The technical regulation changes approved this week are expected to help restore part of that lost magic in qualifying seen so far this season. However, when it comes to extracting maximum performance from the 2026 Formula 1 cars over a single lap, there are also completely new characteristics to deal with—starting with the unusual need to avoid accelerating in specific sections of the track in order to gain time elsewhere.
Looking at the numbers, the start of the season has been disappointing. Two fifth-place finishes across the first three race weekends represent a tally that falls short of the expectations typically associated with a world championship contender. Nevertheless, Lando Norris is fully aware that, in recent years, McLaren’s real strength has been its ability to make significant progress as the season unfolds. It is no coincidence that, as already anticipated by team principal Andrea Stella, a heavily upgraded version of the McLaren MCL40—almost a completely new car—is set to debut between Miami and Montreal.
Moreover, the Lando Norris of today—with seven full seasons of Formula 1 experience behind him—is a very different figure compared to the young rookie who entered the paddock in 2019. The smile that defined his early years has gradually given way to a deeper sense of awareness, a stronger command of his environment, and a more refined analytical approach, all of which are clearly evident when he speaks to the media. During the media day organized by McLaren at Woking, Norris addressed a number of topics, starting with what he believes has been missing so far in the 2026 season: the thrill and emotion of a qualifying lap.
“When you go out on track for a fast lap, you’re always trying to brake as late as possible, accelerate as early as possible, carry as much speed as possible through the fast corners, go full throttle—doing all those little things to stay right on the limit. But that extra element that allows you to find the last one or two percent has disappeared, and that’s what makes it all so special. So far, that element has been missing.”
“Take Japan as an example,” he continued. “Suzuka is one of those circuits where you’re constantly trying to push harder to find more speed, you end up fighting the car, but in a way that’s exactly what’s missing right now. There have been situations, like in China, where you make a small mistake and somehow the lap becomes better, because you save energy in one area and then use it somewhere else. In an ideal world, it shouldn’t be like that—you should just be rewarded for going as fast as possible.”
Norris paints a very clear picture of the current situation. “It’s still possible to drive quickly, but you also have to take into account other factors, like not accelerating in certain parts of the track. It’s something I’ve never done before—not in single-seaters, not in GT racing, not in any category. That said, achieving pole position still requires an outstanding performance: you can’t take anything away from those who manage it. George and Kimi have driven in an incredible way, but that special feeling—that extra couple of percentage points when you’re truly on the limit—is missing.”
This is the aspect Lando Norris keeps emphasizing: the importance of rewarding extra effort and risk. “In qualifying in Shanghai, I felt like the car had a bit more grip and I went on the throttle 5 to 10 meters earlier. It felt great, but then you look at the delta and it’s going down, and by the time you reach the straight… you’re slower. It’s not a good feeling inside the car. In Shanghai I think I did a good job, I took some risks, but then I was ‘rewarded’ with 10 km/h less on the straight, and you end up losing more than you gain. That’s the current challenge: you have to adapt and make the most of what you have.”
There is still confidence looking ahead to the future. As early as the next round in Miami, encouraging signs could emerge thanks to the regulatory changes approved by the Formula 1 Commission. Speaking also about the possible retirement hinted at by Max Verstappen, Norris gave a very different response compared to earlier in the season. “Max has always been very straightforward in saying what he thinks—whether you agree with him or not, he’s always himself, and I think that’s a great way to live life.”
“It would be a loss for the sport if that happened, because he’s probably one of the best drivers ever seen in Formula 1. And I think it would also be a shame for us, because even if sometimes he makes our lives incredibly difficult, it’s always a pleasure to race against him. It’s always exciting to compete against someone who has won four World Championships. You always want to race against the best in the world, and he is definitely one of them.”
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