F1 Rule Overhaul Breathes New Life into 41-Year-Old Driver
The 2026 regulation refresh has received plenty of negative feedback from drivers in the early stages of the season. The poor reception has included comparisons to Mario Kart, the term "yo-yo racing," and even suggestions that a multi-time world champion might retire before the age of 30. There is a multiple-time champion, who turned 30 years of age the season Max Verstappen entered the sport, who is not among the complainers. Lewis Hamilton appears to be thoroughly enjoying the 2026 regulations.
2025 was full of doom and gloom for Hamilton. His debut season with Ferrari left the most successful driver in the history of the sport, deeming himself useless. If anyone is keeping track, the current season has likely already featured more smiles from the 41-year-old than the last campaign. The contrast is more than aesthetic, however. At the 2026 Chinese Grand Prix, fans saw Hamilton achieve his first podium in Ferrari colors. The Brit exceeded his total number of laps led last season on only the second race weekend of the year as well. The man who has experienced more eras of the sport than anyone currently on the grid, minus Fernando Alonso, believes the new regulations have plenty to offer fans.
Hamilton credits his revitalized form to an improved car that he was able to provide input on during development. The SF-26 suits his driving style better and features some interesting innovations. Hamilton was able to prevent Mercedes from topping the standings for a few minutes of the weekend by using his car's advantage off the starting line. Despite not qualifying on the front row for the sprint race or grand prix, the Scuderia driver took the lead on the first lap of both. However, the Ferrari innovations are still no match for Mercedes. The German constructors have comfortably finished one-two in the first two Grand Prix. The two Silver Arrows drivers are Hamilton’s biggest competition for visible smiles this season. The seven-time world champion is less positive when commenting on the efficiency of the Mercedes power unit. Lewis Hamilton has been on the podium 203 times. It seems unlikely that he is satisfied with the third step. If he is to compete for race wins or a championship as a Ferrari driver, the massive performance gap to his former team will have to be closed.
