Hamilton admits 'F1 has gotten more difficult on drivers lately'
Lewis Hamilton, since the ground effect era, has been unable to find the form that characterised his 2007-2021 stint. Looking ahead at the regulation revamp set to take place next year, the Briton is eager to take on the challenge, but also pinpoints an F1 trait the is becoming 'more difficult'.
Speaking ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix, Hamilton sounded hopeful and when asked about the upcoming 2026 regulations his excitement was evident in his words.
"For me, the thing I love about Formula 1 is that there are these changes that come along the way."
"There’s so much innovation and development. And every time they make these changes, the learning curve is so steep for everyone within the team. So it really challenges us all to dig deep, to innovate."
Hamilton admits 'F1 has gotten more complicated'
Then Hamilton reflected on the way the regulations have propelled the sport forward, whilst at the same time also increasing the level of challenge the drivers face.
Since the integration of the ground-effect cars Hamilton has seen impressive records disappear, like being the only driver to win a race in every F1 season he's competed in. Whilst others, not so complimentary have stretched out.
His longest streak of races without a podium finish, for instance, has grown from 13 to 16, with Las Vegas being the last time the Briton stood on the podium.
"Even from a driver’s perspective, it’s got more and more intricate as the years have gone on.
"Like Carlos mentioned, this next step, I would say, probably the driver has even more input into the development—particularly of the power unit and how you use the power.
Hamilton doesn't got the Verstappen and Leclerc route
Max Verstappen and Hamilton's teammate Charles Leclerc have been among the drivers who have spoken with distisffaction regarding the upcoming F1 cars.
Aston matn driver Lance Stroll was also unimpressed by the resulting cars from the regulation changes. Hamilton, however, chooses the 'wait until you drive it' approach.
"I don’t really want to shut it down, because maybe things will be good.
"Let’s see when we get into the next season. It could go either way—it could be good, it could be not so good. But only time will tell.
"What I love is that while we’re fighting this season in this championship, we’re also having to develop the current car—and then the next car. And that, for me, is fascinating.
"If we were just with the same car all the time, evolving on a very small gradient, it just would not be anywhere near as fun," the seven-time world champion concluded.
Hamilton has endured a tough spell in F1 in recent years, however, although several F1 pundits have opened the door for the Briton to retire, and whilst Hamilton himself has been kicking himself when things have not gone as he hoped, his Ferrari contract runs until next year at least.
So he will usher in a new era in his career, whther or not he will do it successfully that;s a different matter.
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