Lando Norris rubbishes George Russell claim over 2026 F1 cars

Lando Norris has rubbished George Russell's claim that drivers with certain driving styles are excelling in the 2026 F1 season. 

For 2026, the cars underwent a huge chassis change, with the way they generate downforce changing from the ground effects era of 2022-2025.

Instead of the floor being sealed to the track, the 2026 cars generate their downforce in a more 2021-style wing aerodynamically way, which has aided some drivers and harmed others.

Lewis Hamilton is one such beneficiary, with the rear of the car now being able to move around, something Hamilton enjoys, as opposed to the planted rears of before.

In contrast, Russell and Oscar Piastri have struggled with the constant micro-corrections required through the wheel and are 81 and 66 points, respectively, behind their team-mates.

When Russell's idea that some drivers are faring better than others is down to the change in driving styles, Norris firmly rejected it. 

"I wouldn't really say my driving style suits this car. I think my driving style is good because I'm able to adapt better," Norris told media, including RacingNews365.

"I don't think it's one style that works. I don't think I drive the same way as Kimi; I've obviously never had [George] as a team-mate or Lewis, so I have no idea. 

"He can probably paint a bigger, better picture. He's also not been my team-mate, so I don't think he can speak from knowledge of that. But my driving style doesn't suit this car. 

"My adaptability is what allows me to drive the car I've got. So I think my strength is my adaptability to different driving styles, just as it wasn't necessarily the best thing that I had for me last year.

"I think last year the beginning suited Oscar a little bit more, and my strength was being able to adapt better to then finally understand how to drive it in a better way. 

"Hence, then I started to have a better second half of the season, and the same thing with this year."

The article continues below. 

'Not even 1%'

Explaining the changes further, Norris spoke that not even "1%" feels the same between the 2025 and 2026 machines.

"You don't drive this car anywhere close to last year; like not even 1% I feel is remotely the same," he said.

"So I think it's incorrect to say my driving style just suits it. My ability to adapt better, I think, is what my strength is."