{"id":819983,"date":"2026-07-24T03:02:17","date_gmt":"2026-07-24T03:02:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/819983\/"},"modified":"2026-07-24T03:02:17","modified_gmt":"2026-07-24T03:02:17","slug":"f1-drivers-explain-why-2026-hybrid-cars-are-becoming-a-nightmare","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/819983\/","title":{"rendered":"F1 drivers explain why 2026 hybrid cars are becoming a ‘nightmare’"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Fernando<\/p>\n

By Andrew Clarke<\/p>\n

Date posted: 24 July 2026<\/p>\n

Formula 1 drivers have lifted the lid on the hidden challenge of the sport\u2019s 2026 regulations, describing cars that can feel as though they are being controlled by algorithms rather than the people behind the wheel.<\/p>\n

After the Belgian Grand Prix, a number of leading drivers admitted the latest generation of hybrid power units had transformed the way they approached every lap, with software management, battery deployment and energy harvesting now playing a greater role than ever before.<\/p>\n

While the spectacle may look largely unchanged from outside the cockpit, the drivers say the techniques required to extract performance have become almost unrecognisable.<\/p>\n

Racing Bulls driver Liam Lawson described managing the new systems as \u201ca bit of a nightmare\u201d, revealing drivers were still discovering software quirks more than halfway through the season.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s obviously extremely complicated, and at this point we\u2019re still learning even now how it all works,\u201d Lawson said.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs you get faster through the weekend, you start using more energy, and you almost have to try and pre-plan how quick you\u2019re going to be in qualifying to know how much throttle you\u2019re going to use, how much energy you\u2019re going to use and where you\u2019re going to need to harvest it.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s just a bit of a nightmare.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rather than simply driving flat-out, Lawson explained competitors were constantly balancing outright speed against electrical efficiency.<\/p>\n

Even seemingly logical decisions can backfire.<\/p>\n

Using Spa-Francorchamps as an example, the New Zealander said lifting earlier before a corner to harvest additional energy actually cost him lap time because the electrical deployment required to regain the lost speed outweighed any benefit.<\/p>\n

\u201cLast weekend in Spa, for example, just doing bigger lifts in Turn 10 would, in a normal situation, be good for harvesting energy,\u201d Lawson said.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut because I dropped the speed so much, I needed so much more energy to get back to the speed I needed to be at that I ended up deploying more.<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause of the harvest limit that you have, I didn\u2019t actually gain anything from that lifting that I was doing.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere are many scenarios like that where you have to know exactly when you\u2019re actually harvesting and when you\u2019re not.\u201d<\/p>\n

The unusual demands extend beyond knowing where to lift and coast.<\/p>\n

Lawson said wheelspin had become particularly costly because it consumed electrical energy without producing useful forward movement, forcing drivers to be smoother and more efficient with their throttle application.<\/p>\n

However, the correct technique can change from one corner or circuit to another.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s definitely not consistent,\u201d Lawson said.<\/p>\n

\u201cSometimes you think you\u2019re doing a really good job and then you find out that something you\u2019ve been doing is actually the worst for that specific corner or that specific track.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt can sometimes feel a bit backwards.\u201d<\/p>\n

McLaren\u2019s Oscar Piastri echoed Lawson\u2019s frustrations, revealing drivers had little influence over precisely when electrical power was delivered during a lap.<\/p>\n

The Australian said the previous generation of hybrid engines also relied heavily on software, coding and predictive systems, but the greater electrical contribution in 2026 meant any mistake had a far larger effect.<\/p>\n

\u201cTo answer your question, no, we\u2019ve got no control over where the deployment happens, more or less,\u201d Piastri said.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can push the boost button, but that\u2019s more for overtaking than in qualifying, especially.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen you\u2019ve got those differences there that you have no control over, it can be frustrating.\u201d<\/p>\n

Piastri admitted there were moments when he felt like a passenger of an artificial intelligence program that was still being trained.<\/p>\n

