In his grievance, Lando Norris expressed the same worries as current world champion Max Verstappen just before the Australian Grand Prix.
Max Verstappen and Lando Norris are not the only ones who have voiced concerns regarding driver comfort in Formula One car cockpits. When the new technical regulations start for the 2026 season, the McLaren star suggested that the FIA should address the issue.
Teams are encouraged to run their cars as low to the ground as possible in order to maximize performance under the current ground-effect regulations. Driver comfort is sacrificed in the process, as the person in the cockpit is occasionally subjected to intense compression and violent bouncing.
In an interview with Motorsport.com, Norris remarked, “It could be better? And was it better with the old cars a few years ago? Completely. Though I believe that times have changed, there are undoubtedly some people who believe that things are not as bad as they once were and that things were worse years ago.
“I believe that while we do occasionally voice our complaints, there are also legitimate concerns about our own bodies, as well as the safety and health aspects of things. Therefore, I believe there is definitely room for improvement.
“I think it does need to be improved a little bit – because the teams just make the quickest cars, and then we drive them,” the McLaren driver subsequently stated. It begins to take a toll at certain points. Undoubtedly, things are better now than they were two years ago. Since then, with porpoising and everything, things have gotten better.
“Nevertheless, you still need to run the cars very low, very stiff, and all these things.” You suffer as a result of this. I have a lot of physical struggles, including back issues. Additionally, compared to a few years ago, I don’t have to do as much now.
“I wouldn’t say it’s directly related to the car; I believe that part of it is just something I naturally have to work on, but I believe that long-term improvements are necessary, especially if I want to stay here for a long time.”
It’s not just Norris who has made this request. Red Bull driver Max Verstappen made the following observation ahead of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix: “End of the straight with full load, the impact is too high with the low ride-heights.”
The Dutchman didn’t think the problem would resolve itself without help from the FIA, either. He continued, “We still run very low, but I don’t think the 2026 car will be any different.”
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