Former F1 TV presenter Will Buxton has argued that drivers equivalent to Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso have been holding out for rules that play to their strengths once more, and questioned whether or not it may imply retirement for the champions if they don’t get on with the brand new 2026 vehicles.
The championship welcomes a brand new set of rules for 2026, which function an nearly 50:50 cut up between inner combustion and electrical energy in addition to smaller, lighter vehicles and lively aerodynamics, amongst many different modifications.
Drivers had the prospect to share their ideas on the brand new vehicles throughout pre-season testing in Bahrain, with four-time champion Max Verstappen describing it as “Components E on steroids”.
“The final set of rules didn’t play to drivers of a sure era,” Buxton mentioned through the Up To Pace podcast.
“You take a look at Lewis [Hamilton], Fernando [Alonso]. I take a look at a Daniel Ricciardo or a Valtteri Bottas or a Sergio Perez, who’re an identical era, just about precisely the identical era as a Lewis and a Fernando, definitely a Lewis, who didn’t get on with these rules.
“And finally, it known as an finish to Daniel’s profession and did irreparable injury to Checo’s profession. However they have been all hanging out for these new rules, all hoping that once they modified in the direction of a seemingly lighter, looser automobile, it might play to their strengths, proper?
Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari
Photograph by: Sam Bagnall / Sutton Photographs through Getty Photographs
“So, it is no marvel that they’re being very open with their emotions in the direction of this as a result of this was their likelihood, proper? This was their alternative to get again to a mode of automobile and a mode of racing that they cherished, that will present the Lewis Hamilton that gained seven titles, proper?
“As a result of Lewis did not overlook how one can drive between ’21 and ’22. What modified was the automobile. I do not consider what modified was the motive force. But when they do not get vehicles again this 12 months that play to their strengths, is it the start of the top or was the start of the top ’22? And it will be fascinating to see that.”
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