Lewis Hamilton questions new F1 car speed, compares feeling to 'GP2'

Lewis Hamilton has sparked debate by stating the new 2026 Formula 1 cars "feel" slower than Formula 2 machinery, despite acknowledging they are more fun to drive. His comments highlight a perceived disconnect between the raw lap time data and the driver sensation in the latest generation of ground-effect cars, which are shorter, lighter, and produce less downforce under the new regulations.

Why it matters:

Hamilton's comparison to junior formula cars touches on a core tension in F1's technical evolution: the balance between spectacle, driver enjoyment, and outright performance. While the cars are demonstrably faster than F2 by several seconds per lap, the subjective "feel" reported by a seven-time champion raises questions about whether the new regulations have achieved their goals of improving racing and driver feedback, or if they have inadvertently diluted the pinnacle feeling of speed.

The details:

• During the first pre-season test in Bahrain, Hamilton remarked, "I think we're slower than GP2 [F2], right now, right? I mean, it does feel like that."
• He immediately clarified the new SF-26 is "a more fun car to drive" than its predecessor, describing it as easier to catch and "like rallying a lot."
• The Data Disconnect: The feeling contradicts timing sheets. Max Verstappen's best time on the first morning was a 1:35.433, while the 2025 F2 pole time in Bahrain was a 1:44.08—a gap of nearly nine seconds.
• Driving Challenges: Hamilton noted the car felt worse in Bahrain's gusty, hot conditions compared to its shakedown in Barcelona, making balance difficult to find. He ended the day fourth fastest, one second behind Verstappen.
• Withholding Judgment: The Ferrari driver emphasized it is too early for a definitive verdict, as teams are still optimizing tires, aerodynamics, ride height, and mechanical balance.

What's next:

Hamilton's comments will fuel ongoing analysis of the 2026 cars' performance envelope. The focus now shifts to whether teams can unlock more performance and downforce through setup optimization, moving the driver sensation closer to the brutal speed expected of F1. The true test will come at the first race, where competitive lap times and raceability will ultimately judge the new regulations' success.