Lando Norris Slams New F1 Rules After Silverstone Sprint and Grand Prix

**Lando Norris** blasted the 2026 hybrid regulations on 7 July 2026, after his McLaren secured third in the Silverstone sprint and fourth in the Grand Prix, saying the new power split is "not how Formula 1 should be".

On 7 July 2026 Norris started the sprint race from the front row and fought his way to a podium finish, crossing the line in **third place**. The following day he improved his qualifying position but could only manage **fourth** in the main Grand Prix, missing the historic podium despite a strong drive. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc won, with Mercedes drivers George Russell and Lewis Hamilton completing the top three.

Norris told GPBlog that the 50‑50 split between internal‑combustion engines and battery power forces drivers to harvest energy on a circuit built for flat‑out speed. He explained that overtakes are quickly undone by a button‑press, turning hard‑fought moves into “wasted effort”. The British driver added that the constant need to conserve energy made the weekend “the most difficult” of his career, even though he still enjoyed the fans and atmosphere.

The 2026 formula mandates equal power from the ICE and the hybrid system, a change that has sparked debate across the paddock. Max Verstappen has voiced similar concerns, warning that the balance could make a season “mentally exhausting”. Recent tweaks after a chaotic qualifying session in Japan-where Franco Colapinto’s energy harvesting led to a crash involving Ollie Bearman-have reduced the amount of recoverable energy, but the problem resurfaced at Silverstone.

FIA officials plan to shift the power split to **58‑42** in 2027 and **60‑40** in 2028, hoping to restore a more traditional feel. Norris remains skeptical, telling the BBC that even with adjustments the sport may still feel “less exciting than last season”. He concluded that while the spectacle will continue, the current era “isn’t as good as it could be”.

McLaren’s performance at Silverstone shows the team can still challenge the front‑runners under the new rules. Norris’ podium in the sprint and near‑podium in the Grand Prix suggest the car’s balance is competitive, but the driver’s frustration hints at a potential morale issue if the regulations stay unchanged. The British driver’s outspoken remarks could pressure the sport’s governing bodies to accelerate the planned revisions.

Supporters of Norris and McLaren now have a clear rallying point: a call for a more driver‑focused formula. The British crowd at Silverstone cheered the podium finishes, yet many shared Norris’ disappointment, fearing the hybrid era may dilute the pure speed that defines Formula 1. The conversation is likely to intensify as the season progresses toward the next rule‑change window.