Lewis Hamilton questions the effectiveness of the 2026 F1 car weight reduction, deeming the 30-kilogram decrease insufficient for improved performance.
Lewis Hamilton remains unconvinced that Formula 1 is heading in the right direction by only reducing the weight of its cars by 30 kilograms for the next season. The Mercedes F1 driver is concerned about the handling of the future cars but has yet to form a definitive opinion as he has not tested them in the simulator.
“It’s only 30 kilograms, so it’s a step in the right direction, but it’s still heavy,” Hamilton stated. “I’ve just seen what you’ve all seen. I don’t have any concrete ideas about it yet. I’ve spoken to drivers who have tested it on the simulator. I haven’t done that, but they said it felt quite slow, so we’ll see if it’s the right direction or not.”
“However, I believe that in terms of sustainability, particularly from the power unit side, it’s a really bold measure, and I think it’s heading in the right direction. We just need to ensure that the cars are efficient, fast, and represent a natural step forward, enhancing the racing experience.”
Nico Hülkenberg shares similar scepticism regarding this weight reduction, considering it insufficient. Like Valtteri Bottas, he is concerned about the lack of downforce and questions whether the weight should be further reduced to maintain high-performing cars.
“As Lewis said, the weight reduction is a good thing, but 30 kilograms is not a game-changer. It seems there will be significantly less downforce, particularly in high-speed corners, which will present a different scenario and characteristics compared to today’s cars.”
“It will undoubtedly be a drastic change, and change is not always welcomed. But we will see what happens over the next year and a half and whether there can be minor adjustments in the meantime.”
F1 2026: Hamilton’s Concerns Over Car Weight. F1 2026: Hamilton’s Concerns Over Car Weight
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