P1racenews AI automatic summary:
An F1 star has made his views clear after driving his team’s 2026 car for the first time, and his review is far from glowing.
An F1 star recently expressed his disappointment after test-driving his team’s 2026 car for the first time, offering a less-than-glowing review. The 2026 F1 championship presents numerous challenges for the 11 teams and 22 drivers involved, irrespective of their previous experience in the sport. Established team Mercedes is already seen as a top contender due to their adept handling of regulatory changes in the past. The Silver Arrows achieved notable success in the turbo-hybrid era, securing eight consecutive constructors’ championships from 2014 to 2021, supported by drivers Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg. Despite major advancements in chassis and engine regulations, the 2026 F1 cars will maintain the current power units, featuring a dynamic shift towards sustainability and increased driver focus on energy management. The upcoming season is marked by an emphasis on balancing electric and combustion power, introducing new challenges that have received mixed reviews from drivers like Haas F1’s Ollie Bearman. The 2026 F1 season commences with the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on March 8, following pre-season tests in Bahrain scheduled for February.
