Lando Norris has opened up on his fears that F1 racing could become “fake” or “scripted” when new regulations are introduced in 2026 after testing the active aero concept
13:29, 18 Aug 2025Updated 13:32, 18 Aug 2025
Lando Norris wants racing to be driver-focused(Image: Getty Images)
Lando Norris has opened up on his fears that F1 could become “fake” or “scripted” when new regulations are introduced in 2026.
Norris, who recently tested the new active aero concept in the simulator, wants racing to be driver-focused without any added complexity. However, next season, the current DRS system will be replaced by an active aerodynamic setup.
The new regulations allow drivers to switch between two modes: a high-downforce ‘Z-mode’ for corners and a low-drag ‘X-mode’ for straights.
“It’s different – it’s good and different in different ways,” Norris told Motorsport Week.
“I think Formula 1, in terms of the pinnacle of motorsport and speed and everything, you don’t get much better than what we’ve had this year and the last few years.
Lando Norris recently tested the active aero concept(Image: Sutton Images)
“When we’re going to go into next year, the gaps will be bigger. It doesn’t mean racing is going to be worse. I think there are many things that are going to make racing better.
“I just don’t want to go too artificial with things – I don’t want things to be too fake, too scripted – I don’t think that’s correct. That’s not motorsport and that’s not what I like.”
He added: “Some things will be better – the cars are going to be even slower and straighter in the corners and things like that.
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“They’re not going to look as spectacular in terms of performing laps. They’re not going to look as quick because at the end of straights you’re losing speed, you’re decelerating.
“It’s not going to look as cool or as special. I think there are still things I would like more from the car. Just more battery and things like that. We could just have some more normality in it.
“I think it’s a new challenge for everyone. We should all look forward to the challenge of a new car and new regulations.
“That’s also what makes Formula 1 exciting at times. It’s a fresh start for everyone. We look forward to it as a team. I think it’s something we relish. As a driver, we want cars that we can just drive.”