NewKerala.com

Karun Chandhok: Hamilton "Happier, More Comfortable" With New F1 Rules

Former F1 driver Karun Chandhok observes that Lewis Hamilton appears happier and more adjusted to the new regulations as he heads into the 2026 season with Ferrari. Hamilton's high-profile move to the Italian team followed a difficult 2025 campaign after leaving Mercedes. Chandhok anticipates a highly competitive season with McLaren, Mercedes, and Red Bull all expected to be strong contenders. The 2026 season begins in Melbourne on March 8, following Lando Norris's maiden drivers' championship in 2025.

Key Points: Chandhok on Hamilton's Ferrari Move & 2026 F1 Season Outlook

  • Hamilton's challenging 2025 season
  • Positive early signs in testing
  • 2026 set for multi-team title fight
  • Norris's 2025 championship win
  • Ferrari's appeal for Indian fans
3 min read

"He seems more comfortable with new rules": Karun Chandhok on Lewis Hamilton ahead of 2026 F1 season

Karun Chandhok says Lewis Hamilton seems more comfortable with new F1 rules ahead of 2026 season with Ferrari. Insights on the competitive landscape.

"He seems happier. He seems more comfortable with the new rules. - Karun Chandhok"

By Utkarsh Rathour, Greater Noida, February 26

Former Indian Formula 1 driver Karun Chandhok has shared his thoughts on seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton as he prepares for the 2026 Formula 1 season with Scuderia Ferrari.

Hamilton's move to Ferrari was one of the biggest talking points ahead of the 2025 season. However, the British driver endured a challenging campaign after switching to the Italian outfit following 12 seasons with Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team.

Speaking to ANI, Chandhok said that Hamilton seems happier and more comfortable with the new F1 rules. The former Indian Formula 1 driver added that the new rules are only in the testing phase, and everyone has a little bit of information, so conclusions cannot yet be drawn.

"I mean, Lewis had a difficult season last season. This year, the car seems better. He seems happier. He seems more comfortable with the new rules. But we haven't started. This is only testing. We only have a little bit of information. Let's see how the season goes," Chandhok told ANI.

Hamilton's switch to Ferrari marks one of the most high-profile transfers in Formula 1 history. For Indian fans, many of whom have traditionally supported Ferrari, the presence of a seven-time world champion in red is expected to deepen emotional investment and potentially boost viewership and brand engagement.

Chandhok stressed that competitiveness will ultimately determine the impact. The former Formula 1 driver also predicted a closely contested championship, pointing to multiple front-running teams expected to challenge for wins.

"But I think most importantly, we will hopefully have an exciting season with lots of different teams. McLaren will be strong. Mercedes will be strong. Red Bull Racing will be strong. So, I think it should be a fun year," he added.

In the 2025 season, McLaren's Lando Norris clinched his maiden Formula 1 World Championship ahead of Red Bull driver Max Verstappen.

Across 24 races, three drivers, Lando Norris, Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri, pushed each other to their limits, delivering a season that will be remembered for a long time. However, Norris collected 18 podiums and rarely finished outside the top five to win the title.

In the 2025 season, McLaren secured their 10th Constructors' Championship, marking their second consecutive title. They achieved this by winning six out of the 24 Grand Prix, including a decisive victory at the Singapore Grand Prix, where Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri led the team to victory.

The 2026 Formula 1 season is set to begin with the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on March 8, following pre-season testing in Bahrain from February 11 to 20.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Karun always gives such balanced analysis. It's true, last season was tough for Lewis. If he's happier with the new rules, that's half the battle won. Excited for a multi-team fight! McLaren, Mercedes, Red Bull, and hopefully Ferrari in the mix.
R
Rohit P
Respectfully, I think the article focuses too much on Hamilton. Last season belonged to Norris and McLaren! 🏆 As an Indian fan, I'm more excited to see if any of our young drivers can make it to F1 soon. That's the real dream.
S
Sarah B
Living in Delhi, the buzz for the new season is real! Chandhok's point about viewership is spot on. My whole family, who never watched F1 before, is now asking about the Ferrari driver lineup. Hamilton's move has definitely created interest.
V
Vikram M
The 2025 season was epic! Norris vs Verstappen was nail-biting till the end. If 2026 can match that excitement with Hamilton in a competitive Ferrari, it will be legendary. Fingers crossed the new rules deliver good racing.
K
Karthik V
Good to hear from Karun. We need more Indian voices in global sports commentary. His insight is valuable. On topic: Hamilton's comfort is key, but Ferrari's strategy has let down great drivers before. They need to get their act together.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50