Drivers Say 2026 F1 Rules Don’t Remove Driving Skill

During the 2026 season, the sport’s four active world champions voiced that the new hybrid‑engine rules and reduced downforce have not taken away the core of racing. Verstappen, Hamilton, Alonso and Norris said they still push the cars to the edge of grip, managing energy but never abandoning the need for speed and precision.

At last week’s Bahrain pre‑season test, drivers confirmed that even with lower downforce, they remain on the limit of corner grip most of the time. The change mainly shifts how corners are approached, with some turns becoming more power‑limited, but the fundamental skill of driving fast and cleanly remains decisive.