Lewis Hamilton's NFL team suffers defeat as he voices uncertainty over F1's 2026 future
Lewis Hamilton watched his Denver Broncos lose their first game he attended as co-owner, while separately expressing deep uncertainty about Formula 1's forthcoming 2026 technical regulations, warning fans they might not like the significant changes.
Lewis Hamilton attended his first game as a co-owner of the Denver Broncos, only to watch them lose 34-20 to the Jacksonville Jaguars, ending an 11-game winning streak. The seven-time world champion, fresh from a winless F1 season, also expressed significant doubts about the sport's upcoming 2026 regulation changes, suggesting fans might not like the new direction.
Why it matters:
Hamilton's dual focus—investing in ventures like NFL ownership while publicly questioning F1's future direction—highlights a pivotal moment for the sport's most recognizable star. His candid skepticism about the 2026 rules, coming from a driver with immense influence, adds pressure on the FIA and F1 to ensure the new era delivers exciting racing and maintains driver confidence.
The details:
- Hamilton, part of the Walton-Penner ownership group, traveled to Denver's Mile High Stadium to watch the Broncos, marking a personal milestone in his growing portfolio of investments outside racing.
- Despite the loss, he took to Instagram to praise the team's spirit, writing, "I'm inspired by how you all support one another... Remember it's not how we fall, it's how we get back up!"
- His off-track ventures are expanding, including a role as co-producer for the upcoming 'F1' movie starring Brad Pitt.
- On the track, Hamilton offered a cautious and somewhat pessimistic view of the 2026 regulations, which will introduce new power units and chassis rules.
- He stated, "I think it’s really, really hard to predict what it’s going to be like... It feels so much different, I’m not sure you’re going to like it."
- The Briton did leave room for optimism, adding, "maybe I’ll be surprised and maybe it’ll be amazing," particularly regarding the potential for improved overtaking.
The big picture:
Hamilton's comments reflect a broader uncertainty within the paddock about a ruleset that is still being finalized. As a driver who will be 41 when the new era begins and is committed to Ferrari from 2025, his perspective carries weight. His engagement in projects like the Broncos and the F1 film also underscores how top drivers are strategically building their legacies and brands beyond their racing careers.
What's next:
All eyes will be on the continued development of the 2026 regulations and whether the governing bodies can address driver concerns about the cars' performance and raceability. For Hamilton, the immediate focus is the winter break before he begins his final season with Mercedes, a team facing its own pivotal transition.