Miami GP | Lewis Hamilton unconvinced by rule tweaks: “From the simulator it all feels pretty much the same”. Lewis Hamilton has shared his first impressions of the FIA’s latest Formula 1 rule changes.

The Ferrari driver is not expecting dramatically different driving sensations following the FIA’s latest regulatory intervention, as Formula 1 prepares to implement a series of updates starting from the Miami Grand Prix.

Revised rules arrive in Miami

During the April break, the FIA and Formula 1 worked closely to evaluate how to introduce targeted changes aimed at addressing some of the weaknesses identified in the 2026 regulations. On April 20, a detailed list of updates was officially released, outlining modifications that will largely come into effect from the Miami weekend onward.

These changes are set to impact several key areas of the sport, including qualifying formats, race procedures, race starts, and driving conditions in wet weather. The objective is to improve racing quality and ensure better adaptability under varying conditions, particularly as teams continue to explore the limits of the new generation of cars.

What does Lewis Hamilton think?

Overall, the drivers have expressed satisfaction at having been consulted during the discussions that took place over recent weeks. However, not everyone has been particularly impressed by the scope or potential impact of the changes.

Max Verstappen described the modifications as “a tickle”, while Fernando Alonso went as far as saying that “not much will change.” Lance Stroll also appeared notably critical and skeptical about the effectiveness of the adjustments introduced by the governing body.

Lewis Hamilton, speaking to the media on Thursday in Miami, also seemed cautious and measured in his expectations: “It’s not really a new Formula 1, but we’ll see. I don’t really know how these changes could influence the races. I’m not sure how big this step forward is, we’ll find out.”

The British driver then added a revealing remark about his simulator experience: “Obviously we tested them on the simulator, and to me it all felt pretty much the same. I’m sorry, but that’s how it is. But who knows, maybe the races will look better, but I don’t know. We’ll see.”