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Hamilton and Verstappen Criticize 2026 F1 Rules as Norris Tells Detractors to Retire

Bahrain testing highlights the new cars’ reliance on energy recovery with long lift‑and‑coast sections.

Overview

  • Lewis Hamilton called the 2026 regulations “ridiculously complex,” saying they are so intricate “you need a degree” to understand them.
  • Max Verstappen said the car is not enjoyable to drive and compared the experience to Formula E, then logged the 17th time in testing at Sakhir.
  • Lando Norris pushed back on the complaints, saying critics can retire if they dislike the direction and describing the new challenge as enjoyable.
  • The new power units split output roughly equally between the internal combustion engine and the electric system, elevating energy management demands.
  • Hamilton also faces a change of race engineer after Riccardo Adami’s move, as teams continue pre‑season work ahead of the March 6 opener in Melbourne.