Charles Leclerc agrees with Lando Norris ‘artificial’ criticism of F1 regulations

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Charles Leclerc shared his thoughts on Lando Norris’ critical comments on the new F1 regulations after the Australian Grand Prix.

The new F1 regulations were in full effect and on full display at the 2026 Australian Grand Prix, as Mercedes validated their favourites tag with a one-two podium finish.

Both George Russell and Kimi Antonelli cruised past the competition to get Mercedes 47 points in the opening race, while Charles Leclerc followed in third.

Here’s your top three from the Australian Grand Prix! Were you surprised by the podium finishers?

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Reigning world champion Lando Norris didn’t have an easy race, managing to finish fifth after a close battle with Max Verstappen.

With Red Bull, McLaren, and Ferrari seemingly not adapting to the new F1 regulations as well as Mercedes, both Norris and Leclerc had their say on the new landscape of the sport.

READ MORE: Bernie Collins questions McLaren’s ‘unusual’ Lando Norris wing repairs at the Australian Grand Prix

Charles Leclerc responds to Lando Norris’ complaints about new F1 regulations

Lando Norris spoke after the Australian Grand Prix about his experience racing under the new F1 regulations. He shared his frustrations about the power unit and how difficult it is to manage.

“That’s not a nice position to be in, but there’s nothing we can really do about that now. It’s a shame, it’s very artificial, depending on what the power unit decides to do and randomly does at times.

“You just get overtaken by five cars, or you can just do nothing about it sometimes. There’s nothing we can change about it, so there’s no point in saying any more, but not for me.”

Charles Leclerc shared his own thoughts when asked to respond to Norris’ comments, admitting that he agreed with the world champion on some level.

“I kind of agree. I think it will definitely change the way we go about racing. Before, it was about who was the bravest in braking the latest.”

“Now, there’s a bit more of a strategy behind every move because every boost, button activation, you’re going to pay the price big time after that.”

“So you’re always trying to think multiple steps ahead to try and end up eventually first. But it’s a different way to go about racing, for sure.”

Mercedes claim a one-two finish to start F1’s new era! Which driver stands out from the top 10 of the Australian Grand Prix?

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READ MORE: Charles Leclerc claims F1 2026 power management forces end to driving style used ‘since I was four’

George Russell defends new F1 regulations, asks for more patience

However, not every driver shared the perspective of Leclerc and Norris. Race winner George Russell defended the new regulations, and asked drivers to give it a chance, given the positive reception from fans.

“Everyone is very quick to criticise things. You need to give it a shot. We’re 22 drivers. When we’ve had the best cars, the least tyre degradation, and we’ve been happiest, everyone moans that the racing is rubbish.

“Now drivers aren’t perfectly happy, and everyone said it was an amazing race. So, you can’t have it all. I think we should give it a chance, and see after.”

Some fans might argue that Russell winning the first race and Mercedes’ success will lead to bias from their camp toward the new regulations.

However, there is some validity to what Russell is saying, as there has only been one race, and the ramifications of the new regulations will only be properly felt once a few races have taken place.