\"Oscar<\/p>\n

Oscar Piastri, Oliver Bearman and Isack Hadjar discuss the challenges of Formula 1\u2019s 2026 regulations during the Hungarian Grand Prix press conference in Budapest. Image: GettyImages<\/p>\n

That sensation was particularly pronounced at Spa, where the cars could lose the equivalent of half their power before reaching the end of a straight.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe principle of driving a race car that loses effectively half of its power before the end of the straight is hard to get your head around sometimes,\u201d Piastri said.<\/p>\n

\u201cEven in Spa, a lot of the middle sector we were doing it just on the combustion engine, with no battery assistance at all.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a weird feeling in itself, having some corners with a certain amount of power and others with full power.\u201d<\/p>\n

Piastri said the differences between software calibrations could account for more lap time than the margins separating several grid positions.<\/p>\n

That left drivers potentially losing places because of systems over which they had little or no immediate control.<\/p>\n

\u201cAt the front of the field, I think there were still only nine hundredths or something separating four positions,\u201d Piastri said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere were definitely more than nine hundredths on the table for quite a few drivers from things they could not control.\u201d<\/p>\n

Two-time world champion Fernando Alonso went even further, questioning whether the current generation of Formula 1 cars still delivered the adrenaline that had attracted him to the sport.<\/p>\n

The Aston Martin driver said the British and Belgian Grands Prix had not been enjoyable from inside the cockpit and argued the issue extended beyond his team\u2019s lack of competitiveness.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think the Silverstone Grand Prix and Spa were not fun to drive,\u201d Alonso said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think it\u2019s not fun to watch, it\u2019s not fun to drive, and we\u2019ve been repeating the same thing every single Grand Prix.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not to criticise anything. It\u2019s just to improve the sport altogether.<\/p>\n

\u201cBehind the cockpit, it\u2019s not the same adrenaline that I used to have driving a Formula 1 car.\u201d<\/p>\n

Alonso acknowledged Formula 1 teams had always influenced performance through technology, including traction control, clutch systems and engine mapping.<\/p>\n

However, he said the current battery deployment rules needed to be improved to restore a greater degree of control to the drivers.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think with these current regulations and the battery deployment, there is something that has to be fixed and improved,\u201d Alonso said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think that\u2019s well understood.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m optimistic for the future that it will get better and that it will be better understood what the rules and what the cars need to be.\u201d<\/p>\n

Changes to the balance between combustion and electrical power are already being discussed, although Piastri warned the deployment algorithms would remain a factor for as long as Formula 1 retained the current engines.<\/p>\n

Reducing the electrical percentage would lessen the effect, but would not completely return control to the cockpit.<\/p>\n

For now, Formula 1\u2019s fastest drivers are still trying to understand cars that can react differently from one corner to the next.<\/p>\n

The irony is difficult to miss.<\/p>\n

The cars have become more technologically sophisticated than ever, but the people driving them say they have never felt less in control.<\/p>\n

