Lando Norris stated that adapting driving style to the car’s characteristics is a constant demand in his Formula 1 career. According to the McLaren driver, he has had to modify his way of driving practically every year since he arrived in the category.
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The statement came after George Russell admitted that his traditional style has not worked so well with the 2026 cars. The new generation, introduced this year with profound changes in aerodynamics and power units, forced several drivers to review their references behind the wheel.
Russell, for example, has faced difficulties keeping up with teammate Kimi Antonelli at certain moments of the season. For Norris, however, the need to adapt is nothing new. “I have had to change my driving style every year of my life,” he said.
“For him, that worked for 20 years. For me, it didn’t work. My driving style worked in 2018, when I did my test here [in Hungary]. That was probably it. Since then, I have had to change.”
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Norris considers that the ability to adapt should be a fundamental characteristic of any Formula 1 driver, especially for those who accumulate more experience in the category.
“The more experience you have in Formula 1, the more prepared you should be. If you are not ready to adapt to a different car, then you are not at a good enough level. It’s our job, that’s what we are paid millions for. It’s to drive any car we get, whether good, bad, easy or difficult. You need to do that,” he said.
“In every race I currently compete in, I feel I need to completely forget the previous weekend and learn to drive a new car, because that’s how things are for us. Every driver is different. But for me, my entire Formula 1 career has been about how I can change my driving style every season,” he concluded.
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