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Lewis Hamilton has continued his praise of the new F1 regulations at the Japanese Grand Prix, while Max Verstappen’s frustrations with them remain at an all-time high. However, Guenther Steiner thinks both drivers are simply trying to “stir things up”.
F1’s latest ruleset has divided the grid and spectators alike. On one side are those who are open to the idea of the sport increasing excitement through more emphasis on electrical power, while the other side are those who yearn for 100% combustion power.
Max Verstappen has been F1’s biggest critic in recent months, and hasn’t shown any signs of enjoying himself at the wheel of Red Bull’s 2026 car. On the other hand, Lewis Hamilton has been a ‘rejuvenated’ figure at Ferrari following the end of the ground-effect era.
Who do you agree with more about the 2026 regulations – Lewis Hamilton or Max Verstappen?
Verstappen is no stranger to sharing his true feelings in the press room, but many figures inside the F1 paddock have shared their theories on why the Dutchman has been so vocal in his frustrations compared to previous years when Red Bull were so dominant.
- READ MORE: Nelson Piquet Jr says George Russell would complain just like Max Verstappen if they swapped cars
Guenther Steiner thinks Lewis Hamilton’s latest F1 ruleset comments are an attempt to ‘stir things up’
During Hamilton’s media duties ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix, the seven-time world champion was asked for an update on his thoughts regarding the new regulations.
Following his scrap with Charles Leclerc for the final spot on the Chinese Grand Prix podium, Hamilton expressed his satisfaction with the wheel-to-wheel racing that the new ruleset caters to.
In his comments at Suzuka, Hamilton compared F1 to karting in an analogy, describing it as ‘real racing’ while Verstappen continued to disagree with the trajectory of the sport.
What’s your podium prediction for the Japanese Grand Prix?
Speaking to German outlet Bild, former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner issued his verdict by simply saying, “I’m sure both are trying to stir things up.”
He then added, “Hamilton is in a significantly better position this year and has a competitive car – that’s why he’s satisfied. If Verstappen is back at the front, he’ll probably assess the rules differently.”
- READ MORE: Red Bull management ‘intend to speak with’ Max Verstappen over journalist spat at Japanese GP
Not everybody agrees with Lewis Hamilton’s defence of the 2026 F1 regulations
Of course, Hamilton has faced more opposition than his formerly fierce title rivals regarding his thoughts on the new ruleset.
F1 pundit Karun Chandhok thinks the Ferrari star was wrong to compare F1 to karting, noting the fact that the pinnacle of single-seater racing isn’t a spec series like karting often is, which makes it difficult for it to share similarities.
Hamilton’s rose-tinted glasses may very well stem from his confidence at the wheel of the SF-26. With his first podium in red being recorded at the last round of racing in Shanghai, his first win for the Scuderia is next for him to tick off.
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