\"\"\/<\/a>\"\"\/<\/a><\/p>\n

Search Auto Action<\/p>\n

EMAIL NEWSLETTER<\/p>\n

Get the latest updates delivered directly to your inbox<\/p>\n

Thank you!<\/p>\n

You have successfully joined our subscriber list.<\/p>\n

\".\"<\/p>\n

Recent Storiesarray (
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\n ‘description’ => ‘An Introduction to Formula One (F1)
\nFormula One, or F1, is the highest class of single-seater auto racing, governed by the F\u00e9d\u00e9ration Internationale de l\\’Automobile (FIA) and is owned by Liberty Media. The name “Formula One” refers to the set of rules or formula that all cars and drivers must comply with.
\n
\nThe F1 season consists of a series of races, known as Grands Prix, held on purpose-built circuits or public roads around the world. The results of each race are combined to determine two annual championships: one for drivers and one for constructors (teams).
\n
\nThe history of Formula One can be traced back to the pre-war Grand Prix racing, which featured open-wheel cars with supercharged engines. The first World Championship of Drivers was organised by the FIA in 1950, following the end of World War II. The first race was held at Silverstone, England, and was won by Giuseppe Farina, driving an Alfa Romeo. The first constructors\\’ championship was introduced in 1958 and was won by Vanwall.
\n
\nFormula One has seen many changes and innovations over the years, both in terms of technology and regulations. Some of the most notable developments include the introduction of rear-engined cars in the late 1950s, the use of aerodynamic wings in the late 1960s, the adoption of turbocharged engines in the late 1970s, the emergence of electronic driver aids in the late 1980s, the switch to V10 and then V8 engines in the 1990s and 2000s, and the introduction of hybrid power units in 2014.
\n
\nFormula One has also produced some of the greatest drivers and rivalries in the history of motorsport. Some of the most famous names include Juan Manuel Fangio, Jim Clark, Jackie Stewart, Niki Lauda, Ayrton Senna, Alain Prost, Michael Schumacher, Lewis Hamilton, and Sebastian Vettel. Some of the most intense battles for the championship have been between Fangio and Stirling Moss in the 1950s, Lauda and James Hunt in the 1970s, Senna and Prost in the late 1980s, Schumacher and Mika Hakkinen in the late 1990s, and Hamilton and Vettel in the 2010s.
\n
\nFormula One is widely regarded as the pinnacle of motorsport, attracting millions of fans and viewers worldwide. The sport is also a huge business, involving billions of dollars in revenue and expenditure. The teams compete for prize money, sponsorship deals, and media rights, while the drivers earn millions of dollars in salaries and endorsements. The sport is also influenced by politics, regulations, and controversies, such as doping scandals, espionage cases, safety issues, and environmental concerns.
\n
\nThe following is a list of all F1 World Drivers Champions by year, from 1950 to 2020:
\n1950-1959
\n1950: Giuseppe Farina (Italy) – Alfa Romeo 158, Alfa Romeo
\n
\n1951: Juan Manuel Fangio (Argentina) – Alfa Romeo 159, Alfa Romeo
\n
\n1952: Alberto Ascari (Italy) – Ferrari 500, Ferrari
\n
