‘IT DOESN’T FEEL LIKE WHAT MOTORSPORT SHOULD BE’: PODIUM TRIO STILL UNHAPPY WITH F1’S POWER UNITS

F1’s 2026 power units continue to draw heavy criticism from the sport’s top drivers, even after recent FIA adjustments aimed at reducing extreme speed reductions on straights. Following the Canadian Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton expressed frustration that the power dies mid-straight, feeling unnatural and unlike “what motorsport should be.” He longs for the continuous pull and sound of V8 or V10 eras.

Race winner Andrea Kimi Antonelli, while less critical of his potent Mercedes unit, admitted the power deployment system can be frustrating. Both Hamilton and Antonelli, however, praised the proposed 2026 chassis rule changes for allowing closer racing and better following. Max Verstappen remains the harshest critic, labeling the current power unit system "confusing" and "too complex." He argued F1 should be "pure" and less about managing intricate battery and deployment strategies. The ongoing debate highlights a significant disconnect between regulation goals and driver experience, signaling future headaches for the sport's technical direction.