Lewis Hamilton has called for Formula One drivers to have a formal role in shaping the sport's future, arguing that their input is essential alongside teams and the FIA. Speaking ahead of the Miami Grand Prix, where new rule adjustments take effect, the seven-time champion emphasized the need for collaboration.
Hamilton: 'We Don't Want to Be Slating Our Sport'
Hamilton stressed that drivers are not seeking to criticize but to improve the sport. 'We don't have a seat at the table currently, which I think needs to change,' he said. He cited Pirelli tyre tests as an example: 'They should come and speak to us... we can work together to get a better product.' He added that drivers want the sport to succeed and are aligned with stakeholders.
Driver Dissatisfaction with 2026 Regulations
Since the season started, drivers have criticized the 50-50 split between combustion and electrical energy, with energy management dominating laps. Max Verstappen, who has considered his future due to the rules, supported more driver input: 'If we had that five or six years ago, we probably wouldn't be in the state we are in now.'
Lando Norris echoed Hamilton, noting drivers are 'very aligned' with the GPDA. 'Having a seat at the table is something we've spoken about,' he said, adding that drivers accept they may not always be correct but aim for a win-win for fans and themselves.
Stroll Calls Rules 'Fundamentally Flawed'
Aston Martin's Lance Stroll was blunt: 'It's fundamentally just so flawed. It's sad that we're in this situation.' He contrasted F1's business perspective with drivers' experience, saying, 'People are watching no matter what, so F1 is happy. But for drivers and fans who know racing, it's far from as good as it could be.'
The rule adjustments focus on energy recovery parameters during qualifying and racing. While there is guarded optimism they will help, the consensus is that earlier driver input could have prevented the issues.