\n1953: Alberto Ascari (Italy) – Ferrari 500, Ferrari
\n
\n1954: Juan Manuel Fangio (Argentina) – Maserati 250F, Maserati \/ Mercedes-Benz W196, Mercedes-Benz
\n
\n1955: Juan Manuel Fangio (Argentina) – Mercedes-Benz W196, Mercedes-Benz
\n
\n1956: Juan Manuel Fangio (Argentina) – Ferrari D50, Ferrari
\n
\n1957: Juan Manuel Fangio (Argentina) – Maserati 250F, Maserati
\n
\n1958: Mike Hawthorn (United Kingdom) – Ferrari 246, Ferrari
\n
\n1959: Jack Brabham (Australia) – Cooper T51, Cooper-Climax
\n1960-1969
\n1960: Jack Brabham (Australia) – Cooper T53, Cooper-Climax
\n
\n1961: Phil Hill (United States) – Ferrari 156, Ferrari
\n
\n1962: Graham Hill (United Kingdom) – BRM P57, BRM
\n
\n1963: Jim Clark (United Kingdom) – Lotus 25, Lotus-Climax
\n
\n1964: John Surtees (United Kingdom) – Ferrari 158, Ferrari
\n
\n1965: Jim Clark (United Kingdom) – Lotus 33, Lotus-Climax
\n
\n1966: Jack Brabham (Australia) – Brabham BT19, Brabham-Repco
\n
\n1967: Denny Hulme (New Zealand) – Brabham BT20, Brabham-Repco
\n
\n1968: Graham Hill (United Kingdom) – Lotus 49, Lotus-Ford
\n
\n1969: Jackie Stewart (United Kingdom) – Matra MS80, Matra-Ford
\n1970-1979
\n1970: Jochen Rindt (Austria) – Lotus 72, Lotus-Ford
\n
\n1971: Jackie Stewart (United Kingdom) – Tyrrell 003, Tyrrell-Ford
\n
\n1972: Emerson Fittipaldi (Brazil) – Lotus 72D, Lotus-Ford
\n
\n1973: Jackie Stewart (United Kingdom) – Tyrrell 006, Tyrrell-Ford
\n
\n1974: Emerson Fittipaldi (Brazil) – McLaren M23, McLaren-Ford
\n
\n1975: Niki Lauda (Austria) – Ferrari 312T, Ferrari
\n
\n1976: James Hunt (United Kingdom) – McLaren M23, McLaren-Ford
\n
\n1977: Niki Lauda (Austria) – Ferrari 312T2, Ferrari
\n
\n1978: Mario Andretti (United States) – Lotus 79, Lotus-Ford
\n
\n1979: Jody Scheckter (South Africa) – Ferrari 312T4, Ferrari
\n1980-1989
\n1980: Alan Jones (Australia) – Williams FW07B, Williams-Ford
\n
\n1981: Nelson Piquet (Brazil) – Brabham BT49C, Brabham-Ford
\n
\n1982: Keke Rosberg (Finland) – Williams FW08, Williams-Ford
\n
\n1983: Nelson Piquet (Brazil) – Brabham BT52, Brabham-BMW
\n
\n1984: Niki Lauda (Austria) – McLaren MP4\/2, McLaren-TAG
\n
\n1985: Alain Prost (France) – McLaren MP4\/2B, McLaren-TAG
\n
\n1986: Alain Prost (France) – McLaren MP4\/2C, McLaren-TAG
\n
\n1987: Nelson Piquet (Brazil) – Williams FW11B, Williams-Honda
\n
\n1988: Ayrton Senna (Brazil) – McLaren MP4\/4, McLaren-Honda
\n
\n1989: Alain Prost (France) – McLaren MP4\/5, McLaren-Honda
\n1990-1999
\n1990: Ayrton Senna (Brazil) – McLaren MP4\/5B, McLaren-Honda
\n
\n1991: Ayrton Senna (Brazil) – McLaren MP4\/6, McLaren-Honda
\n
\n1992: Nigel Mansell (United Kingdom) – Williams FW14B, Williams-Renault
\n
\n1993: Alain Prost (France) – Williams FW15C, Williams-Renault
\n
\n1994: Michael Schumacher (Germany) – Benetton B194, Benetton-Ford
\n
\n1995: Michael Schumacher (Germany) – Benetton B195, Benetton-Renault
\n
\n1996: Damon Hill (United Kingdom) – Williams FW18, Williams-Renault
\n
\n1997: Jacques Villeneuve (Canada) – Williams FW19, Williams-Renault
\n
\n1998: Mika H\u00e4kkinen (Finland) – McLaren MP4\/13, McLaren-Mercedes
\n
\n1999: Mika H\u00e4kkinen (Finland) – McLaren MP4\/14, McLaren-Mercedes
\n2000-2009
\n2000: Michael Schumacher (Germany) – Ferrari F1-2000, Ferrari
\n
