Lewis Hamilton has addressed growing debate surrounding one of the most discussed driving techniques in the 2026 Formula 1 season, offering a clear perspective on the increased use of lift-and-coast instructions and how they differ from previous years.
The Ferrari driver made it clear that, from his point of view, the approach is not unusual or “strange,” but rather a natural evolution of driving techniques required under the sport’s latest technical regulations. His comments come amid widespread discussion across the paddock regarding the impact of energy management on driving style and overall race performance.
Why lift-and-coast has become more important in 2026 Formula 1
Under the new 2026 regulations, Formula 1 power units have undergone a significant shift in how energy is deployed. Whereas previous generations relied heavily on the internal combustion engine, with an approximate 80-20 split between engine and electrical power, the current configuration operates much closer to a 50-50 balance.
This change has fundamentally altered how drivers must approach each lap, particularly when it comes to harvesting and deploying electrical energy. Techniques such as lift-and-coast—where drivers ease off the throttle earlier before braking zones—have become critical tools for maximising efficiency and maintaining competitive lap times.
In addition, advanced strategies such as “super-clipping,” which involves carefully managing battery deployment across different phases of the lap, have further increased the complexity of driving in modern Formula 1.
Lewis Hamilton clarifies Ferrari’s approach to energy management
Speaking to media, Lewis Hamilton explained that lift-and-coast has always been part of Formula 1 driving, but its purpose has now evolved significantly. He indicated that, in previous seasons, the technique was primarily used to conserve fuel or protect tyre life during races.
However, Lewis Hamilton suggested that in 2026 the same approach is now applied for a different reason—optimising energy recovery and deployment throughout the lap. This shift means that drivers must constantly adapt their driving style depending on circuit characteristics, corner profiles, and overall energy targets set by engineers.
He further implied that what may appear unusual to fans or observers is simply the result of a new technical framework, rather than a fundamentally unfamiliar concept for drivers themselves.
Impact on qualifying performance and driving style
One of the most notable consequences of these changes is the impact on qualifying laps. Traditionally, drivers aim to maintain full throttle for as long as possible before braking into corners to extract maximum performance.
According to Lewis Hamilton, this is no longer always the optimal approach under the current regulations. Instead, drivers may be required to lift earlier than expected in order to manage energy levels effectively, even during high-intensity qualifying runs.
This adjustment has contributed to criticism from some quarters of the Formula 1 community, with debates emerging about whether the new driving style reduces the visual spectacle of qualifying laps.
Nevertheless, the Briton’s perspective reinforces the idea that Formula 1 is constantly evolving, with drivers and teams—including Ferrari with both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc—continuing to adapt to increasingly complex technical demands in pursuit of performance gains.
Mastering these energy management techniques could therefore prove decisive in the fight for both race victories and championship success, particularly as teams refine their understanding of the new power unit regulations.
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