Norris, Verstappen and Hamilton slam worst' F1 cars after torrid Australian GP qualifying

"We've come from the best cars ever made in Formula One and the nicest to drive, to probably the worst. It sucks. Everyone knows what the issues are. It's just the fact it's a 50-50 split between power from the combustion engine and electrical energy. When asked if he thought this was where F1 should be, Norris was unequivocal: Not really, no."

"The power's good when you've got it, it's just it doesn't last. We start the lap, half throttle coming through the last corner, and a third, a quarter of a straight. Hamilton emphasized that complex requirements to recharge energy across a lap were distracting from drivers demonstrating their racing skill and ability."

"As drivers, we have the interest of the sport in our minds better than others. The rules have been changed because that's what manufacturers want. But if you have 20 other drivers complaining, I don't know what's better for the sport or not."

Three world champions—Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen, and Lando Norris—have criticized Formula One's new regulations following qualifying at the Australian Grand Prix. Norris, McLaren's defending champion, called the changes the worst ever made, stating the cars are difficult to drive. Hamilton criticized the new engine and chassis rules as contrary to F1's principles, noting that complex energy management requirements distract from demonstrating racing skill. The 50-50 power split between combustion engines and electrical energy creates challenging lap management. George Russell secured pole position with a dominant performance. Drivers argue the regulations prioritize manufacturer interests over sport quality and driver capability.

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