Norris calls for greater driver comfort in next F1 regulations

As the FIA looks ahead to framing the 2026 F1 technical regulations, Lando Norris has urged rule makers to prioritize improving driver comfort and physical demands with the next generation of cars.

Driver discomfort

The return of ground-effect aerodynamics in 2022 has forced teams to run their cars extremely low and stiff to maximize performance.

However, this unforgiving setup has led to excessive physical strain and discomfort for drivers over a race distance.

"There's definitely certain people who think it's not bad and that it used to be worse many years ago,"

Norris said.

"But I think times have changed...certain things are also for good reason, for our own bodies and the safety and health side of things."

McLaren's young star believes the harsh conditions are taking a toll, requiring far more physical preparation compared to previous seasons.

"I struggle a lot with my body and back...I have to do a lot now, which I didn't have to do a few years ago."

Prioritizing comfort

While acknowledging improvements since the porpoising issues of 2022, Norris stressed,

"Things in the long term need to be improved, especially if I want to be here for many years."

His teammate Oscar Piastri echoed those sentiments:

"It's not quite as comfortable as the old cars were. So I think it is a point that is valid for us."

Rule makers' responsibility

Norris understands teams will always chase the quickest solution, even at the expense of driver comfort.

As such, he believes it's up to the governing body to implement regulations that avoid taking things to the extreme.

"The teams just make the quickest cars, and then we drive them..."

"You're never going to give up lap time for not having an achy body after the race."

"So you kind of need rules to stop that from us, because we're so competitive."

Piastri agreed:

"We need rules to stop that from us, because we're so competitive that we're just going to get the ultimate lap time out no matter what it takes."

Finding a balance

Both McLaren drivers acknowledged the 2022 rules were an improvement over the porpoising-afflicted start.

However, they insist more can still be done to find the right balance between performance and addressing legitimate health concerns. Piastri stated:

"I feel like there was a good job addressing it, but it is something that we need to keep an eye on in the future."

With a glimpse into the physical toll of the current generation of F1 cars, Norris and Piastri's insights provide a clear directive for rule makers as they aim to shape the 2026 regulations and beyond.