F1’s 2026 car design has received more mockery than appreciation. After the FIA released images of the 2026 car on Thursday ahead of the Canadian GP, its F2-like appearance baffled fans. The FIA’s promise of enabling closer racing fell flat as fans highlighted how the same promise before the 2022 reveal had failed and Max Verstappen dominated throughout. Joining the fans is Lando Norris, who also seems to be unimpressed.

2022 and onwards, called the ground-effect era in F1, have belonged to Verstappen and Red Bull. As a result, the pinnacle of motorsport got labeled ‘boring’ and witnessed a dip in viewership. Their competition took two long years of development to get close to ending this unparalleled dominance. Now that McLaren is in strong contention for podiums and wins, Norris, who was forced to concede defeat to the Dutchman on many occasions over the last two years, feels that the FIA’s new rules will prove counterproductive.

“Now that things are getting exciting, there is another change [for 2026],” Norris said in Canada. “There could be huge gaps, and then people will say, ‘That’s boring again’. And if you look at how it is now, it’s probably more exciting than it has been for a long time. Just leave the rules as they are for a few years,” he suggested. “And I think that would be best for the people who watch [Formula 1] on TV.”

Norris packs a punch with his statement. The 2014 technical regulations change propelled Mercedes to seven consecutive championships, with Lewis Hamilton winning six of those. The 2022 regulations have already given Max Verstappen two championships, with a third on the horizon. McLaren has only recently gotten closer to Red Bull, but according to Norris, the Canadian GP weekend isn’t the one that could begin their glorious run.

Lando Norris surprisingly surrenders to Ferrari’s advantage in Canada

Ferrari is riding a wave of confidence on the back of Charles Leclerc’s historic Monaco GP victory. Interestingly, the Canadian Circuit is similar to Monaco in its bumpy nature and usage of the curbs by drivers. This indicates a struggle for Red Bull and a possible consecutive victory for the men in Scarlet Red. Lando Norris has reaffirmed this possibility, also denying any chance for a McLaren victory.

“How you take the curbs simply plays a big role here,” Norris explained. “It will be pretty close again. For me, it is impossible to say whether we, Ferrari or Red Bull, will be in front at the end. That is what makes it so exciting. I would probably put Ferrari as the favorite because of their strong top speed. If you look at the car all around, I think their [Ferrari] car is the best fit for the track,” he concluded.

Despite the Briton’s dismal prediction, McLaren has a better understanding of their car and its capabilities. This gives them better grounds to make a quick turnaround even if one weekend goes against their plans. Norris’ prediction for 2026 is also a tad pessimistic, but if McLaren emerges as the dominant force, the complaints will soon turn into compliments.