Lewis Hamilton shares the same 2026 regulation frustrations as Max Verstappen after Bahrain testing

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With two days of pre-season testing at Bahrain now in the books, Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen have both raised the same frustration with Formula 1’s new regulations.

While a brand new rulebook often brings with it a bucketload of excitement for a fresh pecking order in the F1 standings, the 2026 regulations have been shrouded in uncertainty due to the new engine formula.

With cars now utilising a clean 50/50 split between electrical and combustion power, many F1 drivers have shared concerns regarding energy management and how it will affect racing once the five lights fall at the start of a Grand Prix.

The latest two drivers to share their annoyance with the changes are arguably the sport’s biggest names: Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen.

The pair of world champions don’t agree that often, but they both share the same opinion when it comes to the current state of F1 and its latest regulatory overhaul.

• READ MORE: Ted Kravitz says Mercedes are already planning major update in time for second Bahrain F1 test

Have the 2026 regulations made F1 worse, with Max Verstappen likening driving the new cars to Formula E?

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Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton both think F1 is losing its identity with the new 2026 regulations

Following the conclusion of day one in Bahrain, Hamilton drew attention to the fact that every F1 driver has to do a lot of lift-and-coasting during their flying laps with the new engine formula.

While ‘lico’ is somewhat of a regular occurrence during the latter stages of a Grand Prix, it would be considered a rather stark issue if it were present during qualifying in previous F1 seasons.

The Ferrari star told journalists, including the BBC, “At Barcelona, for example, we’re doing 600 metres lift and coast on a qualifying lap. That’s not what racing is about.”

During a candid interview with Sky Sport Germany on day two of testing in Sakhir, Verstappen echoed his former arch-nemesis’ sentiment.

After Verstappen made a jab about the new crop of F1 cars feeling like “Formula E on steroids”, he added, “I don’t know what else to say about it, you know, it’s not the original Formula 1 feeling anymore.”

Both Hamilton and the Red Bull star are two of the most experienced members of the F1 grid, and it’s a fairly startling admission from both drivers regarding the future of the sport.

Of course, the regulations are still very much in their infancy at the moment, but having two of the sport’s most recognisable names dissing the new ruleset doesn’t bode well for the calibre of racing we’re going to get this year.

• READ MORE: Key Ferrari SF-26 characteristic in Bahrain could be a ‘significant limitation’ for Lewis Hamilton

Here’s how the teams fare at the end of Bahrain testing Day 2 ⏱️

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Max Verstappen has been tipped to benefit the most from the change in F1 engine formula

Ahead of the new campaign, Verstappen has been among the few names that have been tipped to benefit the most from the new regulations.

Due to the importance of energy management now, the Dutchman’s intelligence has been praised, with former Red Bull chief Helmut Marko previously highlighting how Verstappen has a ‘huge advantage’ over everyone else in that department.

Through the constant use of his at-home simulator and overall passion for sim-racing, the four-time world champion is renowned for having a superior brain capacity to his rivals on the grid.

Laurent Mekies put it simply when he said Verstappen just has more ‘brainpower’ than anyone else who tries to threaten his crown as the best driver in the paddock.