Antonelli backs further engine changes despite progress with 2026 power units

Speaking alongside Antonelli at the post-race press conference were Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen, both of whom were clearly still not entirely convinced when asked whether driving the 2026 cars were becoming second nature to them. Hamilton, who has been regarded as one of the more positive drivers towards the new rules, said: "I think it still continues to be a weird feeling.

Meanwhile, Verstappen, F1's most vocal critic with regard to the new regulations, cited his recent experience in endurance racing, particularly his participation at the Nurburgring 24 Hours the week prior to Montreal, as proof that F1 is a long way away from being "pure motorsport."

Verstappen said: "I’ve been racing also different kind of cars and especially last week, that reminds me how pure motorsport can be and how great the racing can be. So, yeah, when I come back into Formula 1, the thing is of course here, especially most of the drivers, we’re the best in the world.

Antonelli was also asked how he felt in the 2026 cars. While it is hardly a surprise F1's youngest-ever championship leader was slightly more upbeat, just off the back of becoming the first driver in history to secure their first four F1 wins in succession, the Italian admitted there is still progress to be made.

Antonelli told media, including GPblog: "I mean, yeah, but still sometimes it triggers you a little bit how the system works. But definitely also with the changes that were made, also the FIA giving teams a bit more allowance on system, definitely has helped quite a bit to make things a bit easier.

Antonelli focused on what could be done to improve the much-maligned power unit, referencing proposals to change the 50:50 split between internal combustion and electric power to 60:40 in favour of the latter in 2027. That, according to the 19-year-old, would be a "step in the right direction."

Antonelli added: "With the PU obviously there’s still work to do and it will be interesting to see what’s going to happen in the next couple of years, if the regulation is going to change, if they’re going to give a bit more power to the combustion, a bit less to the electric, how it’s going to play out and if it’s going to happen.