Drivers Question F1's Driver-Centric Future in 2026

Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso and Lando Norris all said the 2026 regulations make the cars feel less like pure driving and more like energy‑management challenges. They described the new hybrid engines as “ridiculously complex” and “not the purest form of driving.”

Despite the changes, drivers confirmed at the Bahrain pre‑season test that they still push the cars to the limit of grip in most corners. Mercedes’ George Russell and Haas’ Oliver Bearman noted that while downforce is lower, the drivers remain on the edge of traction, and a faster driver will still win.