P1racenews AI automatic summary:
The four-time world champion delivered a withering takedown in Bahrain
As a leading global sport, Formula 1 is facing criticism from its biggest stars, Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen, regarding the complexities of the new 2026 regulations.
The upcoming season will introduce massive changes, such as new car features like overtake boost and corner mode, but drivers may spend more time managing these tools than actually racing.
Both Hamilton and Verstappen have expressed dissatisfaction with the new rules, stating that the driving experience feels more like Formula E on steroids, focusing on energy management rather than pure racing.
While they acknowledge the equal chances for all drivers, they believe the current situation deviates from the essence of Formula 1 and raises questions about whether the sport is heading in the right direction.
Their critical comments suggest a potential turning point for F1, where the balance between technical innovation and thrilling racing may need to be reassessed for the sake of the sport’s future.
