Lando Norris has warned that Formula One is heading for a major accident that could injure both drivers and fans, following the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. The McLaren driver, who finished fifth, expressed deep concern over the sport's new regulations, which require complex management of electrical energy and include an overtake mode that allows cars to apply extra power.
Norris described the situation as 'chaos' and predicted a serious crash. 'We are going to have a big accident,' he said. 'Depending on what drivers do, you can have closing speeds of 30-50kph, and when someone hits another driver at that speed you are going to fly and go over the fence and do a lot of damage to yourself and maybe to others.'
Max Verstappen, who finished sixth after starting 20th, also criticised the new rules, calling for action from F1 and the FIA. 'We are not critical just to be critical. We are critical for a reason,' the four-time champion said. 'We want it to be proper Formula One on steroids, but today that wasn't the case.'
However, not all drivers shared the negative view. Lewis Hamilton, who finished fourth for Ferrari, said he enjoyed the race and found the car fun to drive. 'I thought the race was really fun to drive. I watched the cars ahead, there was a good back and forth. So far, so good,' he said.
F1 and the FIA are monitoring the situation but have ruled out a knee-jerk reaction. Ferrari team principal Frédéric Vasseur said: 'It makes sense to wait two or three events. It's a very good start for the sport, a very good start for the show.'
