Norris Fires Back at Verstappen Over New F1 Car Complaints
Lando Norris has issued a blunt retort to Max Verstappen's criticisms of the latest generation of Formula 1 cars, telling his rival he is free to retire if he finds the vehicles unsatisfactory. The exchange comes after Verstappen voiced strong disapproval during pre-season testing, labeling the 2026 cars as "anti-racing" and hinting at a potential exit from the sport.
Verstappen's Scathing Assessment of 2026 F1 Cars
Four-time world champion Max Verstappen did not hold back in his critique of the new F1 cars at pre-season testing in Bahrain. He described the focus on energy management as akin to "Formula E on steroids" and expressed concerns that the driving experience might lack enjoyment. Verstappen, who is already involved in endurance racing at the Nurburgring alongside his F1 duties, openly contemplated walking away if the cars prove unappealing to drive.
Norris's Dismissive Response and Defence of the Sport
In contrast, Lando Norris, who narrowly defeated Verstappen for last year's championship by a mere two points, was quick to dismiss these complaints. Speaking on Thursday evening, Norris stated, "I had a lot of fun. I really enjoyed it. So yeah, if he wants to retire he can retire." He emphasized the lucrative nature of F1, noting, "We get paid a stupid amount of money to drive so you can't really complain at the end of the day."
Norris further argued that the sport constantly evolves, presenting new challenges for drivers and engineers alike. "It's a challenge but it's a good fun challenge for the engineers, for the drivers. It's different, you have to drive it in a different way and understand things differently and manage things differently," he explained. "But you still get to drive cars and travel the world and have a lot of fun. So, no nothing to complain about."
Competitive Outlook for the Upcoming Season
Despite Verstappen's vocal dissatisfaction, early indications suggest that Red Bull remains a top contender for the 2026 season. The team has demonstrated superior straight-line speed in Bahrain, marking their first year producing a power unit in collaboration with Ford. Meanwhile, McLaren, utilizing Mercedes engines, appears competitive, with Norris confident that Verstappen will still be a formidable opponent when the season kicks off in Australia on March 8.
Norris remarked, "I don't expect Max is going to go out and not give a s***, you know? He's going to try and win and Max is never going to not try, he's just not going to smile as much maybe - I guess that might be the case." He acknowledged that the new cars might not feel as fast or handle as perfectly as previous models but pointed out that perceptions are relative. "I'm sure if he came into this and this was the F1 car he started driving then he probably would say it's amazing," Norris added.
Concluding his thoughts, Norris stressed the importance of personal opinion in the sport. "Anyone and everyone can make their own opinions and have their own opinions, and say and decide what they want to do. No one should complain about that or be upset about it. Every driver has their own opinions and he didn't like it and I like it."
