Hamilton Voices Concerns Ahead of 2026 Regulations
Lewis Hamilton has shared his concerns ahead of the 2026 Formula 1 season, reflecting on both the sport’s direction and his fond memories of Michael Schumacher’s Ferrari era.
The sport’s regulations will shift in 2026, placing greater focus on sustainability with increased reliance on electric power and lighter cars.
Despite the positive environmental intent, Hamilton worries about the diminishing noise from the current V6 engines—a trend likely to continue under next year’s rules. The seven-time world champion also criticised the current cars for being too heavy.
"The direction we’re going, we’re going slower, the cars are getting heavier. Next year, the cars are getting lighter, but this generation of cars is the heaviest I’ve ever raced in.
"I miss the sound, and when you hear a V12 Ferrari it’s like ‘argh’, it’s the passion," he added, reminiscing about fellow seven-time champion Michael Schumacher's Ferrari days.
"As soon as we started with V6’s, and whilst it’s a good direction to go in for the world in terms of sustainability, I think it’s been positive in that respect, but you can’t get away from the fact that the sound is not the same as when you watch Michael Schumacher’s car from 2003 come past."
Ferrari Partnership: Building Momentum
Hamilton’s stint at Ferrari has had a slow start, but there are signs of improvement. A fourth-place finish at Imola and a more positive dynamic with key team members indicate the partnership is beginning to gel. He aims to secure an unprecedented eighth world championship, something Schumacher never managed, by joining the team where Schumacher achieved great success.
Although Hamilton is unlikely to match Schumacher’s five titles with Ferrari, he remains one of the team’s most high-profile signings in recent history. His goal is to help the Scuderia clinch its first championship since 2008.
With 2026 regulations set to shake up the competitive order, Hamilton will hope Ferrari can stay ahead of their rivals. He isn’t alone in raising concerns about modern F1 engines’ quieter output. Christian Horner recently proposed scrapping the new rules by 2028 in favour of sustainable fuel-powered V10S—a suggestion dismissed for now, though it may resurface by 2030.
