Lewis Hamilton shared his thoughts on the 2026 F1 regulations during Abu Dhabi GP media day. The seven-time World Champion reflected on how major rule changes have shaped different phases of his career, drawing comparisons across multiple eras of Formula 1. Speaking ahead of the season finale, the Ferrari driver’s comments revealed both cautious concern and hope as the sport prepares for another defining transition.
Winter preparation and internal analysis
Hamilton outlined his approach to the off-season when asked about preparing for 2026. The British driver identified specific areas requiring his attention.
“I think we just need to analyse where we’ve been, what’s been good, areas that we can improve on. I’ve highlighted, I mean, I know where they all are. It’s sitting down with the team at the end of the year,” Hamilton stated.
Hamilton plans to review both his personal team operations and broader team processes. He emphasized efficiency improvements ahead of the 2026 regulations challenge he faces.
“It’s looking at my, I’ll look internally at my personal team away from the track and see what we can do more to make the day more efficient with timing and traffic and all these different things. And I’ll do the same with the team.”
Past regulations
Hamilton drew on extensive experience when discussing the 2026 regulations changes. The veteran driver has witnessed multiple major rule changes throughout his F1 career. He referenced the 2009, 2014, 2017, and 2022 regulation shifts.
The 2009 changes provided early lessons about development interpretation. Hamilton recalled McLaren’s initial optimism quickly turning to disappointment. Following the dramatic title win of ’08, McLaren found themselves buried in the midfield at the start of the next campaign.
“It’s been really interesting. 9 was also depending on what your team does with the interpretation of those rules. The McLaren 2009, I remember the first day back in the year, they said that the rules of 50% less downforce, so they built the car to have 50% downforce. So I remember arriving back in January and they’re like, we’ve already hit our targets. And I’m like, ‘wow, is that normal? Like, yeah, yeah, yeah,'” he explained.
The reality at the first test revealed the gap to Brawn in particular.
“And we get to the first test and there’s no downforce at all and we’re miles off. And so I learned a lot through that experience,” Hamilton stated, noting how lessons from 2009 continue to inform his perspective on the 2026 regulations.
Hamilton described 2014 as an incredibly exciting regulation change. The switch to hybrid power units coincided with his first championship-winning season with Mercedes. It was a truly dominant package.
“Then the 2014 was incredibly exciting. Also, just because I was in a new team and I could see the amazing work that had been done already a couple of years before, particularly on the engine,” he stated.
The 2017 changes also impressed Hamilton with their physical impact. The wider, more powerful cars delivered an enhanced driving experience, leading to four straight Drivers’ Championships.
“And 17 was cool because it was a bigger, wider car, beefier and more downforce. It was mega,” he noted.
Current generation
Hamilton delivered a harsh assessment of the current regulations when discussing his 2026 regulations prospects at media day. He ranked the present era as his least favorite.
“This generation was probably the worst one, I would say. There’s not a single thing I’ll miss about these cars. It’s as simple as that. Literally there’s nothing, I’ve not enjoyed it,” Hamilton stated bluntly.
Hamilton’s hopes for the 2026 F1 regulations centered on avoiding further decline. Hamilton expressed concern about the upcoming changes. “And I’m praying that the next one is not worse than that,” he admitted. The comment reflects uncertainty about whether new regulations will improve racing and car performance.
Hamilton’s assessment of the 2026 regulations at Abu Dhabi media day revealed both concern and hope for Formula 1’s future. He plans thorough winter preparation while praying the new generation improves on the current “worst” era.
