LEWIS HAMILTON says F1 fans will “need a degree” to understand the sport’s new regulations.

F1 has undergone a major regulations shake up this season, meaning teams and manufacturers have built cars and engines from scratch.

F1 Grand Prix of Bahrain, Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir - 11 Feb 2026Lewis Hamilton was the fourth fastest in the first testing session on Wednesday in BahrainCredit: Shutterstock Editorial

Battery management is set to be a key feature during races while drivers now have multiple power modes to get to grips with.

For example,

Hamilton was speaking at the Bahrain International Circuit as part of pre-season testing on Wednesday.

It was his

He said: “None of the fans are going to understand it, I don’t think. It’s so complex,

“It’s ridiculously complex. I sat in a meeting the other day and they’re taking us through it. It’s like you need a degree to fully understand it all.”

Asked if race wins now will simply be down to who manages the battery best throughout a grand prix, he said: “I have no clue, mate. I have no idea what’s going to happen. I can’t even answer that question.

“Energy management is going to be key. Which team is most on top of deployment and which driver is on top of that most.”

Hamilton was the fourth fastest out of 11 in the first session on Wednesday, behind George Russell in third, then Oscar Piastri and first-place Max Verstappen.

He added: “In terms of managing it, it’s pretty straightforward, I would say. Maybe in race trim, it’s going to be different. We will see.”

Just one week after The Sun revealed their top- secret relationship, Hamilton and US reality star .

The pair were seen together at the , , alongside Kim’s half-sister .

Illustration of F1 2026 teams and their engines.

And now is public, they are moving at lightning speed, with during the game that he was ready to ­introduce her to his mum .

was seen turning to Kim and saying: “I don’t take just any girl to my mum. I mean you’re going to meet some day. She is very excited to see you.”

Bashful grinned and replied: “OK,” before turning her attention back to the , who beat the New England Patriots 29-13.