Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris have both expressed surprise and concern over the handling and speed of the new 2026 Formula 1 cars, with Hamilton suggesting they feel slower than Formula 2 vehicles. The observations come during early pre-season testing, highlighting the challenges teams and drivers face adapting to the redesigned machinery.
Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, drove Ferrari’s SF-26 at the Bahrain International Circuit during the first official pre-season test after limited initial runs at Ferrari’s Fiorano track and a shakedown session in Barcelona. Despite praising the car’s driving enjoyment, he noted that the reduced downforce and new characteristics impacted speed and handling.
Changes in Car Dynamics Lead to Unfamiliar Driving Experience
Reflecting on his time behind the wheel, Hamilton explained that the new cars produce significantly less downforce, are shorter and lighter than before, and require different driving techniques. He remarked,
“It’s a lot less downforce. The car is shorter, it’s lighter, and it’s actually easier to catch. It’s quite fun, it’s like rallying a lot. Yeah, I think we’re slower than GP2 [F2], right now, right? I mean, it does feel like that.”
Lewis Hamilton, Seven-Time World Champion
Similarly, McLaren’s Lando Norris voiced mixed feelings about the recent car changes during the reveal of the MCL40 livery. He described the new vehicle’s handling as somewhat comparable to an F2 car, especially in how drivers must adapt their driving style for the revised aerodynamic setup and regulations.
He said,
“It certainly feels like an F2 car in some ways with how you have to drive it. I don’t know if I like that or not, for the time being. But I think we understood quite a few things already from Barcelona on how you had to drive the car. But Barcelona, you’re talking about fourth-gear corners, third-gear corners, quite open, quite wide. When you get to a street track or bumpier tracks, slower tracks, that’s a question we’re yet to answer.”
Lando Norris, McLaren Driver
Upcoming Tests Expected to Clarify Car Performance on Various Circuits
Norris acknowledged that the Bahrain tests will be essential to understanding how the new cars perform under different track conditions. As he stated,
“Bahrain will answer some of those questions. It will be a learning curve. But I have strong confidence in myself and strong confidence in my team. But it will be a learning curve for both of us as it will for everyone on the grid.”
Lando Norris, McLaren Driver
These comments underline the significant learning process for drivers and teams adapting to new technical regulations designed to promote closer racing and overtaking, though the initial feedback indicates compromises in raw speed and handling feel compared to previous generations.
Pre-Season Testing Highlights and Current Standings
On the opening day of testing, 11 drivers had early track time to begin assessing their cars’ performance and reliability. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen set the fastest lap with a time of 1:35.433 over 65 laps. Close behind, McLaren’s Oscar Piastri secured second place, trailing Verstappen by less than two-tenths of a second while completing fewer laps. Mercedes’ George Russell placed third, about seven-tenths slower, with Hamilton finishing fourth, exactly one second off the leader’s time.
Despite these timings, the data do not yet indicate the full picture as teams focus on varied programs including long runs and reliability checks rather than outright speed. Most competitors remain cautious about showcasing their true pace early in testing, with several days remaining to gather data and optimize performance before the season begins.
Implications of the New Car Designs on the F1 Season Ahead
The early reactions from key figures like Hamilton and Norris highlight the transitional phase Formula 1 faces with the 2026 regulations, affecting vehicle dynamics and race strategy. Drivers are adjusting to less aerodynamically reliant cars that emphasize different driving techniques, potentially leveling the playing field but introducing uncertainty.
As teams continue testing through the upcoming days, insights gathered, especially from diverse circuits like Bahrain, will be crucial in fine-tuning the new machines. The sport’s community, including drivers, teams, and fans, await how these changes will influence race outcomes and championship battles once the season gets underway.
