Damon Hill admits he’s ‘worried’ about one aspect of Formula 1’s 2026 regulation changes

Follow us on Google Discover

The 2026 Formula 1 season introduces a host of changes to the cars, which could completely change the pecking order on the grid compared to last year.

There has already been controversy over Mercedes’ finding a compression ratio trick, which could give the teams using their power unit a significant advantage.

Drivers will have to manage their battery recharge every lap, while a brand new aerodynamics system has been introduced, removing DRS and introducing adjustable flaps on both wings.

Many people believe that drivers who spend the most time sim racing and have the highest levels of adaptability will thrive this year, with so many more things to think about in the cockpit.

Cadillac Formula 1 team has arrived with their maiden livery for 2026 🔥

What’s your first reaction? 👇

Comment

Like or Comment

Have your say Sign-in now for free

There will be a boost button drivers can use each lap, overtake mode and active aero, which could make racing in narrower, lighter cars far more exciting.

Damon Hill and Johnny Herbert have been discussing the 2026 regulation changes and have already noted plenty of pros and cons.

There’s one thing in particular that the 1996 world champion is ‘a bit worried’ about heading into the upcoming Australian Grand Prix.

READ MORE: F1 teams worried about 2025 issue that ruined Lewis Hamilton’s season recurring under new ruleset

Damon Hill ‘worried’ about F1 drivers recharging their batteries on the straights after rule changes

Speaking on the Stay on Track Podcast, Herbert said about the new battery deployment: “The battery depletion is going to be a really huge test for the drivers, the engineers as well, but for the drivers.”

Hill replied: “I’m a bit worried about how they manage this when they’re having to recharge on the straights.

“Because if you’re slipstreaming a car and it suddenly starts to slow down, they used to have the flashing light when we were charging.

What one change would YOU make to the way Formula 1 is broadcast going into the 2026 season?

Let us know in the comments!

Comment

Like or Comment

Have your say Sign-in now for free

“But now they kind of have this thing where they’ll all be doing it. So we’re going to get some disparity of speed towards the end of the straight between people because they have to charge their batteries.

“You wonder whether they’re going to do something like making the engine almost literally just a charging device for the battery.”

READ MORE: F1 fans tell broadcasters one change they need to make that teams will hate ahead of the 2026 season

Damon Hill thinks fans will love the ‘incredible’ acceleration 2026 F1 cars can produce

Although drivers might not be able to reach their top speed down each straight if they don’t manage their battery power properly, that doesn’t mean the cars won’t be quick.

The new regulations should mean that cars can accelerate at a faster rate than the previous generation, and Hill explained: “It is really going to be interesting with this new regulation, I think.

“I think it’s going to be… we’re all going to be scratching our heads as well.

“So someone’s going to work it out earlier than the other people as to what the tricks are with what the options are with these active wings, active downforce they’ve got.

“Have you seen the acceleration? The acceleration versus last year is incredible.

“They come out of the corners, it’s like they’ve got the Hockenheim wings on for every exit of every corner.”

Herbert replied: “I think that’s a good thing. Everybody’s in the same boat.

“And I think it just brings the car probably a little bit more alive.”

Hill concluded: “It’ll be a little bit more like motorcycle racing because they accelerate really quickly.

“They don’t have any drag, so once you drop the drag, F1 cars will accelerate incredibly quickly.”