World champion highlights how new regulations are making Formula 1 more complex and unpredictable
The introduction of the new Formula 1 technical regulations has inevitably had a significant impact on both aerodynamics and power unit behavior across the grid. As a result, several teams and drivers have used the opening rounds of the championship as an extended adaptation phase, focusing on understanding the new generation of cars as effectively as possible. Among them is reigning world champion Lando Norris, who has pointed out a number of both obvious and subtle disadvantages that have emerged under the new rules.
Reduced running time and early-season learning curve
One of the key issues highlighted by Lando Norris is the limited track time available during Friday practice sessions. Due to various technical problems encountered during early running, the British driver’s on-track mileage has been restricted on several occasions, including at the Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka.
“Yes, 100%, much more,” Lando Norris explained to the media when discussing the impact of reduced running time in Japan. “It’s obviously still a new car, and it’s a new circuit where the asphalt provides much more grip. It’s also new asphalt. It’s a much faster track, so you have to drive the car completely differently compared to what we’ve done in recent years.”
According to Lando Norris, this constant need for adaptation is one of the defining characteristics of the current Formula 1 era, where even small changes in track surface or temperature can significantly alter the behavior of the car.
Battery deployment and setup complexity in modern F1 cars
Issues related to errors and inconsistency were also visible in earlier rounds in Melbourne and Shanghai, with Lando Norris emphasizing how energy management strategies—particularly lift and coast techniques—must now be fully integrated into overall car setup decisions.
“Did you see at Spoon Curve how many driving errors there were?” Lando Norris said. “The use of the battery has an impact on the setup, and we have to take that into account. The setup has to be done with lift and coast in mind. When we lift off the throttle, we have to make sure the car doesn’t become unstable.” – the McLaren driver pointed out.
He further underlined that modern Formula 1 performance is no longer just about pure mechanical grip or aerodynamic efficiency, but also about how effectively drivers can manage energy recovery and deployment throughout the lap.
As a result, corners such as Suzuka’s Spoon Curve have become increasingly complex, requiring a delicate balance between braking strategy, throttle modulation, and hybrid system usage, all of which contribute to the overall stability and competitiveness of the car.
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