The technical balance displayed on the Montreal tracks did not reduce the dissatisfaction of the main names on the Fórmula 1 grid with the current regulations. Meses after the introduction of technical guidelines for the 2026 season, complaints about the behavior of the new hybrid engines gained a new chapter last weekend. The scene of the complaints was the Gilles Villeneuve circuit, the scene of one of the busiest stages of the year so far.
Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen used the space of official interviews after Sunday’s race to reinforce the gap between the current mechanical configuration and what they consider ideal for elite motorsport. Drivers argue that fluctuations in power delivery on the straights detract from the riding experience. The joint demonstration exposes a structural dissatisfaction that persists even when the races provide high entertainment for the public.
The power cut on the straights bothers Lewis Hamilton
The seven-time world champion detailed the behavior of the single-seaters in the high-speed zones of the Canadian circuit and classified the energy management system as strange by the category’s historical standards. Lewis Hamilton pointed out that competitors are forced to deal with an abrupt drop in the rotation of the thermal engines when the battery charge runs out before the end of long stretches. The Mercedes driver recalled the behavior of old power units to draw a direct parallel with the limitations felt on the Montreal track.
- Aceleração total activates the management modes configured for the long straights.
- Potência of the heat engine stops approximately halfway through high-speed sections.
- Rotação of the propellant drops noticeably to the competitors inside the cockpit.
- Today’s Dinâmica differs completely from the continuous output seen in the V8 and V10 engine eras.
The dissatisfaction with the power unit contrasts with the positive assessment that the British competitor makes about the aerodynamic package developed for the 2026 championship. Lewis Hamilton says that the chassis built under the new specifications facilitate the approximation between the cars and generate cleaner disputes. The driver highlights that the cars are now able to follow each other closely without suffering too much from turbulence, although managing the new electrical systems remains the least exciting part of the current work.
Max Verstappen demands pure motorsport and minimizes the effect of the regulation
The current world champion adopts an even more incisive stance regarding the technical directions of the Fórmula 1 and linked his stay in the category to the evolution of these concepts. Max Verstappen argues that the fierce disputes seen in Canadá’s GP result exclusively from the technical capacity of the drivers on the grid, and not from Federação Internacional’s correctness of Automobilismo in the current rules. The Dutchman used his recent experience in endurance competitions outside the world cup environment to illustrate the competition format he considers ideal for the sport.
The Red Bull driver mentioned that his participation in the 24 Horas of Nurburgring served as a reminder of what he defines as pure and exciting competition. In the driver’s view, putting the best professionals in the world on the track will result in a high-level spectacle even if the cars used are common touring models. Max Verstappen countered comments that the overtaking that occurred in Montreal validates the current regulations.
The issue of dividing energy delivery between the combustion engine and electrical systems remains the central point of disagreement among the Red Bull competitor. Fontes behind-the-scenes footage indicates that the Dutchman considers a review of his planned power ratio to be an important factor in his long-term career decisions. Durante the official press conference, Lewis Hamilton even interacted with his tablemates and questioned Max Verstappen and Kimi Antonelli about which of the teams has the best electrical performance at the moment.
Disputas on the track masks political crisis between drivers and organization
The race in Montreal featured fights for positions involving George Russell and the newcomer Kimi Antonelli, as well as a direct confrontation in the final minutes between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen themselves. The tense moments on the track were celebrated by the organizers as proof of the efficiency of the rules, but the reserved dialogue between the drivers in the pre-podium room confirmed their mutual dissatisfaction with the technology.
Ambos agree that the ease of aerodynamic pursuit represents a real improvement compared to cars from previous seasons. Contudo, the technical dispute over the operation of hybrid engines indicates that the sport will need to discuss adjustments to the rules to avoid greater wear and tear on its main stars in the coming months.