Lando Norris explains 'amusing' decision to defy fellow F1 drivers

Lando Norris has explained his original verdict over the new 2026 F1 car, stating it was “amusing” to see the reactions it generated.

During the first Bahrain test last week, Norris commented that he was enjoying the challenges being produced from the cars that have been built under a major regulation overhaul.

Many drivers have noted how different the cars are now to drive, with significant importance placed on energy recovery and deployment.

Max Verstappen in particular was vocal over his distaste for the new cars, while others also signalled their concerns.

Norris, however, insisted his comments were made just to see how people would react to going against the common consensus.

“I just wanted to say that, I didn't want to complain about anything,” Norris told media including RacingNews365.

“I just wanted to say that and see what the reaction was of everyone. It's been quite an amusing week, seeing the reactions of everyone.

“It made a lot of people comment and say a lot of things, which has been pretty funny. I just wanted to see everyone's reaction. It's been amusing. 

“The cars are very different. Are they enjoyable and as good as to drive as last year? Absolutely not. 

“Is it still a challenge and good fun out there? Yeah. I'm certainly not going to change my job for anything else. 

“I still have fun, and it's still the job that I love to do, but it's certainly very different.” 

Among the worries ahead of the new season are the added challenges to get the cars into a position to launch from the start line and how the energy deployment may impact wheel-to-wheel racing.

Norris asserted he is still having “fun” with the cars but acknowledged fixes are needed for the year ahead.

“I agree with Max on a lot of comments, probably most of the comments I agree with,” he said. “But it's not that I don't have fun out there. 

“There are two sides, I do agree with basically every other driver, because I think every other driver made their comments pretty clear. 

“I just didn't want to come out into the media and complain to everyone on the first weekend back. 

“I want to still enjoy my time and just say what I feel. But I had fun last week. I've still been having fun out there now. 

“We know as a championship, and with the FIA and with F1, we're trying to improve the car that we have now. 

“I completely agree with a lot of the comments. I just wanted to see everyone's reactions for me saying something opposite.”