Lando Norris claims fans are not going to see ‘four teams fighting at the top’ when new regulations take effect in 2026

The current ground-effect regulations have been in place since the start of the 2022 F1 season.

Lando Norris claims fans are not going to see ‘four teams fighting at the top’ when new regulations take effect in 2026

Lando Norris (via IMAGO)

McLaren F1 driver, Lando Norris has claimed that the sport will not see four or more teams fighting for the top positions after the new regulations take effect in 2026. The FIA proposed a new set of regulations that entail major changes in the design and power of an F1 car.

The current regulations were introduced in 2022 and saw an era of dominance by Red Bull who were out of competitive standards for most teams across the grid for the better part of two years. However, from the start of this season, the Milton-Keynes outfit has faced tough competition from the teams of McLaren and Ferrari who are hopeful of winning the constructors championship.

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But Lando Norris has claimed that such competitive standards amongst teams will see a decline after the introduction of the new regulations in 2026, as teams will take time to perfect their developments from square one yet again. The British driver also asserted that the regulations may improve the outcomes of the sport in some aspects while undermining the nature of others.

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Always at the end of these regulation changes, we see days like [this] and we see closer battles, and now Mercedes up here as well. That’s four teams who are fighting towards the top. That's eight cars [so] you’re going to see different area, and I think that’s exciting for people watching. You’re definitely not going to have that in ‘26.
Lando Norris via F1Briefings

Norris has been in fine form this season, amassing a win in Miami and five podiums to his name. The British driver will now rely on the expertise of his team to perform well in the championship during the upcoming races in hopes of a championship this season.

Zak Brown claims Lando Norris was bothered by his negative track record

McLaren CEO, Zak Brown has admitted that Norris had a bittersweet feeling in his mind of being the driver with the most podiums without a win. The latter won in Miami for the first time in his career and Brown was quick to appreciate the fighting spirit of the 24-year-old.

Lando Norris and Zak Brown
Lando Norris and Zak Brown (Via: Imago)
I've never met someone who's not a Lando fan. I think it was a very popular win at the right time. I think Lando, while he would never admit it, being the driver with the most podiums ever without a win is a bittersweet statistic.
Zak Brown said in Bloomberg’s Hot Pursuit! podcast

Zak Brown claimed that Norris is one of the most popular drivers in F1 and has persevered far too long to not have a win to his name. McLaren is currently third in the constructors championship and has managed to finish on the podium in every race since the Miami GP. The changes brought about in the team this year have borne fruits for them in the best of ways, as they continue to ace their runs every weekend going forward.

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