Norris Suggests Verstappen Should Retire If He Doesn't Like the 2026 F1 Car

Lando Norris has responded to Max Verstappen's harsh criticism of the 2026 F1 car, stating that the Dutch driver could retire if he doesn't like the new vehicle.

Reigning Formula 1 champion Lando Norris said Max Verstappen 'could retire' if he doesn't like the 2026 car.

The new generation of F1 cars has received mixed reactions from drivers after the Shakedown test in Barcelona and the first two days of testing in Bahrain.

On Wednesday, Lewis Hamilton from Ferrari said the new F1 car feels 'slower than GP2', while Max Verstappen from Red Bull gave a scathing review on Thursday.

Verstappen stated that the 2026 cars are 'Formula E with steroids', referring to the energy management required throughout a lap, and called the regulations 'anti-racing'.

Previously, the Dutch driver said he would consider leaving F1 if he doesn't enjoy racing with the new car.

Champion Lando Norris gave a more balanced assessment of the new car during a recent McLaren media event, although he admitted that the cars 'feel like F2' in some areas.

However, he defended the new regulations on Thursday in Bahrain when Verstappen's comments were put to him.

'[It's] very enjoyable; I'm really enjoying it,' Norris told reporters in Bahrain. 'So, yeah, if he wants to retire, he can retire.'

'Formula 1 is always changing. Sometimes it's better to drive, sometimes it's not as good.'

'We're paid a lot of money to race, so at the end of the day you can't really complain.'

'Every driver can go and find another job. It doesn't mean he has to be here, or any driver has to be here.'

'It's a challenge, but it's a good and enjoyable challenge for the engineers, for the drivers.'

'You have to drive it differently, understand and manage things differently, but I can still drive the car and go around the world and have fun.'

'So, there's nothing to complain about.'

The first test in Bahrain ended on Friday, with the second test starting next week and running from February 18-20.