\n2001: Michael Schumacher (Germany) – Ferrari F2001, Ferrari
\n
\n2002: Michael Schumacher (Germany) – Ferrari F2002, Ferrari
\n
\n2003: Michael Schumacher (Germany) – Ferrari F2003-GA, Ferrari
\n
\n2004: Michael Schumacher (Germany) – Ferrari F2004, Ferrari
\n
\n2005: Fernando Alonso (Spain) – Renault R25, Renault
\n
\n2006: Fernando Alonso (Spain) – Renault R26, Renault
\n
\n2007: Kimi R\u00e4ikk\u00f6nen (Finland) – Ferrari F2007, Ferrari
\n
\n2008: Lewis Hamilton (United Kingdom) – McLaren MP4-23, McLaren-Mercedes
\n
\n2009: Jenson Button (United Kingdom) – Brawn BGP 001, Brawn-Mercedes
\n2010-2020
\n2010: Sebastian Vettel (Germany) – Red Bull RB6, Red Bull-Renault
\n
\n2011: Sebastian Vettel (Germany) – Red Bull RB7, Red Bull-Renault
\n
\n2012: Sebastian Vettel (Germany) – Red Bull RB8, Red Bull-Renault
\n
\n2013: Sebastian Vettel (Germany) – Red Bull RB9, Red Bull-Renault
\n
\n2014: Lewis Hamilton (United Kingdom) – Mercedes F1 W05 Hybrid, Mercedes
\n
\n2015: Lewis Hamilton (United Kingdom) – Mercedes F1 W06 Hybrid, Mercedes
\n
\n2016: Nico Rosberg (Germany) – Mercedes F1 W07 Hybrid, Mercedes
\n
\n2017: Lewis Hamilton (United Kingdom) – Mercedes F1 W08 EQ Power+, Mercedes
\n
\n2018: Lewis Hamilton (United Kingdom) – Mercedes F1 W09 EQ Power+, Mercedes
\n
\n2019: Lewis Hamilton (United Kingdom) – Mercedes F1 W10 EQ Power+, Mercedes
\n
\n2020: Lewis Hamilton (United Kingdom) – Mercedes F1 W11 EQ Power+, Mercedes
\n2021-
\n2021: Max Verstappen (Netherlands) \u2013 Red Bull RB16B, Honda
\n
\n2022: Max Verstappen (Netherlands) \u2013 Red Bull RB18, Red Bull Power Trains Honda
\n
\n2023: Max Verstappen (Netherlands) \u2013 Red Bull RB19, Red Bull Power Trains Honda
\n
\n2024: Max Verstappen (Netherlands) \u2013 Red Bull RB20, Red Bull Power Trains Honda’,
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\nFormula One, or F1, is the highest class of single-seater auto racing, governed by the F\u00e9d\u00e9ration Internationale de l\\’Automobile (FIA) and is owned by Liberty Media. The name “Formula One” refers to the set of rules or formula that all cars and drivers must comply with.
\n
\nThe F1 season consists of a series of races, known as Grands Prix, held on purpose-built circuits or public roads around the world. The results of each race are combined to determine two annual championships: one for drivers and one for constructors (teams).
\n
\nThe history of Formula One can be traced back to the pre-war Grand Prix racing, which featured open-wheel cars with supercharged engines. The first World Championship of Drivers was organised by the FIA in 1950, following the end of World War II. The first race was held at Silverstone, England, and was won by Giuseppe Farina, driving an Alfa Romeo. The first constructors\\’ championship was introduced in 1958 and was won by Vanwall.
\n
\nFormula One has seen many changes and innovations over the years, both in terms of technology and regulations. Some of the most notable developments include the introduction of rear-engined cars in the late 1950s, the use of aerodynamic wings in the late 1960s, the adoption of turbocharged engines in the late 1970s, the emergence of electronic driver aids in the late 1980s, the switch to V10 and then V8 engines in the 1990s and 2000s, and the introduction of hybrid power units in 2014.
