Norris: Formula 1 puts business ahead of sport, drivers have little say

Lando Norris stated that Formula 1 is increasingly governed by commercial decisions, leaving drivers' voices unheard. An F1 spokesperson countered that drivers are listened to more than ever.

Scraper SystemJuly 25, 2026, 11:05 PM

Norris: Formula 1 puts business ahead of sport, drivers have little say

McLaren's world champion Lando Norris voiced that Formula 1 is run more like a business than a sport. Speaking ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix, the British driver said, "This is a business. Everyone wants to make money. We had to change the rules so that Audi and other teams could join. It's a shame; it shouldn't have been that way, but that's how business works."

Hybrid engine and new rules criticism

Norris also touched on the power unit regulations reshaped for 2027 with a reduction in the electric component. Noting that German manufacturer Audi's entry into the sport by taking over Sauber triggered these changes, Norris said, "Formula 1 will always be great but it could be better. As drivers, we know what's best. The shameful thing is that today's Formula 1 is more focused on how to make more money than on how to be the best sport it can be."

'Our voice must be the loudest'

Norris, who also commented on the changing fan base after Liberty Media's ownership and the Netflix series "Drive to Survive," said: "Today's fans are more personality-focused and care more about whether the driver did well than how the race unfolded. That's not a problem at all, but the loudest voice should be the drivers'. We know best how races should be, what is and isn't possible."

The McLaren driver added, "We want the best racing, the best spectacle, the most enjoyable drive for us. Right now, we have very, very little say; Audi and other teams coming in is considered a bigger gain than the drivers' happiness."

F1 responds

A Formula 1 spokesperson responded to Norris's criticism, saying, "The sport on track is our priority and always will be. Everyone benefits from Formula 1's commercial success, including the drivers. Decisions are made based on the best strategic outcome for fans, teams, and partners."

Norris fastest at the Hungaroring

In the final practice session of the Hungarian Grand Prix, Norris set the fastest lap time of 1:17.939. He placed 0.117 seconds ahead of last year's winner, Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton. Championship leader Kimi Antonelli was third, 0.129 seconds behind, with Charles Leclerc fourth, Oscar Piastri fifth, George Russell sixth. Max Verstappen finished seventh, while his teammate Isack Hadjar took eighth, 1.004 seconds off the leader.

Norris: Formula 1 puts business ahead of sport, drivers have little say

Lando Norris stated that Formula 1 is increasingly governed by commercial decisions, leaving drivers' voices unheard. An F1 spokesperson countered that drivers are listened to more than ever.