Lewis Hamilton believes 2026-spec F1 cars are still "not natural" to drive, but expects big breakthroughs as drivers become more accustomed.
The new engine rules for 2026 mean that energy management is playing an even more important role in how drivers race their machines, whilst the chassis themselves have also undergone fundamental change from 2025 in how they create their downforce.
Whereas in 2025, this was done via the floor being sucked to the track to create ground effects, for 2026, it returned to a more 2021-style of being aerodynamically driven, a design with which Hamilton won four of his seven titles to date.
The Briton has largely been one of the less critical drivers about the new rules, and when asked if the driving style of the new cars was slowly becoming the norm, Hamilton signalled it was still a challenge.
"It is definitely still not natural, and we still are having to work at it massively," Hamilton told media, including RacingNews365.
"There is a lot more in the team, and there's a lot more in the drivers for sure this year with these regulations.
"You're trying to get more in-depth and in tune with the team, and you're looking at plans for 2027 and the new rule changes for that and all the steps we need to take for that, all the planning that's ahead.
"It is a lot, but I'm really enjoying it and being in this team."
The article continues below.
Although Hamilton and Ferrari have enjoyed a strong season, they have fallen out of contention for the championship titles, with Hamilton 101 points behind Kimi Antonelli in the drivers' points.
Antonelli has won eight races to Hamilton's one, but Hamilton still feels Ferrari is "right in the mix", especially as McLaren and Red Bull also improve.
"I'm enjoying where we are, obviously, in a scenario where we're right in the mix with the top four teams, and Ferrari one step away from where they belong," Hamilton added.
"Our goal is to make that next step, and it is not going to be easy against Mercedes, or even the other two teams because they've all done a really great job."
Also interesting:
Join RacingNews365's Ian Parkes, Sam Coop and Nick Golding as they look back on the Spanish GP! The Madring layout and lack of overtaking is a major talking point, as is Lando Norris' cruel victory loss.
Rather watch this podcast? Then click here!
Get the latest F1 news from RacingNews365 directly in your Google feed! Click on the link below and you’ll see your favourite F1 website appearing even more often. That way, you’ll never miss any news, analyses, interviews, or exclusives.
Follow RacingNews365 on GoogleMost read
In this article
Never miss a thing from the Formula 1 season! Add the 2026 F1 schedule to your calendar at the touch of a button. Subscribe below and put the dates and times of every race directly on your PC or smartphone, so you don't miss a second from the new season.
Download the F1 calendar Download the F1 calendar
A variant with just the race and qualifying is also available.
Click here to download it..
Join the conversation!