Sports4 min readMar 26, 2026

F1 Revolution? Lewis Hamilton Defends New Regulations with a Surprising Comparison

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Lewis Hamilton compares the new Formula 1 regulations to karting, defending the changes and highlighting the renewed excitement in racing.

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#F1#Lewis Hamilton#F1 Regulations#Karting#Motorsport
F1 Revolution? Lewis Hamilton Defends New Regulations with a Surprising Comparison
Lewis Hamilton, a Formula 1 driver, has used karting to explain and defend the controversial new regulations of the premier motorsport category. In a statement during the press day before the Japanese Grand Prix, Hamilton compared the dynamics of current races to the karting experience. This analogy seeks to refute criticisms about the new regulations, which have generated divided opinions among drivers and fans. The Mercedes driver, known for his seven world championships, suggested that the essence of karting, with its constant position changes and close duels, is similar to what is now observed in F1. Hamilton has enjoyed some exciting track battles in 2026.
Hamilton emphasized that, thanks to the new regulations, cars can be closely followed at high speeds without completely losing their performance. This characteristic, according to the driver, is a significant advance over previous regulations. In his statements, Hamilton recalled that, throughout his 20 years of experience in motorsport, this is the first time he feels that he can closely follow another car without being negatively affected. The Mercedes driver has enjoyed some exciting track battles in 2026. This improvement in the ability to follow has been a positive change for the competition.
The British driver praised the increase in overtakes and on-track battles, comparing them to his memorable duels with Nico Rosberg at Mercedes. Hamilton stated that these battles are the most exciting he has experienced since his clashes with Rosberg. The driver emphasized the importance of constant position changes and wheel-to-wheel duels, arguing that this is what makes racing exciting. This opinion contrasts with the criticisms of other drivers, such as Max Verstappen, who have expressed their dissatisfaction with the new regulations. Hamilton is enjoying the excitement of the competition.
Hamilton also addressed the issue of DRS (Drag Reduction System), arguing that it was a temporary solution to overtaking problems. According to the driver, the new regulations offer a more authentic and exciting racing experience. Hamilton believes that the current battles are more fun because they allow more overtakes and close duels. The driver hopes that other teams will improve their performance so that there are more battles on the track. This change of approach has been well received by Hamilton, who values the excitement of the competition.
Overall, Lewis Hamilton is optimistic about the future of Formula 1 with the new regulations. The driver believes that the improvements in the ability to follow and the increase in overtakes have improved the racing experience. Hamilton also acknowledged that it is necessary for all teams to improve their performance to have more battles on the track. The Mercedes driver is enjoying the renewed excitement in the races and hopes that the competition will continue to improve. Hamilton has enjoyed some exciting track battles in 2026, offering an opinion that the new modes are an improvement on the previous DRS, suggesting that his recent overtaking battles were the most enjoyable since his intra-team battles with Nico Rosberg at Mercedes.