P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Lewis Hamilton has explained how difficult it will be to understand energy management from outside the cockpit of a 2026 F1 car.
Lewis Hamilton expressed skepticism that Formula 1 fans will grasp the complexities of energy management under the new power unit regulations, predicting they will “need a degree” to comprehend them fully. The Ferrari driver criticized the “ridiculously complex” situation during media interactions at the Bahrain International Circuit’s first official F1 pre-season test, where he completed four hours of running. Despite finding the new cars more “fun” to drive, Hamilton mentioned they subjectively “feel” slower compared to F2 machinery. In the new era with a balance between electrical and traditional combustion power, optimizing lap times and energy management presents a more intricate challenge than in the original turbo-hybrid era. Hamilton highlighted the difficulty of discerning the driver’s role from the car’s software in achieving performance gains, emphasizing the complexity that may not be easily understood by fans. Despite the complexity, Hamilton noted that managing the systems is relatively straightforward. Reflecting on the nuances of race trim and the algorithms involved in driving behavior, Hamilton acknowledged both the advantages and potential pitfalls of the new technology, emphasizing the collective learning curve among drivers.
