Lando Norris Seeks Greater Efficiency from Mercedes HPP

Formula 1, Sportrik Media - Lando Norris has called for improved energy efficiency from the Mercedes HPP power unit ahead of the 2026 Formula 1 season, following the strong impression made by Red Bull Powertrains during pre-season testing in Bahrain.

During the Bahrain test, the Red Bull Powertrains package powering both Red Bull and Racing Bulls machinery attracted particular attention. Competitive long-run pace and deployment characteristics, highlighted by Max Verstappen, prompted comparisons across the paddock. GPS analysis suggested that Red Bull currently holds an advantage in energy deployment efficiency, especially in mid- to high-speed acceleration phases.

Norris, who will be among the drivers running Mercedes HPP engines in 2026, acknowledged that optimization of battery usage and energy deployment remains a central focus area for his side of the garage.

“There are so many aspects now – it’s about deployment, about battery efficiency,” Norris explained to media, including RacingNews365. “It’s something more on the HPP side. They’ve done a good job so far, but it’s about looking into the details and the data to try to build a better overall power unit.”

Under the 2026 regulations, with a 50-50 split between internal combustion and electrical power output, marginal efficiency gains can significantly influence both qualifying laps and race stints. Norris indicated that while progress has been made, further refinement is necessary to match the current benchmark.

“I think we need more efficiency. There are pros and cons, and it’s not an easy thing to achieve. They will have developed their package already, so we need to learn and understand.”

He also stressed that improvements are not solely dependent on the power unit supplier, but require coordinated gains across driving style, car integration, and team operations.

“There might be small things I can improve, and as a team we can improve as well. But from a Mercedes HPP perspective, there are certainly areas where we need to take steps forward.”

Norris openly recognized the competitive strength of the Red Bull package at this stage of development.

“Red Bull seems to have done a very good job. Their power unit looks strong, their deployment is efficient, and we need to understand how they’ve achieved that. At the moment, they appear to be a step ahead.”

As the 2026 season approaches, energy efficiency and deployment strategy are expected to become defining performance factors. Norris emphasized that the opening rounds will provide the first clear competitive benchmark for how effectively teams have translated development into real-world race conditions.