Hamilton: 2026 Formula 1 Car pretty slow

Formula 1 and the FIA have finally revealed the regulations for the 2026 F1 cars, the chassis side, after having the power unit regulations out for some time.

And while they have been hailing the new cars as a step in the right direction in terms of efficiency, sustainability, lower weight, and better racing, many have had their doubts about the 2026 single seaters that will be propelled by power units that deliver power evenly between internal combustion and electricity.

The issue is that the cars are expected to run out of juice at the end of the straights, which necessitates the use of active aero on the front and rear wings to reduce drag and help the power units.

Lewis Hamilton has always complained about the current cars being too wide and too heavy, and was asked in the FIA hosted press conference on Thursday in Montreal whether he sees the 2026 regs as an improvement.

He said: "I mean, it's only 30 kilos, so it's going in the right direction, but it's still heavy. I've only just seen what you've all seen, so... I don't really have huge thoughts on it just yet.

"I've spoken to some drivers who have driven it on the simulator – I haven't – but they said it's pretty slow," the seven-time F1 Champion revealed. "So we will see whether it's actually the right direction or not.

"But I think in terms of sustainability, particularly on the power unit side, I think that's a really bold step and I think it's going in the right direction. We've just got to make sure the cars are efficient, fast, and a natural step forward, and actually racing is improved," he explained.

One of the drivers who has driven the 2026 F1 car in the simulator is Nico Hulkenberg. Sitting in the same media session with Hamilton, he was asked about his early impressions.

The German delivered a neutral yet vague verdict, he said: "It's certainly quite different. Some interesting areas and aspects. I think some that still need a bit further work.

"Like Lewis said, I think the weight reduction is good, but then 30 kilos is also... It's not the world. It looks like a lot less downforce, especially high-speed corners.

"It will be quite a different scenario and characteristic to now. So, you know, there is going to be definitely a drastic change, and, you know, change is always... You're not always so open to it.

"But, we'll see what happens between now and, you know, in the one and a half years, if there might be some small adjustments or not with what's going on," Hulkenberg concluded.

In all cases, regardless of what the FIA, F1, and even the drivers say, we will just have to wait and see how the new rules pan out in the real world in 2026.