion’s weekend was equally frustrating. Lando Norris struggled throughout qualifying and the race, eventually finishing fifth—over 50 seconds behind Russell.
When asked about his feelings towards the new cars, Norris was blunt: « 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 and just maximize what you get given. »
« Everyone knows what the issues are. It’s just the fact that it’s a 50-50 split [between electric and combustion power], it just doesn’t work. You decelerate so much before corners, you have to lift everywhere to make sure the battery pack’s at the top. »
— Lando NorrisNorris explained that the constant attention required to manage energy systems detracts from the pure racing experience. « The problem is you have to look at the steering wheel every three seconds to see what’s going to happen, otherwise you’re going to end up off the track. »
Key Quotes
- Verstappen: « The formula is just not correct »
- Verstappen: « I’m definitely not having fun at all »
- Norris: « It sucks »
- Norris: « Probably the worst [cars] ever »
- Norris: « 50-50 split just doesn’t work »
A Season of Challenges?
Both drivers suggested that the 2026 season will be a long one, with fundamental issues that cannot be easily fixed. The energy management requirements at circuits like Albert Park make the racing feel artificial, taking away from the pure driving experience that made previous eras enjoyable.
As Formula 1 moves to the next circuits, the question remains: will the drivers’ concerns lead to changes, or must they simply adapt to a new way of racing?