Hamilton explains why he enjoys current F1 cars more than Verstappen

Lewis Hamilton has clarified his positive stance on Formula 1's 2026 technical regulations, directly contrasting with the vocal criticism from rivals like Max Verstappen and Lando Norris. The Ferrari driver attributes his enjoyment to having a competitive car and finds the lighter, nimbler machines fun to drive, while acknowledging specific flaws in the power unit deployment.

Why it matters:

The public split among the sport's biggest stars over the new car regulations highlights a fundamental tension in F1's evolution. While the technical shake-up has created closer on-track battles for fans, driver satisfaction is a critical component for the sport's health and influences future regulatory decisions. Hamilton's perspective, coming from a seven-time champion now in a title fight, carries significant weight in this debate.

The details:

• Hamilton's Enjoyment: The Ferrari driver stated he is "personally enjoying" the 2026 cars, praising them as "lighter, more nimble, and more fun to drive." He directly linked enjoyment to competitiveness, noting it's "nice to be at the front" when you have a good car.
• Verstappen's Frustration: Hamilton suggested the reigning champion's dissatisfaction may stem from Red Bull's lack of dominance this season, calling it Verstappen's first year without "smooth sailing" in four or five years.
• Specific Criticisms: Despite his overall positivity, Hamilton criticized specific elements, saying he "really dislike[s]" the power deployment and is not a fan of the Straight Mode (SM) engine setting.
• Widespread Driver Discontent: Hamilton acknowledged that "a lot of drivers are not enjoying it," aligning with public complaints from Verstappen, who labeled the rules "Formula E on steroids," and Lando Norris, who called them the "worst ever."
• Sport's Health: Countering the negativity, Hamilton pointed to F1's commercial and popular peak, citing record income, the successful F1 movie, an Oscar win, and better on-track battles as positives for the sport.

What's next:

The driver divide over the regulations is unlikely to fade soon, putting pressure on the FIA and F1 to address legitimate performance complaints while preserving the improved racing. Hamilton's closing remarks underscore the season's narrative: enjoyment is tied directly to competitive position. As the development race intensifies, the opinions of drivers fighting at the front versus those in the midfield may continue to starkly differ, defining the internal reception of this new era.