David Coulthard believes the FIA should not ignore Max Verstappen’s criticism of the 2026 Formula 1 regulations. The four-time world champion has repeatedly expressed his dissatisfaction with the cars of the new era, even going as far as describing them as “unworthy of Formula 1.” The Dutch driver has also openly called on the FIA to intervene and improve the situation, especially after the difficulties that emerged during the opening race weekends of the season.
According to Coulthard, ignoring a driver with Verstappen’s level of success and experience would be a mistake. The former Formula 1 driver highlighted how a world champion with four titles carries a level of credibility that deserves attention, particularly because the criticism has not come from the 28-year-old alone. Drivers like Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz have also voiced concerns about the new regulations, especially regarding car drivability and overall safety.
However, not everyone shares this viewpoint. Isack Hadjar, for instance, has played down the criticism by stating that modern racing “is not that bad,” offering a more optimistic perspective. Given this divide in opinions, David Coulthard stressed that the FIA cannot afford to overlook Verstappen’s voice, considering both his experience and his influence within the sport.
Coulthard’s position
“When we spoke to him before the start of the season, Max made it clear that there were several other challenges [with the new cars] that were not necessarily about maximizing his talent behind the wheel,” David Coulthard said while defending Max Verstappen and urging the FIA to listen to the criticism surrounding the new regulations. “So he had already been quite critical [of the regulations].”
“And should we really question a four-time world champion? Should we really question someone like him? And even the world champion Lando Norris? They are not speaking out like this because they are not winning races, but because that is what they genuinely think,” the former driver added during the Up To Speed podcast.
Of course, the 2026 regulations also include some positive aspects, which the Scottish former driver acknowledged, while admitting that, in his view, changes could be introduced in the short term.
“I believe there will be changes. Several adjustments will be made, especially for qualifying, but I think we can all agree that this new formula has certainly delivered much more on-track action.”
“That is what DRS tried to achieve in the past. And it is what Pirelli attempted to do at one point with tyres that would hit a critical threshold and then suddenly drop off in performance,” David Coulthard concluded, highlighting the advantages of the new technical regulations.
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