Lewis Hamilton says Silverstone's Maggots & ⁠Becketts won't feel the same with 2026 Formula 1 cars

And by different, we do not mean positive, as Hamilton, in his usual diplomatic way, pointed out how the Northamptonshire track will expose the weaknesses of the 2026 F1 cars and their power units.

Speaking to the media in Silverstone on Thursday, Hamilton explained how the situation will differ this year; he said: "Normally the engine’s screaming as you go ​into Copse, ⁠and you’re holding on for dear life as you go through there flat out. This year, the engine will be coasting down most likely.

"And then Maggots and ⁠Becketts ​is just not going to feel the same ​because I think you have to lift and coast or something through there for a period of time. ​So, it’s just a completely different track," he added.

Fellow Briton and reigning F1 Champion, Lando Norris, was a bit more upbeat and tried to downplay the shortcomings of the 2026 F1 cars around Silverstone.

Norris said: "I think actually Sunday will be exciting. ​On the outside, I think it will be great.

"Copse will certainly not be quite the same challenge it was over the ​last few years. Maggots, Beckett, maybe not quite the same challenge, but it’ll still ​be quick. I think it'll still be good to watch.

"You’re still going to have some zones where you’re decelerating for longer periods ​than what you would like, but that’s just the reality of what we have nowadays.

"It ‌will ⁠still be good. It’s still Silverstone. We’re still in Formula 1. So in the end of the day, we can’t complain too much," the McLaren driver concluded.

Indeed, a statement from the Champ that would make Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali both giddy and proud... (Quotes by Agnes Carlier)