Slander Even Before Start! Why Are F1 Drivers Unhappy With The New 2026 Regulations For Cars?

Last Updated:February 25, 2026, 07:55 IST

After the first round of testing, drivers expressed their disappointment due to the complexity that comes along with the new regulations aimed at sustainability.

As Formula One moves towards a new era set to begin the 2026 campaign with smaller cars and a hybrid power-split, in their attempt to keep up with the changing times and an eye on sustainability, the uproar even before the first race of the season is notable, with the drivers themselves voicing the challenging metamorphosis.

The new regulations are slated to kick in during the start of the 2026 season with a massive overhaul, focusing on cars designed to be significantly lighter, around 30 Kilograms in comparison to those from the previous season, with a 50-50 power split between combustion and electric, and active aerodynamics.

However, after the first round of testing ahead of the campaign, drivers expressed their disappointment and duress due to the complexity that comes along with it as seven-time Lewis Hamilton voiced it would be difficult to understand the changes and implement them unless one has a degree on the subject.

Hamilton even raised concern that the new rules tied to the engine’s battery management would force drivers to lift and coast for upto 600m ahead of turns on tracks and the effect it would have on raw racing.

Four-time winner Max Verstappen, who was pipped to the championship podium by Lando Norris, echoed Hamilton’s concerns and took a jab at the ‘improvements’ likening it to Formula-E cars on steroids. Verstappen went on to add that the cars being powered by batteries makes it feel rather unnatural for a F1 car.

Other drivers have flagged the imbalance in the touch and feel of the car and touched up on the necessity to opt for lower gears in order to harvest energy.

While a change in dimensions of the car are usually welcome on the track, veteran driver Fernando Alonso was doubtful over the significane of the change on the race track.

And to boot, the introduction of active aero, which is intended to replace the traditional DRS, could make the sport more of a strategic battle than an all-out race contest, another reservation the drivers voiced ahead of the season.

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