Damon Hill explains why Japanese GP was 'entertaining': "It's tactical"

Damon Hill says Formula 1’s new 2026 regulations are producing tactical and entertaining racing

1996 Formula 1 champion Damon Hill has argued that, while some drivers are not enjoying the new 2026 regulations, the racing seen at the Japanese Grand Prix was interesting, tactical and entertaining.

Aspects of the 2026 regulations, such as the need to lift and coast to harvest vital battery power, have come under fire from some of the drivers and fans, but the former Williams driver shared a positive outlook on the on-track product.

"Listen, I think, I know that some of the drivers don't like having to slow down and charge their battery up, but I think the racing is very interesting," he told F1 TV. "I think it's tactical. They're having to think, and we're getting entertained."

The opening rounds of the 2026 season have seen a different dynamic on track. The season-opening Australian Grand Prix, for example, boasted 120 overtakes, while the 2025 race in Melbourne featured 45.

Hill's former team-mate Jacques Villeneuve added: "It's interesting, not exciting. It depends what you want out of F1, but the fans are probably happy because Suzuka is never an exciting race. It's just follow each other around. Now, there was some swaps."

Responding to the former driver, Hill said: "Yeah. I mean, we got some overtakes and then reovertakes. Now, that very rarely happens in our sport, doesn't it?"

Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, Oscar Piastri, McLaren, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes

Photo by: Mark Sutton / Formula 1 via Getty Images

Hill chose McLaren's Oscar Piastri as a standout performance from the Japanese Grand Prix. After failing to start both the Australian and Chinese Grands Prix, Piastri converted a P3 start to a second-place finish.

"I think Oscar's still very hungry after missing out last year," he said. "He was good all weekend. It was good to see McLaren looking a bit stronger, and that's great for us."

Reflecting on the season start as a whole, Hill continued: "We've had three different marques in the top three, and lots of drivers there. You've got what six drivers that could be a winner? That's pretty good."