Lewis Hamilton: “Silverstone with the 2026 F1 cars? Much better than we expected”
Lewis Hamilton believes the iconic Silverstone Circuit has retained all of its magic despite the arrival of Formula 1’s new-generation 2026 cars. After qualifying for the British Grand Prix, the Ferrari driver admitted that the experience exceeded the expectations shared by many drivers heading into the weekend.
Ferrari driver impressed by Silverstone
Before the British Grand Prix weekend, there had been considerable uncertainty over how the 2026 Formula 1 cars would perform around one of the calendar’s most demanding high-speed circuits. Silverstone, with its sequence of fast, flowing corners and heavy energy demands, was widely expected to present a major challenge under the new regulations.
Even Max Verstappen had warned during the Austrian Grand Prix weekend that Silverstone would effectively become “a different circuit” with the new generation of Formula 1 machinery.
Saturday’s Sprint race certainly produced an eventful spectacle, featuring plenty of overtaking and several intense wheel-to-wheel battles. During the opening laps, the so-called “Formula Yo-Yo” effect made a noticeable return, although the racing settled down considerably in the closing stages of the Sprint.
Italian journalist Gianluca Calvaresi even described the action as an “anesthesia of the spectacle,” referring to some of the overtakes—or apparent overtakes—that unfolded during the Sprint race.
“It’s much better than we expected”
Despite those discussions, Lewis Hamilton gave the 2026 Formula 1 cars a clear vote of confidence after qualifying, speaking positively about the experience of driving at Silverstone.
“I think we were all surprised,” Lewis Hamilton said. “It’s really much better than we expected. Driving around this circuit is always great fun—it’s my favourite track.”
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