Will Buxton: 2026 F1 Regulations Present Pivotal Challenge for Veteran Drivers like Hamilton and Alonso

Former Formula 1 TV presenter Will Buxton has articulated a compelling argument that seasoned competitors such as Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso are voicing their opinions on the impending 2026 technical regulations with a keen eye on their personal performance. Buxton suggests that these veteran drivers are anticipating a regulatory shift that will once again play to their inherent strengths, and he has posited a critical question regarding their futures: could failure to adapt to the new generation of F1 cars potentially signal the end of their illustrious careers?

The Formula 1 championship is on the cusp of a significant transformation with the introduction of a comprehensive set of new regulations slated for the 2026 season. These reforms are designed to reshape the sport’s technical landscape, featuring a near 50:50 power split between the internal combustion engine (ICE) and electric power units. Complementing this powertrain evolution are plans for smaller, lighter chassis and the reintroduction of active aerodynamics, among a myriad of other changes aimed at enhancing sustainability, efficiency, and potentially, the spectacle of racing.

Discussions surrounding the prospective 2026 cars have already begun to permeate the paddock. During pre-season testing in Bahrain, several drivers offered their initial thoughts. Four-time world champion Max Verstappen, known for his direct assessments, notably described the forthcoming machines as "Formula E on steroids," a remark that underscores the anticipated shift towards a greater reliance on electrical power and complex energy management systems. This comment, while perhaps made with a hint of jest, highlights a fundamental concern among some drivers about the potential feel and handling characteristics of the new generation of cars.

Speaking on the Up To Speed podcast, Buxton elaborated on his hypothesis, drawing a parallel between the current situation and the impact of previous regulatory cycles. "The last set of regulations did not play to drivers of a certain generation," Buxton observed. He specifically cited Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso, before expanding his scope to include other drivers of a similar vintage such as Daniel Ricciardo, Valtteri Bottas, and Sergio Perez. Buxton contended that these drivers, particularly Hamilton and Alonso, did not fully harness the potential of the regulations introduced in 2022, which saw the sport transition to ground-effect aerodynamics.

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The 2022 regulations, aimed at reducing "dirty air" and promoting closer racing, ushered in a new era of car design characterized by stiffer suspensions and a greater reliance on underbody airflow for downforce. This often resulted in cars that were inherently more challenging to drive, with a narrower operating window and a propensity for "porpoising" – a high-frequency aerodynamic oscillation. For drivers accustomed to a more compliant chassis and a different aerodynamic philosophy, this transition proved difficult.

Buxton went further, suggesting that the 2022 regulations had profound consequences for some careers. He stated that they "called an end to Daniel [Ricciardo]’s career and did irreparable damage to Checo [Perez]’s career." Daniel Ricciardo, a charismatic eight-time Grand Prix winner, notably struggled to adapt to the McLaren MCL36 in 2022, leading to his early departure from the team and a year on the sidelines before returning with RB. Sergio Perez, while securing race wins with Red Bull, has frequently faced challenges in consistently matching the pace of his teammate Max Verstappen, particularly when the car’s setup deviates from his preferred characteristics. Valtteri Bottas, after a successful tenure at Mercedes, moved to Sauber/Stake, where the team has largely operated in the midfield, again highlighting the impact of car performance on driver perception and career trajectory.

According to Buxton, many of these experienced drivers had been "hanging out for these new regulations, all hoping that when they changed towards a seemingly lighter, looser car, it would play to their strengths." This sentiment implies a collective belief among certain drivers that the current aerodynamic-heavy, stiff-chassied cars do not allow them to extract their maximum potential or showcase the nuanced driving styles that brought them multiple championships and race victories.

Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time world champion and one of F1’s most decorated drivers, endured two winless seasons in 2022 and 2023 following the regulatory overhaul. His Mercedes W13 and W14 were notably challenging, with the team grappling with aerodynamic concepts and setup issues that frequently left Hamilton and teammate George Russell struggling for consistent performance. Hamilton’s frustration has been palpable, particularly during the 2022 season where the car’s characteristics were notoriously difficult. His impending move to Ferrari in 2025 adds another layer of intrigue, as his performance in 2026 will be under intense scrutiny, not just for his own legacy but for the success of his new Italian team in a radically different technical landscape. Hamilton’s driving style, often described as smooth and precise, has historically thrived in cars with predictable handling and high levels of mechanical grip. A lighter, more agile car with active aerodynamics could potentially allow him to re-engage with a driving style that brought him unparalleled success.

