Norris says battery management has too much influence and backs shorter races as a temporary measure

Formula 1 should primarily show which driver gets the most out of their car, according to Norris. In his view, in 2026 it revolves too much around who manages the battery best. He says this in a media session reported on by RacingNews365 on 24 September.

Norris is responding to the proposal to shorten grands prix from 2027. The F1 Commission approved it on 21 September, subject to approval by the FIA World Motor Sport Council. RacingNews365 gives a distance of 290 rather than 305 kilometres and links the change to adjustments to the power units. According to the publication, the internal combustion engine’s output is to rise to 420 kW, requiring a higher fuel flow rate.

For Norris, the sporting benefit is not simply being able to push harder. Above all, he expects drivers to have to think about the battery less often. The distinction matters: he does not present shorter races as a guarantee of more intense racing, but as a way of putting greater emphasis on the driving itself.

The McLaren driver therefore calls the shortening of races a good, temporary compromise that must suit all teams. His support is thus not a call to abandon the usual longer races for good.

Norris sees a return to longer races as a possibility in a few years, provided all engine manufacturers agree to more fuel and larger tanks. That is his conditional vision of the future, not an announced decision.