Lewis Hamilton: British Grand Prix Will Feel 'Completely Different' This Year

Lewis Hamilton believes this weekend's British Grand Prix will present a new challenge for drivers, warning that Silverstone's iconic high-speed corners will feel "completely different" under the 2026 regulations.

The introduction of Formula 1's new power units has created significant energy management issues at fast circuits.

Drivers are expected to run out of electrical deployment through some of Silverstone's most famous sections.

Hamilton's British Grand Prix Fears

The British driver has been sharing his concerns.

"The fact we have long straights, it's an unprecedented weekend in terms of the power deployment," Hamilton said.

"All the drivers have been talking in the drivers' chat about how poor the power is going to be."

The seven-time world champion explained that the cars are likely to lose electrical assistance before reaching corners such as Copse and the Maggots-Becketts complex, forcing drivers to adapt their approach.

"Maggots and Becketts will not feel the same, because you have to lift and coast through there for a period of time," Hamilton said. "So it's a completely different track."

Hamilton also fears Ferrari could be at an even greater disadvantage than it was in Austria, suggesting the team's power deficit to Mercedes may be "twice as big" around Silverstone due to the circuit's long, high-speed sections.

Other drivers echoed Hamilton's concerns.

Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso described the situation as "quite sad" for both drivers and spectators, pointing out that the cars can produce less power than Formula 2 machinery once electrical deployment is exhausted.

Mercedes' George Russell, however, believes the changes could still improve the racing.

While acknowledging the driving experience is compromised, he argued the energy limitations may create more overtaking opportunities and suggested most fans would struggle to notice the difference without watching onboard footage.

Formula 1 has already approved changes to the balance between internal combustion and electrical power for future seasons in an effort to reduce the issue, but teams will have to manage the current limitations throughout the remainder of the 2026 campaign.