Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton has expressed concerns regarding the technical regulations set to be introduced for the 2026 Formula 1 season. While he feels apprehensive about the overall direction the sport is taking, particularly concerning aspects like car weight and the sound of the engines, he remains hopeful that the new generation of cars might still deliver a pleasant surprise.
The upcoming 2026 rules involve radical changes, including a significant increase in the proportion of power delivered by the electrical component of the engine, rising from 20% to 50%. Ongoing discussions are addressing potential issues, such as cars running out of electrical power on straight sections of certain tracks. Additionally, agreements are already in place to allow engine manufacturers facing performance deficits an opportunity to catch up.
Speaking in an interview, Hamilton commented on the current state and future direction: “I don`t think it`s going in the right direction, personally. But maybe I`ll be surprised next year. Maybe we`ll arrive and the cars are really nice.” He added, “With the direction we`re going, we`re going slower. The cars are getting heavier. I mean, next year I guess they are getting lighter, but this generation of car is the heaviest car that I`ve raced in.”
Seven-time world champion Hamilton is currently competing in his debut season with Ferrari, following a high-profile move after 12 years with Mercedes.
Reflecting on the sound of the cars, he stated: “For me, I miss the sound. And when you hear a V12, a Ferrari, it`s like, it`s the passion. As soon as we started with V6s, whilst it`s a good direction to go in for the world in terms of sustainability, I think it`s been positive in that respect, but you can`t get away from the fact that the sound is not the same as when you watch Michael Schumacher`s car from 2003 (Ferrari) come past.”
Promoting Diversity Through the F1 Movie
Hamilton also highlighted the importance of diversity in Formula 1, mentioning his role as a producer in the forthcoming F1 movie starring Brad Pitt, set for release in June.
He emphasized that the film, along with the work of his Mission 44 foundation, which supports young people from diverse backgrounds entering STEM careers, is crucial for showcasing what a more diverse sport could look like in the future.
Hamilton shared his personal experience: “Everywhere I go, still to this day, I don`t see anyone that looks like me. Very, very few people that look like me.”
“For example, the Formula 1 movie, diversity was an important topic when I started talking about working on the movie. It`s like we need to show what Formula 1 can be, should ultimately get to,” he explained.
“And it`s really important for people to see that, because if a kid sees it, doesn`t matter where you`re from, what your gender is, if you can see it and say, `oh, I could also be there,` you believe it`s possible. And me growing up, when I was growing up watching Formula 1, there was no one that looked like me there. But I`m crazy because I`m like, that doesn`t matter to me. I try everything. And in my mind, I don`t have a lot of barriers. But I know there are a lot of kids that see those things. And so that`s the thing I`m most proud of. And we`re now working in conjunction with Ferrari as well to see how we can improve the input flow opportunity flowing through into Ferrari.”
Gilbert Pendleton