Lewis Hamilton regrets that the new single-seaters have reduced an essential dimension of racing on some of the most legendary circuits.
Read more Ferrari worries its rivals with its developments, Charles Leclerc responds
Lewis Hamilton does not hide his frustration with some consequences of the new technical regulations introduced in 2026. While drivers have had to learn to exploit profoundly different single-seaters, the Briton believes that part of the pleasure provided by real battles on track has disappeared on some circuits.
The change is notably linked to the new distribution of power from the power units. Now, about 50% of it comes from the electric part, compared to approximately 20% with the previous generation.
This evolution forces drivers to manage their energy much more finely. Using all the available power can allow attacking, but also leave the single-seater vulnerable a few moments later if the battery is no longer sufficiently charged.
Energy management has become decisive
Some circuits lend themselves relatively well to this new philosophy. In Monaco or Hungary, the many heavy braking zones and relatively low speeds allow the single-seaters to regularly recover energy.
The situation becomes more problematic on fast tracks. Albert Park, Suzuka, Silverstone, and Spa-Francorchamps have seen some of their most spectacular sections lose a part of their character with the 2026 cars.
Fernando Alonso had even compared some fast sequences, like the Esses at Suzuka or Maggotts and Becketts at Silverstone, to simple “recharging zones”.
A situation that absolutely does not please Hamilton, particularly attached to these historic circuits and the challenge they traditionally imposed on drivers.
“No, it completely bothers me”, admits the seven-time world champion when asked about the reduction of the challenge offered by Suzuka, Silverstone, or Spa.
Hamilton prefers racing to qualifying
For Hamilton, the problem goes beyond just the difficulty of driving. What he seeks above all in Formula 1 are direct confrontations with his opponents.
Read more Does the Audi engine hide the true potential of the R26? No comparison possible
The Ferrari driver takes Monaco as an example. The street circuit remains exceptional for setting a qualifying lap, but its extremely limited overtaking opportunities make the race much less exciting in his eyes.
“Monaco is a beautiful place, a superb country, and an incredible circuit for setting a qualifying lap, no matter what car you drive”, he explains.
“But it is the least enjoyable race because you cannot overtake. Personally, what interests me is simply racing.”
The quest for the perfect lap on Saturday is therefore not what gives the most thrills to the Briton.
“What excites me is not qualifying, it’s the race.”
“That is racing”
Hamilton especially details what he misses when the characteristics of a circuit or the single-seaters prevent drivers from truly battling.
“It’s fighting against others, wheel-to-wheel racing, having to try to surpass and outsmart the drivers you are battling against, feeling the pressure, having to defend and all that kind of stuff.”
For the seven-time world champion, these elements constitute the very essence of Formula 1.
“That is racing. That is what I am looking for. So, when you come to races where you cannot do that, it is not the most satisfying.”
At 41 and after more than two decades at the highest level, Hamilton remains above all attracted by direct combat. And if technology now occupies an even more important place in managing the new single-seaters, the Briton would like it not to be at the expense of what he considers the heart of his profession: facing his opponents on track.
Read more Frédéric Vasseur is pleased with the internal rivalry at Ferrari: raising the bar