Despite his excellent weekend in Canada, Lewis Hamilton also believes that current Formula 1 produces “strange” sensations far from the historical essence of motorsport.
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Since the start of the new engine regulations in 2026, Max Verstappen has established himself as the main opponent to the current operation of the cars. But the four-time world champion is no longer alone.
After the Canadian Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton clearly joined the criticisms made by the Red Bull driver regarding the sensations offered by the new F1 cars.
The Briton, despite achieving his best result with Ferrari thanks to his second place in Montreal, admits that he continues to feel a deep discomfort with this generation of cars.
“It clearly hasn’t become natural, that’s for sure. This strange feeling continues to exist” Hamilton explained.
“This is not what motorsport should be”
The seven-time world champion particularly criticizes the extremely complex energy management imposed by the new power units.
Like Verstappen, Hamilton believes this distorts the very essence of driving in Formula 1.
“You activate straight-line mode, then the power disappears mid-straight and the engine speed starts to drop. This is not what motorsport should be” declared the Ferrari driver.
Hamilton especially regrets the disappearance of the more raw mechanical sensations of previous engine generations.
“The engine should scream all the way down the straight and keep pushing non-stop. That was the case in the era of V8s or V10s. They just kept pushing again and again.”
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Verstappen continues to apply pressure
These statements come as Verstappen multiplies media appearances against the current regulations.
The Dutchman notably calls for a shift towards a 60-40 split between internal combustion engine and electric power from 2027 to reduce dependence on batteries and energy management systems.
According to him, F1 has become far too complicated, both for drivers and fans.
Hamilton now seems to share much of this analysis, even if he acknowledges some qualities in the new cars.
Hamilton still finds a positive aspect
The Ferrari driver nevertheless wants to highlight a point he considers very positive in this new generation of cars: the ability to closely follow another car.
His duel with Verstappen at the end of the race in Canada allowed him to appreciate this aspect.
“I think in the end, the car is fundamentally better designed to race wheel-to-wheel and follow others very closely. That’s probably the best aspect of this regulation.”
However, Hamilton does not hide his disappointment regarding the sensations related to the engines: “The whole power aspect is much less exciting.”
The debate around the 2026 rules and future engine developments thus seems far from over within the Formula 1 paddock.
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