Lewis Hamilton frustrated at 'ridiculously complex' F1 2026 rules

Lewis Hamilton has said the new F1 rules for 2026 are "ridiculously complex" and that "none of the fans are going to understand it."

The seven-time world champion was on track in the Ferrari SF-26 during the morning session of Bahrain testing Day 1, racking up a total of 52 laps and achieving a quickest time of 1:36.433 to finish P7.

Following that first session, Hamilton spoke to media, including GPblog, about some of the difficulties he's already had with the new regulations, claiming that "you need a degree to fully understand it all."

New rules are "ridiculously complex" says Hamilton

Photo: Race Pictures

The Briton came out of the Barcelona shakedown noticeably more positive about the new era of cars, but after his first day of winter testing, has seemingly pulled back slightly on that viewpoint.

Hamilton said: "I'm not going to judge it just now. It didn't feel great out there today with the wind. It was very, very gusty here. The gustiest I can remember it being here. So we'll just have to take it with a pinch of salt, plus it's the first day here. In the morning, it's never fun."

And when asked about the challenges of getting his head around the new regulations, which introduce nimbler cars, and a 50/50 split between electrical and internal combustion, Hamilton expressed concern that fans will find them too complicated.

"None of the fans are going to understand it, I don't think. It's so complex, it's ridiculously complex. I was sat in a meeting the other day and they're taking us through it, and yeah, it's like you need a degree to fully understand it all."

On the SF-26's performance, Hamilton also lamented the lack of speed, adding that the new cars are "slower than GP2 right now."

Hamilton addresses Kim Kardashian dating rumours

Speaking to GPblog, Hamilton commented on rumours that he was dating reality TV star Kim Kardashian, after the pair were spotted together at the Super Bowl on Sunday at Levi's Stadium.

Read here to find out what Hamilton said about the rumours.

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