Norris and Hamilton expect Silverstone to be less challenging in new era

Lando Norris expects the upcoming British Grand Prix at Silverstone to present a different kind of challenge compared to previous years, even as he anticipates an exciting race for fans. As Formula One enters a new engine era, the dynamics of racing have shifted, with energy management and the increased electric component of power units becoming crucial.

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I think actually Sunday will be exciting. On the outside, I think it will be great

"I think actually Sunday will be exciting. On the outside, I think it will be great," Norris stated on Thursday. He acknowledged that while iconic corners like Copse and Maggots/Becketts might not offer the same level of intense challenge due to the new regulations, the track will still be fast and enjoyable to watch. "Copse will certainly not be quite the same challenge it was over the last few years. Maggots, Becketts, maybe not quite the same challenge, but it’ll still be quick. I think it'll still be good to watch."

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Copse will certainly not be quite the same challenge it was over the last few years. Maggots, Becketts, maybe not quite the same challenge, but it’ll still be quick. I think it'll still be good to watch.

The McLaren driver explained that drivers will likely experience longer periods of deceleration than desired, a reality of the current F1 cars. "You’re still going to have some zones where you’re decelerating for longer periods than what you would like, but that’s just reality of what we have nowadays," Norris added. He concluded that despite these changes, the experience of racing at Silverstone remains significant. "It will still be good. It’s still Silverstone. We’re still in Formula One. So in the end of the day, we can’t complain too much."

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You’re still going to have some zones where you’re decelerating for longer periods than what you would like, but that’s just reality of what we have nowadays

Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who recently secured his first win since joining Ferrari in Barcelona, shared a more reserved view on the impact of the new regulations. Based on simulator data, Hamilton expressed concern that the visceral thrill of navigating high-speed corners like Copse at full throttle, with the engine screaming, will be diminished. "Normally the engine’s screaming as you go into Copse and you’re holding on for dear life as you go through there flat out. This year, the engine will be coasting down most likely," he said. He also noted that Maggots and Becketts might require drivers to lift and coast, fundamentally altering the feel of these legendary sections of the track. "And then Maggots and Becketts is just not going to feel the same because I think you have to lift and coast or something through there for a period of time. So, it’s just a completely different track."

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It will still be good. It’s still Silverstone. We’re still in Formula One. So in the end of the day, we can’t complain too much.