Lando Norris Blasts Formula 1 Power Units, Calls for Change

Lando Norris has launched a fresh attack on the current Formula 1 power units, stating that drivers are no longer in control of their pace. The McLaren driver qualified strongly in third place at the Belgian Grand Prix but took a 10-place grid penalty and recovered to seventh place on Sunday.

What happened?

Norris's comments come after a weekend where the power units were under intense scrutiny. His team-mate Oscar Piastri was caught out by a power unit issue in qualifying, and Norris himself struggled with the self-learning power units. He said: "I mean, it's got nothing to do with you as a driver, really. Sometimes it does, and we're talking about like being a few meters early on the button or whatever. It just makes a big difference at times."

Why it matters for Lando Norris

Norris has been vocal about his frustrations with the current power units all season. He stated that the problems have been costing him the whole year and that this was the first weekend he had been competitive in the straights. He added: "So I've had the problems all season, and this is the first race I've been the one that's like, 'Oh, I'm happy in the straights for once,' and it was the first time Oscar was the one a little bit on the back foot in qualifying."

What comes next?

The power unit issues are set to continue in the coming weeks, with the next round of the championship taking place at the Italian Grand Prix. Norris's comments will add to the growing pressure on the FIA to make changes to the regulations. He stated: "It's a shame that there are so many things that can dictate your own pace in qualifying. It's not down to the driver. It's just down to hoping you get lucky that the power unit does what it should do, and doesn't do something silly."

The current F1 power units have come under increasing fire across the British and Belgian weekends, with yoyo racing and superclipping returning to the forefront of discussions. Former driver turned commentator Martin Brundle said in Belgium of these examples, "We have to get rid of this concept as soon as possible," after slating the 'loss of all the great corners' at Spa-Francorchamps and Silverstone as a result.

Norris's comments will add to the growing debate about the current state of Formula 1. He is not the only driver to have expressed frustration with the power units, with many calling for a change in the regulations to make the sport more competitive.

The FIA has yet to respond to Norris's comments, but it is clear that the power unit issues will continue to be a major talking point in the coming weeks.

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