By: The new Formula 1 regulations, introduced in 2026, have produced plenty of unusual situations. As well as needing some adjustments on the power unit side at the start of the season, the FIA recently had to revise the software to correct several anomalies that had not previously emerged during the championship.
New aerodynamics and a new power unit have forced drivers to adapt their driving styles to the cars, meaning those who interpreted the regulations best at the start of the year were able to build a significant advantage. Championship leader Andrea Kimi Antonelli is proof of that, although he has continued to demonstrate his qualities, as has Lewis Hamilton.
Steady progress, as experienced drivers gradually emerge
The seven-time world champion showed great adaptability, almost unexpectedly so. Not because of his unquestionable ability, but because of his age. At the start of the year, it was thought that younger drivers would hold an advantage over the category's 'giants' — the veterans and multiple world champions. Hamilton (41) was certainly an exception in the opening months of the year, reaching the podium as early as the second race and showing great consistency. Verstappen, by contrast, made a subdued start, although his issues were certainly more closely linked to his car package.
The other giants, Hulkenberg (39) and Alonso (45), began much more slowly, both for reasons of adaptation and because of the limited potential of their respective cars, the Audi and Aston Martin. Fernando nevertheless managed to stay ahead of Stroll throughout, while Nico struggled considerably against team-mate Bortoleto at the start of the year.
Over the past few races, from around the Dutch Grand Prix, something has changed. The giants are slowly awakening. With the updates, the Spaniard has returned to regularly fighting for points, producing a fine performance at Sepang, among other occasions, while Hulkenberg has moved ahead of Gabriel in the overall standings after a run of six positive races in which he finished ahead of the Brazilian.
Hamilton slows, but there is still plenty to learn
At the same time, Verstappen appears to have become fully at one with his Red Bull — thanks in part to the team's excellent work — while Lewis Hamilton's progress appears to have stalled. Indeed, Charles Leclerc is also steadily improving and has beaten his team-mate three times in the last four races (the strategic error in Singapore can, for now, also be regarded as an isolated incident).
We are therefore seeing a reversal of the trend, although it may not prove definitive. The regulations are so complex that there could still be significant room for improvement. As a result, even next year could yet be a season marked by further fluctuations in Formula 1 drivers' performances.
Cover and in-story photo by Peter Kiss / WHYOUT Images
