F1 Drivers Still Matter in 2026 Rules

Following concerns raised by championship drivers about the complexity of Formula 1's new hybrid engines, multiple world champions have affirmed that driving skill continues to be a decisive factor. Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso, and Lando Norris previously expressed reservations about the "ridiculously complex" nature of the new cars.

However, during pre-season testing in Bahrain, these drivers alongside George Russell, Kimi Antonelli, and Oliver Bearman all confirmed they remain on the limit of grip the vast majority of the time. "A faster driver would still beat a slower one," Bearman noted, as drivers adapt to cars with less downforce but still push to the absolute limits of available grip.