The reigning world champion showed his discontent with the current state of F1. Norris, just like Max Verstappen, complained about the new technical regulations and dropped a phrase that caused a stir: according to him, you no longer need "balls" to make a difference behind the wheel.
The British driver had a start of the season to forget with McLaren and that seems to have influenced his view on the new rules. The orange team comes from winning the last two constructors' championships but this year they started on the left foot: in Australia, Piastri couldn't start due to a crash on the formation lap and Norris barely managed to salvage a fifth place finish.
In China, everything got worse: both cars were out before the start due to mechanical issues and today McLaren is third with 17 points, far from Ferrari's 67 and Mercedes' 98. It's not just the gap in the standings that worries them but the feelings the car gives.
The MCL40 hasn't started well at all. In qualifying they can fight Ferrari for the second row but in race pace things are totally different. They can't beat the guys ahead but the guys behind can't catch them either. Red Bull, which was their direct rival last year, now seems to have a more solid car. Andrea Stella, the team boss, has already said they are working against the clock to bring solutions to Japan but the outlook is not encouraging.
In the middle of this complicated present, Norris's criticism of the regulations appeared. The Briton was blunt with his words: he said the driver can still make a difference but in another way.
It's no longer about who brakes later or who has more guts to go fast through a tricky corner, now the key is managing energy, using the engine at the right moment, administering the battery. In short, a paradigm shift that many don't like.
Norris's statements sparked controversy because just a few weeks ago, he had a more moderate stance. But after two races where he couldn't even compete, it seems he changed his mind, finding in Verstappen a partner in complaint.
The Dutchman had already been showing his discontent since the preseason tests, and now Norris joins him with the same intensity. The curious part? Both are drivers known for their aggressiveness behind the wheel, and these regulations seem to have taken that weapon away from them.
At McLaren, they hope things improve in Suzuka. The Japanese track is demanding and usually favors cars with good downforce. Last year, in the first three races, they already had five podiums. Today, they are very far from that reality, but the team trusts that the problems can be solved.
Stella assured they are thoroughly investigating what happened in China to prevent a repeat. Time is running and the gap to the ones ahead is starting to become worrying.