Max Verstappen has already outlined why Lewis Hamilton is wrong about the 2026 F1 regulations
Photo by RONALDO SCHEMIDT / AFP via Getty Images Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton have found themselves on opposite sides of the debate over Formula 1’s 2026 regulations. Interestingly, Hamilton was initially critical as well. He compared the new cars to GP2 during pre-season testing and wasn’t convinced they’d deliver good racing, echoing concerns shared by many drivers at the time.
But once he got more familiar with the SF-26, a car he played a key role in developing, his perspective shifted. Ferrari’s strong start to the season has given him reason to feel positive, and there’s a noticeable confidence about him in the paddock. He picked up his first podium for Ferrari in China, and there’s growing support for him heading into Japan.
In contrast, Verstappen and Red Bull are still trying to get comfortable with the new rules. The Dutchman hasn’t held back his frustration with the changes. After calling them a ‘joke’ in China and saying it didn’t feel like real racing, Hamilton pushed back on those comments.
The Brit has spoken positively about how battery management is leading to more overtaking opportunities under the new rules. But so far, not many others seem to agree. Max Verstappen feels the 2026 F1 overtake numbers back his view on new rules Hamilton , speaking to the media at the Japanese Grand Prix, called the new rules ‘real racing’ when asked about the rise in overtakes seen under the 2026 regulations.
“It happens in karting all the time, back and forth, back and forth. No one ever calls it yo-yo racing. It’s real racing.