Hamilton: True test of new F1 cars' following ability comes in Melbourne

Lewis Hamilton believes Formula 1 drivers will not understand the true difficulty of following rival cars under the new 2026 regulations until they are "really deep in it" at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. Initial testing feedback suggests the experience is similar to 2025, but the Mercedes driver cautions that the complex interplay of new active aerodynamics and power unit management will only be fully revealed in race conditions.

Why it matters:

The ability to follow another car closely is the foundational goal of F1's 2026 technical revolution, designed to improve racing and overtaking. If the new active aerodynamics and 50% electrical power contribution fail to make a significant difference, it would represent a major setback for the regulations aimed at solving F1's long-standing dirty air problem.

The details:

• The 2026 cars feature a straight-line mode (SM) where front and rear wings open to reduce drag and aid overtaking, alongside a vastly more powerful electrical system that now provides 50% of the car's total power output.
• During pre-season testing in Barcelona, drivers actively tried to follow each other to gather initial data, with Hamilton reporting the experience "didn't feel great" but was "okay."
• The major unknown is how drivers will manage the dual task of deploying electrical energy (overtake and boost functions) while also utilizing the active aero modes effectively during wheel-to-wheel combat, a scenario not fully replicated in testing.
• Hamilton's comments indicate a widespread uncertainty in the paddock, with teams and drivers still in a data-gathering phase regarding the real-world racing implications.

What's next:

The Albert Park circuit in Melbourne on March 8th will provide the first true answer. The race will test the new cars in genuine traffic, with tire management, strategy, and the critical driver workload of managing the new systems all coming into play. The collective verdict from the grid after the checkered flag will offer the first clear indication of whether the 2026 technical gamble has paid off.