Drivers in Formula 1 express strong reservations about recent changes.
In the upcoming 2026 season, the guidelines for The King's Class are gaining solid ground. Nevertheless, the drivers haven't fully embraced the novel concept. In comparison to present vehicles, the forthcoming generation is intended to be relatively smaller and weigh 30 kilograms lesser. Will this make a substantial difference?
Formula 1's recent transformation didn't excite Lewis Hamilton. "No," affirmed the world record holder, "I haven't shaped my view on it yet, and I haven't tried the new automobiles in a simulator either. Some who have tested them say they're rather sluggish." This is hardly the response the creators of The King's Class motorsports desire. They aim for it to be more engaging and spectacular from 2026 on. Hamilton, with his Formula 1 career extending back to 2007, isn't convinced.
"We'll see if it evolves in the right direction or not," stated the Mercedes driver prior to the Canadian Grand Prix (Sunday, 8 PM on Sky): "But I do believe, with regards to sustainability, the shift in the powertrain area is rather daring." Compared to the existing vehicles, the new generation is set to be smaller and weigh 30 kilograms less. Furthermore, a new powertrain system with enhances battery power and a balanced distribution between combustion engine and electric power, along with the exclusive employment of sustainable fuel, is proposed.
With adjustable rear and front wings, active aerodynamics would be possible. This would permit drivers to more readily customize their vehicles for different parts of a lap. In corners, additional drag is necessary, on straights less air resistance - overall, the involvement of the respective driver is slated to impact the experience more than it does currently. While this seems enticing, it still needs to be substantiated in reality. "We must ensure the vehicles are productive and quick and that the race is actually advanced," highlighted Hamilton.
Nico Hülkenberg, however, has navigated some simulator laps in the new car - and is unconvinced. The Emmericher, who will compete for newcomer Audi from 2026, predicts "significant changes." It will be "an entirely different circumstance and a fundamentally different vibe" compared to today. Being human, "we're not constantly so welcoming to changes," said Hülkenberg: "Maybe there are still tweaks coming in the next 1.5 years."
Red Bull driver Sergio Pérez urged for changes "as little as possible." This is in the best interest of the sport. However, he recognizes the attempts of Formula 1 to repeatedly present larger or smaller modifications. "It's all about the new technologies required to remain appealing for new manufacturers," said the Mexican. Case in point: Audi. The German automobile organization is joining from 2026 and will inherit the Sauber team, to which Hülkenberg will transition from Haas in the approaching season.
Until then, The King's Class will continue to compete in 40 World Championship races adhering to the present regulations, including Montreal. "We need to savor the next 1.5 years with these cars that ensure close racing," underscored Pérez.
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Despite Lewis Hamilton's reservations about Formula 1's changes, Mercedes AMG will still compete in the upcoming 2026 season with smaller vehicles, aiming to weigh 30 kilograms less. Nico Hülkenberg, transitioning to Audi from Haas, has tried out the new car in a simulator and expressed concerns about the significant changes, predicting a fundamentally different vibe compared to current Formula 1 vehicles.