Fernando Alonso, a two-time world champion and the grid’s most experienced driver, recently reaffirmed his commitment to Aston Martin by signing a new contract that extends his stay until at least the end of the 2026 season. This decision underscores his belief in the team’s project and, critically, his confidence in his own ability to adapt to and excel in the forthcoming technical era. Alonso, known for his aggressive yet remarkably adaptable driving style, has consistently demonstrated an uncanny ability to extract maximum performance from any machinery. His career, spanning over two decades, is a testament to his resilience and passion for the sport. For Alonso, the prospect of a "lighter, looser" car might present an opportunity to leverage his exceptional car control and feedback, potentially allowing him to return to a position where he can regularly challenge for podiums or even victories, much like his impressive start to the 2023 season.

Buxton’s analysis suggests that the outspoken nature of these drivers regarding the 2026 regulations is no coincidence. "It’s no wonder that they are being very open with their feelings towards this because this was their chance, right?" he posited. "This was their opportunity to get back to a style of car and a style of racing that they loved, that would show the Lewis Hamilton that won seven titles, right?" This perspective implies that for drivers like Hamilton, who experienced a stark drop in competitive performance following the 2022 changes, the 2026 regulations represent a potential reset – a chance to prove that their underlying skill remains undiminished. Buxton firmly believes that "Lewis didn’t forget how to drive between ’21 and ’22. What changed was the car. I don’t believe what changed was the driver."

The core of the matter lies in the characteristics of the "lighter, looser" car that these drivers reportedly favour. Historically, F1 cars that emphasized mechanical grip over sheer aerodynamic downforce, and were less burdened by weight, often rewarded a different kind of driver input. Such cars can be more dynamic, requiring precise throttle and steering inputs to manage grip and balance, and often allowing for more creative lines and overtakes. The proposed reduction in car size and weight for 2026, coupled with active aerodynamics that can alter the car’s drag and downforce profiles mid-lap, could indeed usher in a new era where driver skill in managing a more agile and potentially less stable platform becomes paramount.

The stakes for these veteran drivers are undeniably high. If the 2026 cars do not align with their preferred driving characteristics, or if they struggle to adapt to the new technical demands, the implications could be significant. Buxton pondered this very question: "But if they don’t get cars back this year that play to their strengths, is it the beginning of the end or was the beginning of the end ’22? And it’s going to be fascinating to see that."

Historically, major regulatory shifts have often reshaped the competitive landscape of Formula 1, elevating some teams and drivers while challenging others. The introduction of the hybrid V6 turbo-charged engines in 2014, for instance, propelled Mercedes to an unprecedented era of dominance. Similarly, the 2022 ground-effect regulations saw Red Bull Racing rise to the fore, particularly with Max Verstappen. Each change brings with it a complex interplay of engineering prowess, development budgets, and driver adaptation.

The 2026 regulations aim for a greener, more sustainable future for F1, with a greater emphasis on electric power and sustainable fuels. However, the balance between technological innovation and compelling racing is a delicate one. The drivers’ concerns, articulated through respected voices like Will Buxton, highlight the human element at the heart of the sport. As the countdown to 2026 continues, the development pathways for teams and the adaptation strategies for drivers will be closely monitored, setting the stage for what could be a career-defining period for some of Formula 1’s most iconic figures.

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Jonas Leo: Jonas Leo is a passionate motorsport journalist and lifelong Formula 1 enthusiast. With a sharp eye for race strategy and driver performance, he brings readers closer to the world of Grand Prix racing through in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive paddock insights. Jonas has covered everything from preseason testing to dramatic title deciders, capturing the emotion and precision that define modern F1. When he’s not tracking lap times or pit stop tactics, he enjoys exploring classic racing archives and writing about the evolution of F1 technology.