Damon Hill says Formula 1 isn’t the same without Max Verstappen’s magic in 2026

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Damon Hill believes Formula 1’s new regulations are ‘kneecapping’ the drivers and leading to a worse experience for fans as well.

A lot has been made about the new regulations in Formula 1 this season, by fans, analysts, and even drivers.

Some drivers have been extremely critical of the new regulations. Lando Norris was even barred by McLaren from criticising the new regulations amid pushback from officials.

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But it doesn’t just end with the world champion. In fact, Max Verstappen even hinted at retirement due to his disdain for the new set of rules.

The difference between the Red Bull ace’s driving before and after these regulations is clear. And Damon Hill believes Max Verstappen’s magic being gone is hurting the sport.

READ MORE: Damon Hill says F1’s ‘share price’ would tank if Max Verstappen left the sport

Damon Hill believes new regulations have hurt F1 by limiting Max Verstappen

Speaking on The Race’s podcast, Damon Hill spoke about the difference between the current and previous regulations.

He pointed to the power a driver like Max Verstappen would show off and mesmerise audiences with under the previous regulations, and how now all of that has been nullified.

“It always used to be, if you’ve never seen the start of a Formula 1 race, you haven’t lived. That was one of the big pulls. The ground shook, and all these cars went off.

“The racing might not be fantastic by the time you got to about an hour into the race, because there’s not that many cars left.

“Everyone watched Max’s qualifying lap in Jeddah in that first year. Fernando Alonso was even looking up and stopping the interview because he couldn’t believe what he’s seeing. You want to see that. You want to see Max on the max.”

READ MORE: David Coulthard predicts whether prime Lewis Hamilton could match Max Verstappen’s lap times

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Damon Hill believes drivers must use fan sentiment as justification in push for regulation change

Speaking further, Damon Hill noted that any F1 drivers looking to pressure the FIA to change or tweak the regulations will have to leverage fan sentiment to try and make their case.

“The cars need to be impressive. That’s the weak spot here. If they are campaigning to get what the fans want as well as what they want, they’ve got enormous power.

“If they can identify what they want to get back to, then I think they will have enormous support. Otherwise, you’ll just get the ‘Oh, they get paid millions, why are they moaning?’ kneecapping.

“They’ll lose support. But if they’re wanting what the fans want, and fans also like some of the racing. There are people who are watching and going, ‘What are you complaining about? It’s been really exciting! I’ve been excited by the overtakes and the passing…’ Something we haven’t seen in such a long time…”

While Hill might be confident in the drivers’ ability to leverage the negative fan sentiment surrounding the new regulations, that might be easier said than done.

Stefano Domenicali has no plans to make changes to the regulations outside of a few tweaks made recently in the interest of driver safety.

Unless there are some catastrophic consequences that come with the new regulations once the season resumes next week, F1 drivers may have to accept that these new regulations are here to stay.