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F1 Drivers Divided on 2026 Car Handling
13 Feb
Summary
- Verstappen likens 2026 F1 cars to 'Formula E on steroids'.
- Norris finds the new 2026 F1 cars 'a lot of fun'.
- Hamilton criticizes new rules as 'ridiculously complex'.

The final day of Formula 1's initial Bahrain testing saw drivers voice differing opinions on the upcoming 2026 car regulations. Four-time champion Max Verstappen expressed a critical view, comparing the new machinery to "Formula E on steroids." In contrast, reigning world champion Lando Norris found the 2026 cars to be "a lot of fun."
These contrasting perspectives emerged shortly after seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton deemed the new regulations "ridiculously complex" and difficult for fans to comprehend. Adding to the pre-season discussions, Lance Stroll indicated that Aston Martin, despite their car's design by Adrian Newey, is lagging significantly behind the pace, potentially by four seconds.
Yesterday's session saw Charles Leclerc of Ferrari emerge on top of the timing sheets, completing numerous laps with a best time of 1:34.273. McLaren's Lando Norris secured the second position, followed by British drivers Ollie Bearman in the Haas and George Russell driving for Mercedes.




