Lando Norris has dismissed George Russell's suggestion that a specific driving style is key to success under Formula 1's 2026 regulations. The McLaren driver insists adaptability, not similarity in style, is what sets drivers apart this season.
The 2026 season has brought a major technical overhaul with new power units and a 'nimble car' concept, reshaping the competitive order. Some drivers who struggled previously have surged forward, while others have lost ground. Russell described it as a 'strange season' where drivers with similar styles are thriving.
Russell, the Mercedes driver, observed that he, Charles Leclerc, and Oscar Piastri are struggling compared to their teammates, while Max Verstappen is no longer dominating his team as in past years. He believes drivers like Lewis Hamilton, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, and Norris share a similar driving style that suits the new package.
However, Norris firmly pushed back on that theory. "Honestly, I wouldn't really say my driving style suits this car," he told media including Motorsport Week. "I think my driving style is good because I'm able to adapt better. I don't think it's one style that works."
Norris stressed that he doesn't feel he drives the same way as Antonelli or Hamilton. "I don't think I drive the same way as Kimi. I've obviously never seen him. I have no idea. He can probably make a better picture. He's also not been my teammate, so I don't think he can speak for knowledge of that," he added.
The British driver instead highlighted adaptability as his strength. "My adaptability is what allows me to drive the car I've got. I think my strength is my adaptability to different driving styles," he explained. He also acknowledged that last year, the early season suited Oscar Piastri a bit more, showing that adaptation plays a big role.
Norris's comments reinforce that in the new regulatory era, flexibility and the ability to read the car's characteristics matter more than having a particular driving style. The 2026 season continues to deliver fascinating narratives in the paddock.
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