P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Lewis Hamilton’s first proper media briefing of the 2026 Formula 1 season sounded in places like a pretty savage demolition of the new rules era
During Lewis Hamilton’s first media briefing for the 2026 Formula 1 season, he criticized the new rules era, describing the pace as “slower than GP2,” the systems as “ridiculously complex,” and the need for “600 metres lift and coast on a qualifying lap.”
However, it’s important to consider his remarks in the context of the challenging track conditions at Sakhir and the early development phase of the Ferrari car he was driving.
Hamilton seems to have mixed feelings about the 2026 regulations but overall appears to be enjoying the new rules more than the previous ones, especially compared to the ground effect F1 cars.
While he finds the car more fun to drive, he expresses concerns about the heavy focus on energy management and the complexity of the engine side of the rules, fearing it might alienate fans.
Despite the challenges, Hamilton acknowledges that everyone is navigating the same difficulties and trying to understand and adapt to the new regulations collectively.