\n
\nFormula One has also produced some of the greatest drivers and rivalries in the history of motorsport. Some of the most famous names include Juan Manuel Fangio, Jim Clark, Jackie Stewart, Niki Lauda, Ayrton Senna, Alain Prost, Michael Schumacher, Lewis Hamilton, and Sebastian Vettel. Some of the most intense battles for the championship have been between Fangio and Stirling Moss in the 1950s, Lauda and James Hunt in the 1970s, Senna and Prost in the late 1980s, Schumacher and Mika Hakkinen in the late 1990s, and Hamilton and Vettel in the 2010s.
\n
\nFormula One is widely regarded as the pinnacle of motorsport, attracting millions of fans and viewers worldwide. The sport is also a huge business, involving billions of dollars in revenue and expenditure. The teams compete for prize money, sponsorship deals, and media rights, while the drivers earn millions of dollars in salaries and endorsements. The sport is also influenced by politics, regulations, and controversies, such as doping scandals, espionage cases, safety issues, and environmental concerns.
\n
\nThe following is a list of all F1 World Drivers Champions by year, from 1950 to 2020:
\n1950-1959
\n1950: Giuseppe Farina (Italy) – Alfa Romeo 158, Alfa Romeo
\n
\n1951: Juan Manuel Fangio (Argentina) – Alfa Romeo 159, Alfa Romeo
\n
\n1952: Alberto Ascari (Italy) – Ferrari 500, Ferrari
\n
\n1953: Alberto Ascari (Italy) – Ferrari 500, Ferrari
\n
\n1954: Juan Manuel Fangio (Argentina) – Maserati 250F, Maserati \/ Mercedes-Benz W196, Mercedes-Benz
\n
\n1955: Juan Manuel Fangio (Argentina) – Mercedes-Benz W196, Mercedes-Benz
\n
\n1956: Juan Manuel Fangio (Argentina) – Ferrari D50, Ferrari
\n
\n1957: Juan Manuel Fangio (Argentina) – Maserati 250F, Maserati
\n
\n1958: Mike Hawthorn (United Kingdom) – Ferrari 246, Ferrari
\n
\n1959: Jack Brabham (Australia) – Cooper T51, Cooper-Climax
\n1960-1969
\n1960: Jack Brabham (Australia) – Cooper T53, Cooper-Climax
\n
\n1961: Phil Hill (United States) – Ferrari 156, Ferrari
\n
\n1962: Graham Hill (United Kingdom) – BRM P57, BRM
\n
\n1963: Jim Clark (United Kingdom) – Lotus 25, Lotus-Climax
\n
\n1964: John Surtees (United Kingdom) – Ferrari 158, Ferrari
\n
\n1965: Jim Clark (United Kingdom) – Lotus 33, Lotus-Climax
\n
\n1966: Jack Brabham (Australia) – Brabham BT19, Brabham-Repco
\n
\n1967: Denny Hulme (New Zealand) – Brabham BT20, Brabham-Repco
\n
\n1968: Graham Hill (United Kingdom) – Lotus 49, Lotus-Ford
\n
\n1969: Jackie Stewart (United Kingdom) – Matra MS80, Matra-Ford
\n1970-1979
\n1970: Jochen Rindt (Austria) – Lotus 72, Lotus-Ford
\n
\n1971: Jackie Stewart (United Kingdom) – Tyrrell 003, Tyrrell-Ford
\n
\n1972: Emerson Fittipaldi (Brazil) – Lotus 72D, Lotus-Ford
\n
\n1973: Jackie Stewart (United Kingdom) – Tyrrell 006, Tyrrell-Ford
\n
\n1974: Emerson Fittipaldi (Brazil) – McLaren M23, McLaren-Ford
\n
\n1975: Niki Lauda (Austria) – Ferrari 312T, Ferrari
\n
\n1976: James Hunt (United Kingdom) – McLaren M23, McLaren-Ford
\n
\n1977: Niki Lauda (Austria) – Ferrari 312T2, Ferrari
\n
\n1978: Mario Andretti (United States) – Lotus 79, Lotus-Ford
\n
\n1979: Jody Scheckter (South Africa) – Ferrari 312T4, Ferrari
\n1980-1989
\n1980: Alan Jones (Australia) – Williams FW07B, Williams-Ford
