Lewis Hamilton has revealed why he is enjoying racing the much-maligned 2026 Formula 1 cars as talks continue to bring in sweeping changes ahead of the Miami Grand Prix.
Hamilton is enjoying a career renaissance at Ferrari in 2026, taking his first podium for Ferrari in China, in the mix with the all conquering Mercedes at every round.
Part of his resurgence has been credited to the return to smaller cars more in tune with his driving style, compared to the vastly different ground-effect cars.
By stark contrast, Hamilton’s one-time title rival Verstappen is enduring a difficult start to 2026, as Red Bull struggles to move out of the midfield.
Questioned on his enjoyment of driving the SF-26 and public support for the regulations versus Verstappen’s searing criticism, Hamilton gave an honest response.
“I don’t know if you would use the word love. I’m just saying that I’m enjoying racing,” said Hamilton said to media, including Motorsport Week.
“Naturally, when you have a good car and you’re competitive, it’s nice to be at the front. He’s had that for the last four or five years. It’s been pretty smooth sailing for him, and this is the first year it’s not been.
“But I can’t answer that, that he’s not enjoying it as much.”
Lewis Hamilton admits flaws with new regulations
However, despite admitting his enjoyment of the regulations, Hamilton admitted that he may be in a minority, as calls for changes continue to grow, revealing his own gripes with the rules.
“It’s definitely a lot different. I think a lot of drivers are not enjoying it.
“I’m just, personally, enjoying it. It’s a lighter car. They’re more nimble. They are more fun to drive.
“Do I love the power of deployment? Absolutely not. Do I love the SM [Straight Mode]? Not particularly.
“But as a whole, I think it’s exciting for the sport, in a time where the sport is the highest, I think, visually, brand wise. It’s the most income it has ever had. The Formula 1 movie has done amazingly. Got an Oscar.
“It’s just in a really good time where a lot of people are watching, and we’re actually having some battles, as opposed to processions, where you’re just watching cars pull each other around each time.
“Everyone’s going to have an opinion, every time you change a car.
“If our car, all of a sudden, turns to a nightmare to drive, maybe it won’t be this enjoyable, but the fact is, we’re having a good fight, in with a chance, to fight for wins.
“When you’re not in the position to, and you can see… because you’ve been here a long time, you can see that that’s highly unlikely in the year, it’s very hard to stay motivated, but that’s when we just have to continue to try and dig.
“I was trying to do that last year, even though we knew that we weren’t developing and we had no chance of really winning, and it’s tough for everybody within the team, but that’s a part of this sport I guess.”
Hamilton is facing a double-edged sword in terms of the new regulations. Ferrari is fast, and any changes could take away its edge on its rivals, something that could change the competitive order to the Scuderia’s detriment.
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