Lando Norris slammed Formula 1's 2026 energy rules, saying the 50‑50 split between combustion and electric power forces drivers to monitor battery levels constantly. He argued that cool‑down laps, where no skill should be required, now demand precise pacing to avoid penalties, turning a simple drive into a juggling act. The FIA also slapped Racing Bulls with a €30,000 fine when Lawson halted mid‑lap.

Tracks like Miami and Montreal feature long final sectors where cars run full throttle before the finish line. Drivers must start qualifying with fully charged batteries, yet the rules forbid them from idling. Norris warned that speeding up or slowing down too much on these laps triggers penalties, forcing teams to perfect energy management on every lap.

In practice at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, Norris was sixth, 1.4 s behind Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli. He improved to a 0.315 s gap in sprint qualifying, a surprise given the car's early lack of confidence. McLaren rolled out a full upgrade package – wings, engine cover, rear suspension and halo – that Norris said felt “decent” but still needs time on a low‑grip track.

Norris' comments underline how the 2026 power‑unit balance will reshape strategy across the season. If teams cannot master battery pacing, they risk losing power and position at crucial moments. McLaren's recent tweaks offer a glimmer of hope, but the real test will come once the cars return to dry, high‑speed circuits.