Hamilton Won't Miss Current F1 Cars, Fears 2026 Might Be Worse
Lewis Hamilton has expressed his strong dislike for the current generation of F1 cars, stating he will "not miss a single thing" about them. He called this era "probably the worst one" and voiced significant concerns about the upcoming 2026 regulations, fearing they "might be worse," despite having already undertaken simulator work with Ferrari. His comments highlight widespread driver dissatisfaction and uncertainty about the sport's future technical direction.
As Formula 1 prepares to bid farewell to its current rule set in Abu Dhabi, Lewis Hamilton is making no secret of his readiness to see the back of the sport's ground-effect cars. After four seasons wrestling machinery he believes never suited drivers or the spectacle, the seven-time world champion says he's counting down the hours until the regulations reset in 2026, though he's far from convinced the next era will be an improvement.
Why it matters:
Hamilton's candid assessment highlights a growing sentiment among drivers regarding the current generation of F1 cars, which many believe have compromised raceability and driving pleasure. His concerns about the 2026 regulations, even after initial simulator work with Ferrari, underscore the uncertainty surrounding the sport's future technical direction and its potential impact on both competition and driver experience.
The details:
- Hamilton explicitly stated, "There's not a single thing I'll miss about these cars. It is as simple as that. I have not enjoyed it."
- He compared the current ground-effect machines unfavorably to the 2017 cars, which he described as "bigger, wider, looked beefier and had more downforce. It was mega." He called the current generation "probably the worst one."
- Simulator Experience: Hamilton has already begun simulator work with Ferrari on the 2026 car but expressed uncertainty. "It feels so much different and I'm not sure you're going to like it," he warned, adding, "But maybe I'll be surprised and maybe it'll be amazing."
- Technical Challenges: The 2026 overhaul will feature reduced downforce, major powertrain changes, and active aerodynamics. Hamilton anticipates significant challenges, particularly in wet conditions, due to "less downforce, more torque," making driving "very, very, very tough."
- Race Spectacle: He also expects changes to the racing spectacle, with energy and hybrid deployment becoming more visible on track, including "downshifting on the straight and different boost parameters."
Between the lines:
Hamilton's frankness, especially as he transitions to Ferrari for the 2025 season, carries additional weight. His comments reflect not just personal preference but a broader concern within the paddock about the direction of F1's technical regulations. The hope for 2026 is to create more exciting racing and driver-friendly cars, but initial feedback from a driver of Hamilton's caliber suggests this goal is far from guaranteed. His remarks also serve as a subtle challenge to the sport's governing bodies to ensure the new rules deliver on their promise.
What's next:
With the 2026 technical regulations still over a year away, fine-tuning and development will continue. Hamilton's early feedback from the simulator will undoubtedly contribute to the ongoing discussions and adjustments as teams and the FIA strive to optimize the new era. The true test will come when the cars hit the track, but the early signals from one of F1's most experienced drivers suggest a cautious optimism mixed with significant apprehension about what lies ahead.