Can Norris Maintain His Unique Style?
Lando Norris, the 26-year-old British driver who clinched the 2025 Formula 1 title with McLaren, won the championship by adhering to his own “papaya rules” – a team philosophy that treated both drivers equally, even under the pressure of a tight championship race.
His victory was celebrated for its unique approach and his management of pressure, following his acknowledgment of past mental health struggles due to early career criticism. Norris emphasized that he aimed to win “by being myself, not trying to be someone I’m not,” distinguishing his style from that of aggressive predecessors like Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher.
McLaren’s non-interference team strategy, under Christian Horner’s departure from Red Bull, contributed to a less contentious atmosphere. This approach also benefited Australian teammate Oscar Piastri, despite his strong early standing in the championship.
Mercedes: The Pacesetter Engine
Experts predict that Mercedes will set the pace in the upcoming season, thanks to a newly developed power unit expected to boost their recovery as a leading team.
The German constructor has been testing and developing the new engine to meet next year’s regulations. Mercedes anticipates that young Kimi Antonelli, who has shown great promise despite being a rookie, will compete against George Russell. The new regulations will make cars lighter, smaller, and more agile, with a 30kg weight reduction.
However, Mercedes won’t be the only team using their cars with Mercedes engines; McLaren, Williams, and Alpine will also adopt them. Red Bull and its smaller sibling Racing Bulls will use their own Red Bull Powertrains, developed after parting ways with Honda, which will now power Aston Martin.
Ferrari will continue using its own engines and supply propulsion systems to Haas and the newly formed Cadillac team.
Audi and Cadillac: New Faces
Sauber concluded the 2025 season with mixed results, securing a podium in Silverstone but only amassing 70 points from its drivers, German Nico Hulkenberg and Brazilian Gabriel Bortoleto. Sauber, ranking penultimate in the 2025 constructors’ championship (just ahead of Alpine), will transform into Audi for the next season, aiming to compete with top teams with the experience gained this year and retaining the same drivers.
Cadillac, another new face on the grid, brings substantial funding to add an American flavor to the championship, backed by General Motors. For its debut, Cadillac plans to field experienced drivers like Mexican Sergio Pérez and Finnish Valtteri Bottas.
In terms of driver movements, Max Verstappen will have a new teammate in Red Bull following Isack Hadjar’s promotion from Racing Bulls after an impressive rookie season. The French seat in Red Bull’s sibling team will be occupied by 18-year-old Brit Arvid Lindblad, alongside New Zealander Liam Lawson.
While many drivers have expressed skepticism about the new regulations, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, enduring a challenging first season with Ferrari, supports the changes. Charles Leclerc acknowledges that Ferrari faces a crucial period this winter if the Scuderia intends to regain its former glory.
Key Questions and Answers
- Can Norris maintain his unique style? Norris won the title by adhering to his own “papaya rules,” treating both drivers equally and distinguishing himself from aggressive predecessors.
- What can we expect from Mercedes’ new power unit? Experts predict that Mercedes will set the pace with their newly developed power unit, which should boost their recovery as a leading team.
- Which teams will use Mercedes engines? Besides Mercedes, McLaren, Williams, and Alpine will also equip their cars with Mercedes engines. Red Bull and Racing Bulls will use their own Red Bull Powertrains, previously developed with Honda, now powering Aston Martin.
- What changes will Audi and Cadillac bring to Formula 1? Audi will replace Sauber, aiming to compete with top teams using the experience from 2025. Cadillac, backed by General Motors, will introduce American funding and experienced drivers Sergio Pérez and Valtteri Bottas.
- How will driver movements impact the 2026 season? Max Verstappen will have a new teammate, Isack Hadjar, while Arvid Lindblad and Liam Lawson will join Red Bull’s sibling team. Lewis Hamilton supports the new regulations, while Ferrari faces a crucial period to regain former glory.
