The Briton responds to the Dutchman’s criticism and offers a very different vision of the current single-seaters.
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The debate surrounding the 2026 single-seaters continues to stir the paddock, and this time, it is Lewis Hamilton who responds directly to Max Verstappen’s criticism.
Very vocal since the start of the season, the Red Bull driver has not hidden his rejection of the new rules, going as far as calling these cars “anti-racing.” He even compared their operation to an extreme version of Formula E, pointing out the excessive importance of energy management.
But Hamilton clearly does not share this vision. The seven-time world champion takes a more nuanced approach, while reminding that every regulatory change inevitably divides the drivers.
Hamilton tempers and provides context
For Hamilton, Verstappen’s criticism must also be placed in its sporting context. After several seasons of almost total dominance, the Dutchman is discovering a more complicated situation in 2026.
“When you have a good car and you are competitive, it’s nice to be in front, and he experienced that for four or five years,” explains the Briton.
Without attacking his rival head-on, Hamilton emphasizes that this new reality can influence the perception of driving. He also adds that Verstappen is not the only one experiencing difficulties with this generation of cars.
“I think there are several drivers who are not necessarily having fun right now,” he specifies.
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A more positive vision of the new single-seaters
Unlike Verstappen, Hamilton also sees positives in these next-generation F1 cars. He particularly appreciates their lighter and more agile behavior on track, even if he acknowledges certain limits.
“Personally, I like these cars. They are lighter, more agile, and more fun to drive,” he says.
However, he tempers his enthusiasm on certain technical aspects.
“Do I like the energy management? Absolutely not. Do I like certain modes? Not really,” he admits, showing that everything is not perfect in his eyes either.
But overall, Hamilton believes that the show is still there: “Overall, I think it’s positive for the sport. We see battles on track, not just trains of cars.”
An inevitable debate in F1 history
Ultimately, this divergence illustrates a well-known reality in Formula 1: every technical evolution sparks opposing views. Between driving purists and defenders of innovation, the debate is permanent.
Hamilton concludes pragmatically: “With every regulation change, everyone has an opinion. Some like it, others don’t. But you can’t satisfy everyone.”
A measured but firm response, which highlights how much F1 2026 divides… even among the biggest names on the grid.
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