Lando Norris, McLaren driver, has expressed doubts that Formula 1 will have qualifying sessions as intense as those seen in the Canadian Grand Prix once the new regulations for 2026 are implemented. The FIA recently released guidelines for the future of F1, which include a shift towards lighter and smaller cars to enhance the spectacle of the races. However, Norris has raised concerns about the competitiveness of the sport. In the Q3 phase of the Montreal race, George Russell and Max Verstappen engaged in a fierce battle for pole position, with less than three tenths of a second separating the top seven drivers. Norris believes that a change in regulations generally leads to a performance difference throughout the field, even when the current rules are becoming more balanced. He predicts that the upcoming regulations will result in less exciting qualifying sessions. Norris urges F1 to consider whether it should maintain the current rules for a longer period to encourage more intense competition or prioritize rule changes to address car-related issues. He acknowledges that the 2026 regulations may bring some benefits, but also expects a different type of race. The impact of these changes is uncertain, and Norris believes that no one knows exactly how it will unfold. He highlights the excitement of the current battles between teams like Red Bull and Mercedes, but predicts that the new regulations will lead to a larger performance gap. Ultimately, the decision lies with F1 as to whether it wants to maintain the current level of excitement and challenge or go through another period of divergence before achieving more intense competition again.
