Lewis Hamilton has provided positive feedback of the new 2026 Formula 1 regulations, labelling the cars “more enjoyable” than the previous iteration.
The Brit was outspoken in his dislike of the previous ground-effect cars, and went as far as saying in Abu Dhabi that: “There’s not a single thing I’ll miss about these cars.”
2026’s radical rules reset sees cars now able to run on much higher ride heights and give drivers a new variety of challenges, putting additional onus on drivers’ intelligence.
Hamilton is looking to confine his dismal first year with Ferrari to the dustbin of history, and kickstart his Scuderia career with the SF-26, in which he set the quickest time across the whole of the Barcelona pre-season test last week.
The seven-time World Champion set the reported time on the last of the five-day schedule at the Circuit de-Barcelona Catalunya, in which he was somewhat frustrated by having predominantly ran in wet weather.
Talking to the F1 website, Hamilton was asked what his first impressions of the car was, and indicated that whilst he, like all drivers, is still learning a comprehension of them, he is appearing more positive in the initial feedback.
“In terms of just understanding the car and the balance, we have a lot less downforce than previous years,” he said.
“The car generation is actually a little bit more fun to drive. It’s oversteery and snappy and sliding, but it’s a little bit easier to catch.
“Yeah, I would definitely say more enjoyable.”
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