F1 drivers call 2026 cars ‘fun’ but challenging after test

Formula 1 drivers have delivered their verdicts on the sport's radical new-generation cars following last week's Barcelona shakedown, with many describing the machines as "fun to drive" despite the challenges posed by reduced downforce and dramatically increased electrical power.

The five-day test at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, held January 26-30, marked the first extended running for the 2026 regulations, which represent what many consider the biggest rules reset in the sport's history. Drivers have since offered insights into what awaits them in this new era.espn

More Power, Less Grip

Reigning world champion Lando Norris said the new McLaren MCL40 delivers a different driving experience that requires more input from the pilot. "They're good fun, because it's more power and less grip to a certain extent," Norris told select media including Formula1.com. "Which means you're hustling, you're having to control the car a bit more, fight the car at times more."planetf1+1

Norris compared the experience to driving lower-formula machinery. "It certainly feels more like an F2 car in some ways with how you have to drive it," he said. "I don't know if I like that or not for the time being."motorsport

At Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton set the unofficial fastest lap of the test with a 1:16.348 and left Barcelona with a positive impression of his SF-26. "The car generation is actually a little bit more fun to drive—it's oversteery, it's snappy and sliding, but it's a little bit easier to catch," Hamilton said. "I would definitely say more enjoyable."motorsportweek+1

Rookies See Opportunity

Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli believes the sweeping regulation changes may level the playing field for younger competitors. "This is a massive rule change and it kind of resets everything because everyone has to relearn the car," the Italian said. "On the driving side, it's a big opportunity because whoever understands it the best way and earlier than the others can really make the difference."inkl+1

George Russell praised the sheer speed enabled by the new power units, which now deliver a 50-50 split between combustion and electrical energy. "I think for all the cars I was watching today, with all the different power units, it's probably the quickest I've ever seen an F1 car pass here in Barcelona," Russell said. "So that was pretty exciting to see."espn

Looking Ahead

Max Verstappen described Red Bull's running with their first in-house power unit as "pretty decent," noting the team completed considerable mileage during the test. Oscar Piastri acknowledged there are "challenges but not as alien as we might have feared" with the new McLaren.crash+1

The grid now turns its attention to Bahrain for further pre-season testing before the season opener, with drivers still adapting to energy management systems that demand an entirely new approach behind the wheel.