Lando Norris faces challenges in Melbourne practice sessions
Lando Norris encountered a difficult start to the 2026 Formula 1 season during the practice sessions at Albert Park, Melbourne. The McLaren driver completed just seven laps in the first practice session due to a transmission control issue, raising concerns about the team’s performance.
In the second practice session, Norris managed to improve his performance, finishing with 29 laps and a time just a second behind his teammate, Oscar Piastri, whose best lap time was 1:19.729.
This year’s season follows a tumultuous end to the previous season for Norris, who became the first Formula 1 driver to win a world championship after being disqualified for a rules infraction since Michael Schumacher in 1994. In a controversial turn of events, he was disqualified from the Las Vegas Grand Prix in 2025 due to his car being underweight, resulting in 18 points being stripped from his total.
The disqualification was a significant setback, but Norris still managed to secure his championship by finishing third in the season finale in Abu Dhabi, ending the season with a two-point lead over Max Verstappen.
According to Formula 1 regulations, the thickness of the planks underneath the cars must be no less than 9mm, a rule that played a crucial role in Norris’s disqualification. The 2026 Formula 1 season is set to begin on March 7, 2026, and teams are eager to establish their performance early on.
After the first day of practice, Norris remarked, “A tricky first day, but it’s good to be back in the car for the start of a new season.” He expressed confidence in himself and his team, stating, “Certainly. I’ve got good confidence in myself which is a nice way to start the season, and confidence in the team.”
As the season progresses, Norris and McLaren will need to address the technical issues encountered in Melbourne to ensure a competitive performance in the upcoming races.