McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have detailed how their preparations have modified with a view to adapt to the upcoming regulation modifications in Method 1. Each add that there is one factor they cannot ignore: the elevated workload within the cockpit.
2026 welcomes a brand new set of rules which is able to introduce an influence unit with an nearly 50:50 break up between inside combustion and electrical energy. DRS will probably be changed by lively aerodynamics, and there will probably be extra driver enter on when to reap and deploy power.
Whereas the bodily preparations are largely the identical for each drivers, Norris defined that he was spending extra time within the simulator than in earlier years.
“I imply, you are still making ready loads of the identical methods. In all probability a bit extra time has been spent on the sim, attempting to get used to the totally different buttons, the totally different approach issues work,” the 2025 F1 champion defined in the course of the McLaren launch occasion.
“So, extra procedural stuff fairly than anything altering exterior of that. However like each season, you overview how the final yr went, and also you see what you are able to do higher, and loads of the work goes into that.
“However this yr, with the brand new rules, there’s extra modifications on the steering wheel and issues like that, that we are able to already begin to deal with the simulator and assist us put together for right here in Bahrain and Australia.”
McLaren MCL40 livery
Photograph by: McLaren
Norris’s team-mate Piastri added in regards to the elevated driver enter from the cockpit: “There’s going to be extra for us to consider. We have had the hybrid aspect of the facility items beforehand, however there’s rather more significance round it this yr.
“Much more energy comes from the battery. You should utilize it up quite a bit faster. You’ll be able to recharge it quite a bit faster, so it is a way more dynamic factor that we’ll need to keep watch over.
“And, sure, yet one more factor for us to deal with, however the goal of attempting to go as quick as you may continues to be precisely the identical, however, yeah, undoubtedly there’s gonna be just a few extra challenges for us behind the wheel.”
We would like your opinion!
What would you wish to see on Motorsport.com?
– The Motorsport.com Staff
