Laughing Lewis Hamilton and annoyed Max Verstappen edited onto a background of the Shanghai International Circuit — Photo: © IMAGO

In news that will come as no surprise to F1 fans, Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen disagree! This time it’s about the all new 2026 cars.

While Verstappen has been the most vocal adversary of the 2026 regulations – ‘anti-racing’, ‘Mario Kart’, ‘Formula E’ have all been terms used to describe them – Hamilton has been a more active cheerleader for the new cars, albeit with one pom-pom thrust tentatively in the air.

The seven-time world champion is arguably more comfortable with this generation of cars, and was asked ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix what about them earnt such adoration.

“I don’t have to use the word love. I’m just saying that I’m enjoying racing. Naturally when you have a good car and you’re competitive, it’s nice to be out in front,” Hamilton said.

The Ferrari star then went on to reference his rival Verstappen and offered his perspective as to why he believes the Dutchman hates the new cars so much.

Hamilton: It’s been smooth sailing for Verstappen

Hamilton continued: “[Max] has had that for the last four or five years. It’s been pretty smooth sailing for him. This is the first year, but I can’t answer that.

“He’s not enjoying it as much. It’s definitely a lot different. I think a lot of drivers are not enjoying it, but I don’t really know. I’m just personally enjoying it. It’s a lighter car. They’re more nimble.

“They are more fun to drive. Do I love the power deployment? Absolutely not. Do I love the [active aerodynamics]? Not particularly, but as a whole I think it’s exciting for the sport in a time where the sport is the highest.”

Hamilton continued to discuss the overall health of the F1 brand, refusing to buy into the the narrative that because of the new cars, the sport was in a bad place.

“Visually, brand-wise, it has the most income it’s ever had. The F1 movie has done amazing with an Oscar. It’s just in a really good time where lots of people are watching and we’re actually having some battles as opposed to the sessions where you’re just watching cars going around each time.

“Everyone’s going to have an opinion every time you change a car. Some people don’t like it, you can’t please everybody. If our car all of a sudden turns to a nightmare to drive, maybe it won’t be as enjoyable, but the fact is we’re having a good fight with the chance to fight for wins. That’s always a part of it.”