Hamilton: 2026 F1 cars 'still not natural' but learning will come

Lewis Hamilton believes 2026-spec F1 cars are still "not natural" to drive, but expects big breakthroughs as drivers and teams become more accustomed to the new regulations.

The new engine rules have made energy management a bigger factor in racecraft, while the chassis have moved away from ground-effect downforce to a more aerodynamic approach similar to the 2021 design with which Hamilton won four of his seven titles.

Why it matters:

The 2026 regulation overhaul has forced drivers to recalibrate their style, and those who adapt fastest could shape the championship battle. Hamilton's assessment highlights how much untapped performance remains in the new machines.

The details:

• Hamilton remains one of the least critical drivers of the new rules, but admits the cars still require intense effort: "It is definitely still not natural, and we still are having to work at it massively."
• He sees room for growth: "There is a lot more in the team, and there's a lot more in the drivers for sure this year with these regulations."
• Ferrari's season has been strong but not title-worthy. Hamilton sits 101 points behind championship leader Kimi Antonelli, who has scored eight wins to Hamilton's one.
• Despite the gap, Hamilton insists Ferrari is "right in the mix" with the top four teams, and "one step away from where they belong."

What's next:

Hamilton is already looking ahead to 2027 rule changes while pushing to make the next step this season. He acknowledged the challenge: "It is not going to be easy against Mercedes, or even the other two teams because they've all done a really great job."

With the development race ongoing, Hamilton's ability to unlock the new cars' potential could be decisive in keeping Ferrari within striking distance of the frontrunners.