Lewis Hamilton is one of the Formula 1 drivers who expressed concern about the lack of speed in the 2026 sports car after the new regulations were revealed.
The sport’s governing body, the FIA, has published regulations that will dictate the design of the next generation of F1 cars, with a focus on reducing current models to produce closer races.
The smaller engine will reduce the F1 car’s weight by 30 kilograms, while also incorporating a simplified combustion engine using sustainable fuel and the introduction of a new overtaking boost button.
Seven-time world champion Hamilton, who is contracted to drive for Ferrari when the new rules are introduced in 2026, said: “It’s only 30kg, so it’s still a step in the right direction.
“I just saw what everyone else saw this morning, so I haven’t thought about it.
Please use Chrome browser for more accessible video player
Lewis Hamilton believes the car continues to improve and hopes Mercedes will start to close the gap with the team at the front.
“I’ve spoken to some drivers who have driven (the 2026 car) in the simulator and they say it’s too slow. So we’ll see if the direction is right or not.
“But I think about sustainability, especially on the power unit side, I think it’s a brave step and a step in the right direction.
“But we just have to make sure that the cars are efficient, fast and have real pace, and actually the race is getting better.”
Albon: I think 2026 cars will be very slow
With the regulations released ahead of media day ahead of this weekend’s Canadian Grand Prix, some drivers have had a chance to react.
A number of drivers had the opportunity to drive a simulated version of the 2026 car, with word of unbelievable performance seemingly spreading around the paddock.
Williams driver Alex Albon, who recently signed a long-term deal with the team, was perhaps the most outspoken driver in his assessment.
Please use Chrome browser for more accessible video player
Mercedes’ George Russell has spoken out about radical new regulations to be introduced in F1 in 2026
“I don’t want to say it out loud, but I think it’s going to be very slow, very slow,” Albon said. “I think there are a lot of things going on to make sure that straight line speed doesn’t stop at the end with all the MGU-K and what not.
“I still think there needs to be some work done. Looking at some of the work we have done, and looking at the speed of some of the tracks, it’s quite slow.
The size of the car, I think it’s the right direction. Not saying negative around it, I think there is positive and negative around the whole thing. It seems that to recover what the new engine regulations make, it means that everything becomes extremely complicated.
“All the aero lines we’re going to go through, I’d rather have a simpler engine, less maybe standard parts on the engine or something, and just go back to more basic regulations. .”
Alonso: Close competition is the most important
Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso, the only driver older than Hamilton on the grid, who has also signed a deal to continue driving to the new regulations, said the most important factor was competitiveness.
“I think a smaller car, just being able to overtake, or fight less, will be the best part for the drivers,” said the Spaniard.
“I think the most important thing for us is a close competition and many teams and drivers have a chance to win. What we don’t like is when one team wins all the races in two or three years, so let’s see what the 2026 rules can bring.”
The new regulations tend to produce dominant cars for a significant period of time, before rivals start to catch up, as happened in the current campaign with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen finally coming under pressure from Ferrari and McLaren after two dominant campaigns.
However, keeping the same regulations for a longer period of time will go against the essence of the sport and the design and technology created by the engineers.
“More often than not when they (the FIA) make changes some teams are better than others,” added Hamilton.
“I hope this ordinance doesn’t make too much of a difference.”
McLaren’s Oscar Piastri expressed fears that the field could spread again with the regulation change.
“Every time the regulations have changed, it’s caused quite a stir,” the Australian said.
“With these regs, we are just starting to catch up with Red Bull now.
“But we have a place in society to be at the forefront of technology and innovation and I would argue that sometimes it comes at the cost of racing.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if the teams are separated even more in 2026 with aero regs and engine regs.”
Live Canadian GP schedule Sky Sports F1
Friday June 7th
6pm: Canadian GP Practice One (session starts at 6.30pm)
8pm: F1 event
21.45: Canadian GP Practice Two (session starts at 10pm)
Please use Chrome browser for more accessible video player
A look back at some of the most dramatic moments of the Canadian Grand Prix
Saturday June 8th
17.15: Canadian GP Practice Three (session starts at 5.30pm)
8pm: Canadian GP qualifying build-up
9pm: Canadian GP Qualifying
11pm: Ted’s Qualification Notebook
Sunday June 9th
17.30: Sunday’s Grand Prix – Canadian GP build-up
7pm: THE CANADIAN GRAND PRIX
9pm: Checkered Flag – Canadian GP reaction
10pm: Ted’s Notebook
Formula 1 leaves Europe for the last time before the summer break as the championship heads to Montreal for the Canadian Grand Prix. Watch every session at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve this weekend live on Sky Sports F1, with Sunday’s race at 7pm. Stream every F1 race and more with Sports Month Membership NOW – No contract, cancel anytime
