Lewis Hamilton voices doubts over Formula 1’s 2026 rule changes, citing slower cars, reduced sound, and concerns on race quality.
Lewis Hamilton has voiced his concerns about Formula 1’s new regulations for 2026, admitting he does not believe “it’s going in the right direction.”
In 2026, F1 will introduce new rules aimed at making the cars slightly smaller and lighter, with a greater emphasis on the electric power of the power unit.
Active aerodynamics will also be integrated, which is expected to significantly impact wheel-to-wheel racing.
Several drivers and team members have already questioned the new regulations following initial simulator testing.
Hamilton shared his opinion on the new rules during an interview ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix, which begins today with media day.
“Personally, I don’t think it’s going in the right direction.”
“I might be surprised next year. Maybe when we arrive, the cars will look really good.”
“With the direction we’re heading, we are going slower. But the cars were becoming too heavy.”
“I mean, next year I guess they’ll be lighter, but this generation of cars is the heaviest I’ve driven. I miss the sound. When you hear a Ferrari V12, that’s passion.”
“As soon as we started using V6s, even if it’s a good direction for the world in terms of sustainability, it’s positive from that point of view… but you can’t say the sound is nice when you see Michael Schumacher’s 2003 car go by, and you go: ‘Ah!’”
Although his results on track have not met expectations, Hamilton admitted the pressure to perform has been motivating.
“This year, the first half of the season has been the busiest of my life. The pressure was undoubtedly at its peak, and everyone’s expectations were immense.”
“But facing reality, we are not in the fight for the world championship in terms of pure pace.”
“My first year at Mercedes, the first six months were also tough. There was less hype than here, because this is Ferrari.”
“The direction I pushed the car and the setup worked well in China, but we had to reduce certain aspects (ride height), and we haven’t performed as well since.”
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