Debate over the 2026 Formula One cars is growing, with Lewis Hamilton praising the new feel while Max Verstappen and Fernando Alonso raise concerns. Drivers
are adapting during Bahrain testing before the season opens on March 8 in Australia, under wide technical rule changes.
The 11 teams are working with fresh regulations that reshape engines, chassis, tyres and fuels. These rules affect energy deployment, car balance and tyre management, forcing engineers and drivers to rethink strategies and driving styles across every circuit on the calendar.
The final pre-season running is under way in Bahrain, following a strong recent showing by Mercedes in Sakhir. Red Bull are also under scrutiny, as the team use in-house power units for the first time, created with Ford, adding another layer to the 2026 Formula One story.
Hamilton reports a more enjoyable and controllable package with the latest generation cars. "We just have a less downforce, the Ferrari driver said. But you still have to discover the grip. There's still so many elements completely under our control. So, it's just different, and new, and I still find it quite fun. The cars are more fun to drive. They're easier to correct. So you have snaps and keep them on track. The previous year's cars were a bit too on edge. "
Ready to get back behind the wheel pic.twitter.com/DoOSLnjVApScuderia Ferrari HP (@ScuderiaFerrari) February 18, 2026
Verstappen, now a four-time world champion, is far less enthusiastic about the new engines and handling. Verstappen earlier labelled the concept "Formula E on steroids and just not Formula One," and continues to argue that overall grip and downforce levels feel reduced.
"You're fighting the grip. You're on the limit of what you have, for sure. It's just not as much now," said Verstappen. "Of course, I also know that this probably is one of the worst [circuits], in terms of the grip feeling that you get from a car, because of the tarmac being so aggressive. A lot less downforce but at the same time, you also don't get a lot of combined grip [in the braking and turning phase] at the moment. It's a bit hard to manage. "
Alonso, another former Formula One champion, echoes the sense that the 2026 Formula One cars are less demanding at high speed. "You're always on the limit on the grip. It depends on the corners. You're always on the limit on the grip in a rental car if you push to the limit. But the high-speed corners, especially, I think it's less challenging. You have to say that. There's nothing wrong with saying that. From a driver's point of view, the skills matter less because you can go as fast as the energy choice you make before that corner, so it's a different Formula One. "
As testing continues in Bahrain, opinions among leading drivers remain divided. Hamilton focuses on extra control and enjoyment, while Verstappen and Alonso stress reduced grip and challenge. Those contrasting views will shape discussion of the 2026 Formula One era once racing starts in Australia.
