Pre-season testing in Bahrain is underway, and both Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen have spoken out about the same issue with Formula 1’s new regulations.
While sweeping rule changes often generate excitement over potential shifts in the pecking order, there’s been a lot of uncertainty around the 2026 regulations due to the new engine formula.
The cars are now running an even split between electrical and combustion power, and many drivers have raised concerns about how managing that energy balance will impact racing once the lights go out on Sunday afternoons.
“I don’t know if it makes sense to change it again. At least from my side I don’t really see the need for it. I think they’ve gone too far,” Verstappen said, as quoted by Sky Sports.
Hamilton and Verstappen Raise Concerns Over F1’s Direction After 2026 Rule Changes
Speaking after the first day of testing in Bahrain, Hamilton highlighted how much lift-and-coast drivers are now having to manage on their laps under the new engine setup.
While lift-and-coast isn’t unusual later in a race, seeing it become so prominent during qualifying would have been unthinkable in earlier seasons.
As he told reporters, “At Barcelona, for example, we’re doing 600 metres lift and coast on a qualifying lap. That’s not what racing is about.”
Max Verstappen spoke with Sky Sport Germany during the second day of testing in Sakhir, echoing Hamilton’s thoughts from the day before.
After Verstappen made a jab about the new crop of F1 cars feeling like “Formula E on steroids”, he added, “I don’t know what else to say about it, you know, it’s not the original Formula 1 feeling anymore.”
The regulations are still very new, but early feedback from two of F1’s most recognisable voices raises valid questions about what kind of racing fans can expect this season.
Max Verstappen tipped to gain the most from F1’s new engine formula
Verstappen is one of the few names being tipped to gain the most from this year’s regulations. And it makes sense.
The sport’s increased emphasis on energy management has drawn praise for the Dutchman, with former Red Bull chief Helmut Marko previously highlighting Verstappen’s significant advantage in that area.
The four-time world champion has a reputation for being a step ahead of his rivals when it comes to mental sharpness, something that’s often attributed to his extensive use of home simulators and general passion for sim-racing.
Laurent Mekies summed it up clearly, saying Verstappen simply possesses more “brainpower” than anyone else aiming to challenge his position as the sport’s top driver.
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