Hamilton and Piastri explains how the new regulations might change driving from track to track

Oscar Piastri explained that the biggest shift for 2026 is the way the power unit now dictates car behaviour. In previous seasons, drivers could expect familiar patterns when moving between circuits—changes in grip levels, downforce requirements, or kerb profiles—but the underlying driving style remained relatively stable.

This year, that stability disappears. Piastri noted that “in the past you’ve kind of gone from track to track and it’s got different grip levels, different downforce levels… but the fundamental way you drive the car and the engine has never really been a big factor.”

Under the 2026 rules, however, “the engine—or the power unit—is probably going to be the biggest factor in how you set things up and how you get the most out of it.”

He added that teams will need to rethink how they attack each circuit, because the tools required to extract lap time will vary far more dramatically than before. Understanding these differences quickly will be “the biggest challenge.”

Lewis Hamilton echoed Piastri’s concerns but went even further, calling the 2026 regulations the most demanding rule change he has experienced in his two decades in Formula 1.

The Briton explained that “it’s going to be the most challenging it’s ever been in the sport, for sure… this one particularly is far bigger than at least the five that I’ve been through.”

Hamilton described the season ahead as one in which drivers and teams will be “learning on the cuff.” Despite gathering valuable data in testing, he believes each race weekend will effectively serve as an extension of that learning process, with every circuit presenting new and unpredictable challenges.

He also expressed hope that Formula 1 will help fans understand the complexity of what teams are dealing with. “I just hope that Formula 1 is able to project that to the fans so they can understand what’s going on,” he said, adding that commentators should engage more with teams to avoid speculation about the difficulties drivers face. “It’s no joke. It’s really, really challenging.”