Lewis Hamilton criticizes F1's new regulations as "ridiculously complex" during Bahrain testing

Lewis Hamilton has issued a stark warning that Formula One's new regulations for the 2026 season are so complex that fans will struggle to understand them, speaking during the second preseason test in Bahrain where he experienced a spin while testing his Ferrari.

"None of the fans are going to understand it, I don't think. It's so complex. It's ridiculously complex," Hamilton said. He added that the regulations require extensive technical knowledge to grasp fully. "I sat in a meeting the other day and they're taking us through it and it's like you need a degree to fully understand it all."

The 2026 regulations represent one of the largest single overhauls in Formula One history, with particular complexity centered on how drivers manage engine power. The new power units are defined by a near 50-50 split between combustion and electrical power, requiring drivers to navigate intricate energy management throughout races and qualifying sessions.

The energy management system involves four primary recovery methods. Regenerative braking allows the motor to recover energy while slowing for corners. Part-throttle overload enables the battery to draw power from the engine in sections of track where full throttle is unnecessary, such as during cornering where engines may run at high revolutions. Lift and coast involves lifting off before corners so the electric motor can run against the engine. A fourth method, termed "superclip," allows the electronic control unit to divert energy to the battery even when the driver remains at full throttle on straights.

These systems are further complicated by a boost button that drivers can activate for extra power during overtaking attempts, though using it risks leaving them short of power and vulnerable to being repassed on the following straight.

Hamilton cited specific examples of the complexity's practical impact. At Barcelona, he noted, drivers must perform 600 metres of lift and coast on a qualifying lap—a requirement he characterized as contrary to racing's fundamental nature. In Bahrain, such extensive lift and coast is not necessary due to different track characteristics.

Regarding the new cars' physical characteristics, Hamilton observed that the vehicles have significantly less aerodynamic load than their predecessors, both front and rear. The cars are shorter and lighter, making them easier to position near other vehicles. "It's quite fun, it's like a rally car," he said, though he also noted that current speeds are slower than GP2 cars, the junior formula.

Hamilton is not alone in expressing concerns about the new regulations. Other drivers have also voiced disquiet regarding the direction of the regulations and how energy management will affect racing.

Separately, Ferrari has yet to finalize a permanent replacement for Hamilton's race engineer as the 2026 season approaches. The team announced in January that Riccardo Adami, Hamilton's race engineer for 2025, had been moved into a new role. The change followed moments of friction between Hamilton and Adami over team radio communications during Hamilton's first season with Ferrari, though both downplayed the issues at the time.

With the 2026 season set to begin March 8 in Australia (less than a month away) Ferrari has not yet announced a full-time replacement. During the Barcelona preseason test in late January and the ongoing Bahrain test, Hamilton has been working with Carlo Santi, who previously served as a race engineer. Hamilton has indicated he expects another engineer change a few races into the season.