Drivers have been vocal about how the complex energy deployment needs of the 2026 generation of Formula 1 cars have impacted how they have to be driven, with the reliance on energy harvesting causing a big mental shift in how to approach faster corners.

Mercedes driver George Russell is one who has struggled to gel with his machinery this year, which has come more naturally to his championship‑leading team‑mate Kimi Antonelli. Lando Norris, whose McLaren team has only finished on the podium four times this year, appeared to have little sympathy for Russell’s plight in what is still the fastest car in 2026.

Norris said in Hungary, “I’ve had to change my driving style every single year of my life, and for him it’s worked for 20 years, for me it’s not worked.” He added that the more experience you have, the better equipped you should be. “If you’re not ready to adapt, you’re not good enough,” he said.

The controversial energy deployment rules are so complex that the power units rely on machine‑learning software to control them. Drivers feel the units are sensitive to inputs, so a slight deviation in a corner can cost tenths on the straight. Norris disagrees with Max Verstappen’s view that a driver can’t make as much of a difference.