Lando Norris has voiced strong criticism of Formula One's current direction, asserting that the sport is being managed more like a business than a sporting entity. The reigning world champion pointed to the recent introduction of hybrid engines, which incorporate a 50-50 split between internal combustion and electric power, as a key issue that has compromised the purity of racing.
Norris explained that the current engine regulations, which involve batteries being depleted and recharged each lap with AI-driven processes, lead to frequent and unpredictable overtakes. While this may appeal to casual fans, he believes it alienates drivers and long-time followers of the sport. He specifically targeted Formula One's American owners, Liberty Media, and its chief executive Stefano Domenicali, suggesting commercial gain is prioritized over sporting excellence.
"Formula One is heavily led by the fact it's a business nowadays, and not about making the sport the best possible," Norris stated ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix. "It's about how you make the most money. That's not what it should be. That's not how a sport should be run."
He suggested that the push for hybrid technology was partly influenced by manufacturers like Audi, who were reportedly enticed by the prospect of focusing on all-electric road cars, although he noted that this mission has been somewhat diluted due to slower-than-expected sales.
Four-time world champion Max Verstappen has also been a vocal critic, describing the new regulations as "anti-racing" and comparing the racing to "Mario Kart."
Norris expressed skepticism about immediate improvements, even with planned modifications to reduce the electric component of the power units in 2025 and 2028. He argued that the inability to change engine specifications mid-season or with short notice reflects a business-centric approach rather than a focus on on-track performance.
He contrasted the current fan base with that of five years prior, before the rise of the show 'Drive to Survive'. Norris suggested that while new fans are often more personality-driven and less focused on the nuances of the racing itself, the drivers' perspectives should carry more weight.
"The fans have changed, and that's completely fine. But the biggest voice should always be ours as drivers," Norris said. "We're saying that because we have the best idea of how racing should be, how it can be, what's possible, what's not. We want the best for everything, the best for the fans, the best viewing, the best racing for us, the most fun to drive."
Formula One and the governing FIA have indicated plans to introduce V8 engines in 2031, which Norris views as an implicit acknowledgment that the current direction has been misguided.