DAVID COULTHARD has issued a warning over the new 2026 F1 rules.
And he reckons they could blunt the “instinct” of , Max Verstappen and Fernando Alonso.
David Coulthard has issued a warning over the new F1 rulesCredit: Alamy
Lewis Hamilton on the track during testing in BahrainCredit: Getty
Max Verstappen prepares to race on the circuitCredit: Getty
The big name trio were namechecked as the former driver spoke out on the new regulations.
The biggest rule change in the history of the sport has seen cars, engines and tyres all subject to change.
Pre-season testing has just finished up in Bahrain ahead of the new campaign getting up and running with the first race day just around the corner.
The opening of the season takes place in Australia across the weekend of March 6-8 before moving to China one week later and then Japan by the end of the month.
Speaking on the Up To Speed podcast Coulthard explained: “I think, though, all three guys you just mentioned there [Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso and Max Verstappen] during the last hybrid era with the massive ground-effect tunnels that they had, they were all a bit negative about the driving experience,
“They just want to be back to pure racing, flat-out racing from start to finish. So with these new regs, there’s a lot more complexity management.
“50% of the energy comes from a battery, 50% comes from an internal combustion engine. So, they’re actually becoming a lot more the manager of the car rather than the driver purely of the car.
“And I think that’s where, for them, the issue comes in because as a driver, you want to be driving a car from a point of instinct.
“You’re driving, you’re trying to get the best out of the car. Now, it feels like they almost have to be mechanical inside making changes, and it just doesn’t come naturally, and it doesn’t really award the best driver.”
F1 boss Stefano Domenicali has called for calm over the changes and insisted ‘it’s just the beginning of a new journey’.
Speaking at a news conference on Thursday, he stated: “We need to avoid overreaction because it’s just the beginning of a new journey, so that’s why I say we need to stay calm.
“And if there is something that is useful and can be implemented straight away, I’ve seen a very open approach by [governing body] the FIA and also the teams sharing their defined data of course with the others.
“It’s a new concept where it has to be, of course, improved if needed.”
See the Spanish Grand Prix for just £569
WE’VE got an amazing price on a trip to the Spanish GP in June – but you’ll have to be quick.
The deal includes return flights, FIVE nights at a 4-star hotel and a 3-day ticket to all the action at the track – plus transfers.
Prices for this full-throttle experience start from just £599pp.
But SunSport readers can unlock an exclusive extra 5% discount – bringing the price down to an incredible £569pp.
To claim your exclusive saving, simply pick up the phone to the Travelodeal team on 0204 505 9777 and quote the code F1SUNSPORT
This special saving is only available until February 28 – don’t miss out.
* If you click on a link in this article, we will earn affiliate revenue.
Don’t miss Spanish GP trip for just £569
Eze Chidiebere Paul
I'm dedicated to creating high-quality content that informs, inspires, and delights. If you have any questions or suggestions, don't hesitate to get in touch. Happy reading!
