Lewis Hamilton loving lighter, nimble Formula 1 cars but not their power deployment

Three races into the 2026 F1 season, and the controversy surrounding the new cars is building up with almost no one, aside from Mercedes, their drivers, and Stefano Domenicali, having something positive to say about them.

Max Verstappen has been the harshest critic, saying the 2026 F1 cars are anti-racing, Formula E on steroids, Mario Karts... The list goes on.

The Dutchman's woeful RB22 is also playing a role in increasing his frustration with the new regulations, while it is well known that having a winning car won't make him start singing their praises all of a sudden, being the pure racer he is.

Hamilton was asked over the Japanese Grand Prix weekend how he felt about the new cars, as he is having an encouraging start to his second season with Ferrari, in light of Verstappen's criticism. 

"I don't have to use the word love," he said. "I'm just saying that I'm enjoying racing. Naturally when you have a good car and you're competitive, it's nice to be out in front.

"[Max] has had that for the last four or five years. It's been pretty smooth sailing for him. This is the first year, but I can't answer that. He's not enjoying it as much.

"It's definitely a lot different," the seven-time F1 Champion pointed out. "I think a lot of drivers are not enjoying it, but I don't really know. I'm just personally enjoying it. It's a lighter car. They're more nimble. They are more fun to drive.

"Do I love the power deployment? Absolutely not. Do I love the [active aerodynamics]? Not particularly,"  Hamilton concluded. (Reporting by Agnes Carlier from Suzuka)