Lando Norris outlines major 'problem' with new F1 regulations

Lando Norris has outlined a major "problem" with the new Formula 1 power unit regulations: missing as much as five laps in practice now puts a driver at a significant disadvantage.

The Briton qualified sixth for the Australian Grand Prix, not only behind McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri but also almost a full second adrift of George Russell on pole.

Norris found himself on the back foot at Melbourne's Albert Park after missing crucial time in first practice due to a gearbox issue.

As a result, the reigning world champion has been playing catch-up all weekend on how to harvest energy, utilise the battery, and brake — all areas that have changed with the new cars.

Being in the mix with Red Bull and Ferrari did offer Norris some satisfaction that McLaren is heading in the right direction, having been touted as fourth in the pecking order going into the season-opener.

However, the 26-year-old stressed that while missing a practice session in the past was not an issue, that is no longer the case due to just how much needs to be learned under the new regulations.

"We're not quick enough; Mercedes have done a very good job," said Norris to select media, including RacingNews365. "I think we're probably where we expected to be, honestly. So nothing too surprising. Of course, the gap is big, so credit to them. I think the fact that we're kind of in the mix with Ferrari and Red Bull is a good sign.

"Certainly, it’s just not been an easy weekend for me — not a lot of laps, a lot of issues. The problem now is it's not like you can just get back in the car and drive what you once knew and just click. This car is just odd.

"Just getting into the rhythm of lifting everywhere to go quicker, using gears you don't want to use, and understanding that when you lift more you brake later, but you have to brake less — that's why laps are more valuable than ever. In the past, if you missed FP1, not too bothered.

"I always felt confident to get back up to speed. But now, when you miss five laps, not only do you, as a driver, have to figure things out quicker, the engine doesn't learn what it needs to learn, and then you're just on the back foot.

"So I'm actually kind of happy with P6 in the end. It doesn't sound great because of what we're used to, but it could be a lot worse, and I'm happy with the improvements we made through the session."