The world champion did not mince his words with his F1 rival

Lando Norris has delivered a pointed riposte to Max Verstappen’s scathing assessment of Formula One’s new technical framework, suggesting his rival is welcome to walk away from the sport entirely.

The reigning world champion made his feelings abundantly clear during the second day of pre-season running at the Bahrain International Circuit on Thursday.

“If he wants to retire, he can retire,” Norris declared when asked about Verstappen’s grievances.

The McLaren driver’s comments came in direct response to the Dutchman’s withering critique of the 2026 machinery, which has sparked considerable debate within the paddock ahead of the season opener in Melbourne next month.

Lando Norris took a pop at Max Verstappen, telling him to retire if he did not like the rules

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Verstappen’s frustrations centre on the substantial emphasis placed upon energy management under the revised regulations, which he believes fundamentally undermines the racing experience.

The four-time world champion described the new machinery as “Formula E on steroids” and branded the rules “anti-racing” following his running in Bahrain.

“As a pure driver, I enjoy driving flat out. And, at the moment, you cannot drive like that,” Verstappen explained.

The Dutchman argued that driver inputs now have an outsized effect on battery performance, forcing competitors to lift and coast rather than attack every corner with maximum commitment.

Max Verstappen took a pop at the new rules in place ahead of the upcoming season

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He had previously indicated he might consider leaving the sport altogether should the new generation fail to deliver enjoyment.

Norris took a markedly different view of the regulatory overhaul, expressing genuine enthusiasm for the challenge presented by the revised machinery.

“We get paid a stupid amount of money to drive, so you can’t really complain at the end of the day,” the Briton stated.

He acknowledged that the 2026 cars demand an altered approach behind the wheel, requiring drivers to adapt their techniques and manage systems differently than before.

“Any driver can go and find something else to do. It’s not like he has to be here, or any driver has to be here,” Norris added.

The McLaren star maintained that the privilege of racing at the pinnacle of motorsport, travelling globally whilst earning handsomely, leaves precious little room for grievances.

Lando Norris beat Max Verstappen to the world title this year | REUTERSDespite his criticisms, Norris expressed confidence that Verstappen’s competitive fire would remain undiminished regardless of the regulatory environment.

“I don’t expect Max is going to go out and not give a s—,” Norris observed. “He’s going to try and win and Max is never going to not try, he’s just not going to smile as much maybe.”

The McLaren driver noted that whilst the current machinery feels neither as rapid nor as refined as its predecessors, significant performance gains are anticipated as teams develop their packages throughout the campaign.

“Every driver has their own opinions and he didn’t like it and I like it,” Norris concluded.