Lewis Hamilton issues F1 defence over ‘band-aid’ elimination

Lewis Hamilton has defended the new F1 regulations, stating it is “how racing should be” despite criticism from his peers.

A number of F1 drivers have voiced disappointment with the new-for-2026 cars and the heavy emphasis on energy harvesting and deployment.

It has generated 'yo-yo racing' as drivers often struggle to hold onto their position after overtaking a rival due to their depleted battery.

In the previous generation of cars, the drag reduction system (DRS) was used to help overtaking - a system Hamilton admitted he was not a fan of, which was widely seen as being too artificial given the ease of some overtaking moves completed with the wing open. 

“We had the DRS before, which I think was a bit of a band-aid for that issue, the fact you can’t get close enough through the corners,” Hamilton told media including RacingNews365.

“Now we have the power difference, but it’s so small, the power difference each lap.

“But when you get ahead, the cars behind can keep up with you.” 

Hamilton was involved in a notable battle against team-mate Charles Leclerc at the Chinese Grand Prix, coming out on top to secure his maiden podium.

The seven-time champion admitted he finds the current car more fun to race with than any previous version.

“I personally find it much more fun because it was that’s the most overtaking and back best battle I’ve had in probably since Bahrain years and years ago with Nico,” he added.

“But that’s how racing should be. It should be back and forth, back and forth. It should be like one move, and it’s done, that’s it.

“I personally like that sort of racing. We just need all the rest of the teams to close up so we have more of those battles amongst us.”