Norris demands F1 prioritise sport over commercial strategy ahead of Hungarian Grand Prix
Lando Norris argues that Formula One’s governance under Liberty Media has allowed business interests to overshadow sporting integrity, prompting a response from the sport’s official spokesperson.
McLaren driver and reigning world champion Lando Norris has issued a stark critique of Formula One’s governance, asserting that the sport is being driven too heavily by commercial imperatives rather than sporting merit. Speaking ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix, Norris argued that recent regulatory changes, particularly those governing hybrid power units, were engineered to facilitate the entry of new manufacturers like Audi rather than to enhance the quality of racing.
Norris, who was fastest in final practice for the Hungarian Grand Prix on Saturday, described the current state of the sport as "shameful," noting that the balance between the electrical and internal combustion elements of the power unit was adjusted to near-parity specifically to attract carmakers. He contended that this approach undermines the drivers' perspective, stating that the "biggest voice" should belong to those who understand the mechanics of racing best, yet drivers currently have very little say in sporting matters compared to the business decisions made by Liberty Media.
The McLaren driver highlighted a perceived shift in the fanbase, suggesting that the influx of new viewers drawn in by the Netflix docu-series "Drive to Survive" has created a divide. Norris observed that newer fans are often more personality-focused than interested in the technical aspects of the sport, a trend he believes further distances decision-makers from the core sporting realities. He insisted that the primary goal should be delivering the best possible racing and viewing experience, rather than maximising revenue through manufacturer acquisition.
A Formula One spokesman responded to Norris’s comments, maintaining that drivers are listened to more than ever before. The spokesperson emphasised that on-track performance remains the priority and that commercial success benefits all stakeholders, including the drivers. The statement affirmed that decisions are made for the best strategic outcome for fans, teams, and partners, countering the assertion that business interests routinely override sporting considerations.
Norris’s fastest lap in final practice, clocking a best time of 1:17.939, placed him 0.117 seconds ahead of Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton and 0.129 seconds clear of championship leader Kimi Antonelli. The results also saw Red Bull’s Max Verstappen in seventh place, while teammate Isack Hadjar was eighth, over a second off the pace. The hybrid regulations in question are scheduled to be tweaked for the 2027 season to reduce the electrical contribution, a move that follows Audi’s entry into the sport this season via the acquisition of the Swiss-based Sauber team.