\n
\n1981: Nelson Piquet (Brazil) – Brabham BT49C, Brabham-Ford
\n
\n1982: Keke Rosberg (Finland) – Williams FW08, Williams-Ford
\n
\n1983: Nelson Piquet (Brazil) – Brabham BT52, Brabham-BMW
\n
\n1984: Niki Lauda (Austria) – McLaren MP4\/2, McLaren-TAG
\n
\n1985: Alain Prost (France) – McLaren MP4\/2B, McLaren-TAG
\n
\n1986: Alain Prost (France) – McLaren MP4\/2C, McLaren-TAG
\n
\n1987: Nelson Piquet (Brazil) – Williams FW11B, Williams-Honda
\n
\n1988: Ayrton Senna (Brazil) – McLaren MP4\/4, McLaren-Honda
\n
\n1989: Alain Prost (France) – McLaren MP4\/5, McLaren-Honda
\n1990-1999
\n1990: Ayrton Senna (Brazil) – McLaren MP4\/5B, McLaren-Honda
\n
\n1991: Ayrton Senna (Brazil) – McLaren MP4\/6, McLaren-Honda
\n
\n1992: Nigel Mansell (United Kingdom) – Williams FW14B, Williams-Renault
\n
\n1993: Alain Prost (France) – Williams FW15C, Williams-Renault
\n
\n1994: Michael Schumacher (Germany) – Benetton B194, Benetton-Ford
\n
\n1995: Michael Schumacher (Germany) – Benetton B195, Benetton-Renault
\n
\n1996: Damon Hill (United Kingdom) – Williams FW18, Williams-Renault
\n
\n1997: Jacques Villeneuve (Canada) – Williams FW19, Williams-Renault
\n
\n1998: Mika H\u00e4kkinen (Finland) – McLaren MP4\/13, McLaren-Mercedes
\n
\n1999: Mika H\u00e4kkinen (Finland) – McLaren MP4\/14, McLaren-Mercedes
\n2000-2009
\n2000: Michael Schumacher (Germany) – Ferrari F1-2000, Ferrari
\n
\n2001: Michael Schumacher (Germany) – Ferrari F2001, Ferrari
\n
\n2002: Michael Schumacher (Germany) – Ferrari F2002, Ferrari
\n
\n2003: Michael Schumacher (Germany) – Ferrari F2003-GA, Ferrari
\n
\n2004: Michael Schumacher (Germany) – Ferrari F2004, Ferrari
\n
\n2005: Fernando Alonso (Spain) – Renault R25, Renault
\n
\n2006: Fernando Alonso (Spain) – Renault R26, Renault
\n
\n2007: Kimi R\u00e4ikk\u00f6nen (Finland) – Ferrari F2007, Ferrari
\n
\n2008: Lewis Hamilton (United Kingdom) – McLaren MP4-23, McLaren-Mercedes
\n
\n2009: Jenson Button (United Kingdom) – Brawn BGP 001, Brawn-Mercedes
\n2010-2020
\n2010: Sebastian Vettel (Germany) – Red Bull RB6, Red Bull-Renault
\n
\n2011: Sebastian Vettel (Germany) – Red Bull RB7, Red Bull-Renault
\n
\n2012: Sebastian Vettel (Germany) – Red Bull RB8, Red Bull-Renault
\n
\n2013: Sebastian Vettel (Germany) – Red Bull RB9, Red Bull-Renault
\n
\n2014: Lewis Hamilton (United Kingdom) – Mercedes F1 W05 Hybrid, Mercedes
\n
\n2015: Lewis Hamilton (United Kingdom) – Mercedes F1 W06 Hybrid, Mercedes
\n
\n2016: Nico Rosberg (Germany) – Mercedes F1 W07 Hybrid, Mercedes
\n
\n2017: Lewis Hamilton (United Kingdom) – Mercedes F1 W08 EQ Power+, Mercedes
\n
\n2018: Lewis Hamilton (United Kingdom) – Mercedes F1 W09 EQ Power+, Mercedes
\n
\n2019: Lewis Hamilton (United Kingdom) – Mercedes F1 W10 EQ Power+, Mercedes
\n
\n2020: Lewis Hamilton (United Kingdom) – Mercedes F1 W11 EQ Power+, Mercedes
\n2021-
\n2021: Max Verstappen (Netherlands) \u2013 Red Bull RB16B, Honda
\n
\n2022: Max Verstappen (Netherlands) \u2013 Red Bull RB18, Red Bull Power Trains Honda
\n
\n2023: Max Verstappen (Netherlands) \u2013 Red Bull RB19, Red Bull Power Trains Honda
\n
\n2024: Max Verstappen (Netherlands) \u2013 Red Bull RB20, Red Bull Power Trains Honda’,
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