The China Mail - Russell takes pop at rival Norris over 'worst F1 cars' claim

McLaren's Norris launched a scathing attack on changes to engine and chassis regulations after qualifying at the Australian Grand Prix, declaring they "suck" and the 2026 cars are the "worst" in history.

The shake-up has seen the engine power units switch to 50 percent battery, which drains and needs recharging by braking or by lifting off the throttle.

"We've come from the best cars ever made in Formula One, and the nicest to drive, to probably the worst. It sucks," Norris told reporters at the season-opener in Melbourne.

"Everyone knows what the issues are. It's just the fact the engine is a 50-50 split and it just doesn't work."

While Norris has been critical, Mercedes' Russell has been a cheerleader.

After winning the Australian Grand Prix on Sunday, Russell was asked if he saw his rival's comments as "sour grapes" because McLaren were not as competitive so far this year.

"If he was winning I don't think he'd be saying the same," said Russell.

"We weren't happy with how stiff the cars were last year and the porpoising.

"Everyone had a bad back and the drivers were complaining about that and the McLaren drivers said they had no porpoising, even though we watched their car and they were porpoising.

"So everyone is always looking to themselves and we are all selfish in this regard.

"The truth is last year we had the same engine as them and McLaren did a better job than us and they beat us. Now McLaren have got the same engine as us, the same as Williams and the same as Alpine, and so far we've done a better job than them.

"That's just how the game goes."

Russell added that drivers need to give the new regulations more time before casting judgement.

"Everyone's very quick to criticise things, you need to give it a shot," he said.

Norris came fifth to start his campaign, more than 51 seconds behind winner Russell.

McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri crashed out on a reconnaissance lap before the grand prix even started and took no further part.

"It's looking like it's going to be a long, tough season, but we're in a reasonable place to start from and we'll do the best we can," said Norris.

L.Johnson--ThChM