F1 Testing 2026: Drivers Reaction in Bahrain

F1 2026 season kicked off in Bahrain with pre-season testing has given us the first real look at Formula 1’s 2026 season. New cars, engines, and rules meant teams spent three intense days pushing the limits of both machinery and driver skill. The Sakhir circuit was a hive of activity from dawn until dusk, with engineers adjusting aerodynamics, optimising energy systems, and monitoring tyre performance.

Temperatures shifted dramatically from cool mornings to scorching afternoons, testing drivers’ endurance and focus. From long runs to simulated qualifying laps, the paddock was alive with experimentation, data collection, and spirited debate.

Reactions to the new cars have already divided opinion. Some drivers embraced the challenge, others struggled, and a few questioned whether these cars still feel like true Formula 1 machines.

Max Verstappen: “Not a lot of fun”

Max Verstappen was the most outspoken critic. During his testing stints, he pushed the Red Bull to its limits while simultaneously grappling with energy deployment and battery management, key features of the 2026 regulations. He reported that the cars feel heavy in corners, awkward under braking, and require constant attention to systems that were once secondary. Verstappen’s frustration was clear: the instinctive, flat-out racing he loves has been replaced by a highly technical and constrained style.

“Not a lot of fun, to be honest. It’s not very Formula One-like.”

“As a pure driver, I enjoy driving flat out and at the moment, you cannot drive like that.”

“There’s a lot going on. A lot of what you do as a driver, in terms of inputs, has a massive effect on the energy side of things. For me, that’s just not Formula 1.”

“Maybe it’s then better to drive Formula E, right? Because that’s all about energy, efficiency and management.”

“A winning car for me, that doesn’t matter. It needs to be fun to drive as well.”

“Honestly, the proportion of the car looks good, it’s just everything else that is a bit, for me, anti-racing.”

His comments sparked immediate discussion across the paddock, highlighting how polarising these new cars are even before the season has started.

Lewis Hamilton: “Ridiculously complex”

Lewis Hamilton spent his sessions focusing on extracting maximum performance from the Mercedes while adapting to the highly technical 2026 regulations. He navigated the track analysing braking points, tyre behaviour, and energy deployment, constantly working with his engineers to understand every nuance. Hamilton noticed how much cognitive load these cars demand, not just physically but mentally. He warned that the technical complexity risks alienating fans, who may struggle to follow a sport where so much depends on battery management, hybrid systems, and subtle energy strategies rather than raw driving instinct.

“None of the fans are going to understand it, I don’t think. It’s so complex. It’s ridiculously complex. I sat in a meeting the other day and they’re taking us through it, it’s like you need a degree to fully understand it all.”

Hamilton’s reaction reflects a growing concern in the paddock: Formula 1 is evolving rapidly, but the human element, both for drivers and spectators, is under pressure.

Fernando Alonso: Adjusting to the new era

Fernando Alonso took a more balanced and reflective view of the new regulations, acknowledging both the technical challenge and the frustration drivers are feeling. While he approached testing in his usual calm and analytical way, his feedback showed clear agreement with the concerns raised by Max Verstappen. Alonso explained that the new cars force drivers to lift in corners that were once taken flat-out, not because of grip or confidence, but because of energy management priorities. For him, that change alters the very nature of how Formula 1 cars are driven, shifting the focus away from instinct and commitment and towards strategy and system control.

“Now in Turn 12 we are like 50km/h slower because we don’t want to waste energy there and we want to have all on the straights. So to do Turn 12 instead of 260km/h at 200km/h, you can drive the car, the chef can drive the car in Turn 12 at that speed. But you don’t want to waste energy because you want to have it on the straights. So I understand Max’s comments.”

Lando Norris: “A lot of fun – maybe Max should retire”

Lando Norris embraced the challenge of the new era with enthusiasm. His testing focused on optimising energy deployment, experimenting with braking zones, and fine-tuning the car’s balance for longer runs. Unlike some of his peers, Norris found the new regulations stimulating and exciting. He defended the new cars with humour and honesty, suggesting that if Verstappen does not enjoy the challenge, he is free to leave the sport. Norris emphasised that adaptability, clever management, and precision are now part of what makes an elite driver.

“A lot of fun. If he doesn’t like these cars, he can just retire.”

“Formula 1 changes all the time. Sometimes it is a bit better to drive, sometimes it is not as good to drive, but we get paid a stupid amount of money to drive, so he can’t really complain at the end of the day.”

“Any driver can go and find something else to do. It’s not like he has to be here, or any driver has to be here.”

“It’s a challenge, but it’s a good, fun challenge for the engineers; for the drivers. It’s different. You have to drive it in a different way and understand things differently and manage things differently, but I still get to drive cars and travel the world and have a lot of fun. So, no, nothing to complain about.”

His upbeat perspective contrasted sharply with those frustrated by the technical demands, giving the paddock a more positive angle on the new regulations.

George Russell: Reality check and pace

George Russell focused on understanding the car’s performance and consistency over longer runs. He explored different setups, analysed energy recovery systems, and looked for ways to maximise tyre life. While he noted that the new cars have quirks in handling and braking, he concentrated on evaluating where Mercedes stands compared to the competition. Russell warned that Red Bull already looks frighteningly quick, signalling a possible advantage heading into the first races. His approach underlined that the season will reward drivers who can combine adaptability with performance, rather than those who simply complain about the changes.

Bahrain testing has confirmed that 2026 Formula 1 is already a game of extremes. Some drivers are frustrated, missing the instinctive feel of the cars. Others see opportunity, challenge, and evolution. The season ahead will be defined not just by who is fastest but by who can adapt to this very different era of Formula 1. Bahrain has set the tone, and the drama begins even before the first race.

Witness Formula 1’s future unfold with Corinthian Sports!

The first Bahrain test has offered an early glimpse into Formula 1’s bold new era, with teams and drivers beginning to unlock the potential of the 2026 cars. From technical shifts to changing performance dynamics, the opening sessions have set the tone for a season of transformation.

As this new chapter unfolds, Corinthian Sports offers a premium way to witness the evolution of the sport, combining world-class hospitality with unforgettable access to Formula 1’s most iconic moments.

Join Corinthian Sports in the Pegasus Lounge at:

• Formula 1® Pirelli British Grand Prix
• Formula 1® TAG Heuer Grand Prix de Monaco
• The Podium Suite at the Etihad Airways Formula 1® Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
• And selected Formula 1® Grands Prix throughout the season

Enquire now!