Drivers Question F1's Driver-Centric Future in 2026

The 2026 regulations, which cut downforce and increase energy‑management demands, have led world champions to describe F1 as “not pure” and “ridiculously complex.” Max Verstappen said drivers must now manage energy, Lewis Hamilton called the cars “ridiculously complex,” and Fernando Alonso joked that a chef could drive the car at that speed.

Despite the changes, drivers confirmed at the Bahrain pre‑season test that they are still on the limit of grip most of the time. George Russell, Kimi Antonelli and Haas’ Oliver Bearman noted that corners now feel more power‑limited, but the core skill of pushing to the edge remains.