Lando Norris has voiced criticism of Formula One's management, asserting that the sport is increasingly being run as a business rather than prioritizing the enhancement of racing. Norris specifically pointed to the recent implementation of hybrid engines as an example of decisions driven by financial considerations over sporting merit.
"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 elaborated that the introduction of 50-50 hybrid power units was partly influenced by the desire to attract new manufacturers, such as Audi, to the sport, which in turn generates more revenue. This shift has led to a racing dynamic where batteries are depleted and recharged each lap, a process influenced by AI algorithms, resulting in frequent and unpredictable overtakes.
While this may appeal to some newer fans, Norris suggested it alienates long-time followers and drivers who value the traditional purity of racing. He noted that fans who followed the sport before the popularity surge driven by the "Drive to Survive" series would likely disapprove of the current direction.
Max Verstappen, a four-time world champion, has also been a vocal critic, previously likening the current regulations to "Mario Kart" and describing them as "anti-racing."
Norris acknowledged that modifications are planned for the coming years to reduce the electric component of the power units, but he remains skeptical about significant changes in the near future. "You can't just change your engine in the middle of the year, and you can't change it even with one or two years' notice because, as I say, it's not about doing what's best for the performance of a car – it's a business," he argued. "It's a shame."
He emphasized that drivers, as those with the most direct experience of racing, should have a greater say in the sport's development. "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," Norris said. "We want the best for everything, the best for the fans, the best viewing, the best racing for us, the most fun to drive. At the minute, we don't have that."
Formula One and the governing FIA have indicated plans to introduce V8 engines in 2031, which Norris interprets as an implicit admission that the current path has been misguided. The current hybrid system was reportedly a key factor in attracting manufacturers like Audi.
In response, a spokesperson for Formula One stated that drivers' input is more valued than ever and that the sport on track remains the priority. "Everyone has benefited from the commercial success of Formula 1 - the drivers included," the spokesperson said. "Decisions are made for the best strategic outcome for everyone - the fans, teams and partners."