David Coulthard believes the 2026 F1 regulations have particularly suited Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Lewis Hamilton and Isack Hadjar, allowing all three drivers to flourish with the new generation of cars. According to the former Formula 1 driver, the different driving demands created by this year’s technical rules have made some competitors considerably more comfortable than others.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli has climbed to the top of the championship with Mercedes, Lewis Hamilton has returned to winning form at Ferrari, and Isack Hadjar has moved closer to Max Verstappen during his first season with Red Bull. For David Coulthard, their respective progress reflects how effectively their driving styles match the characteristics of the 2026 cars.
The debate surrounding the 2026 F1 regulations
The introduction of Formula 1’s new technical regulations triggered a succession of controversies that have still not disappeared on the eve of the summer break. Four-time world champion Max Verstappen has become the most prominent spokesman for those criticisms, while other drivers, including Gabriel Bortoleto, have defended the changes and argued that they have not diminished the magic of Formula 1.
Whatever the individual opinions of the drivers, the regulations are now in place and have given certain competitors an opportunity to excel. The new cars require a different approach behind the wheel, meaning some driving styles have adapted more naturally to the demands of the current technical era.
David Coulthard says the 2026 F1 regulations have helped Kimi Antonelli
David Coulthard, who won 13 Grands Prix during his Formula 1 career, identified three drivers who are currently performing at their best. Speaking on the Up To Speed podcast, his first choice was an obvious one: Andrea Kimi Antonelli.
The Mercedes driver won the most recent Belgian Grand Prix and leads the Formula 1 drivers’ standings. According to David Coulthard, Andrea Kimi Antonelli is one of the competitors who feels particularly comfortable with the requirements created by the new regulations.
“We have to recognise that in this championship, with these regulations, some drivers are more comfortable than others with the way these cars need to be driven,” David Coulthard explained. “This major regulation change has benefited Kimi and allowed him to grow, and it has obviously been very frustrating for George.”
Andrea Kimi Antonelli has enjoyed an extremely positive start to 2026 after a difficult 2025 campaign in which even his Mercedes seat was questioned. His performances have also contributed to debate over whether Mercedes is treating Andrea Kimi Antonelli differently from George Russell, although David Coulthard’s assessment focuses primarily on how their driving styles have responded to the new technical rules.
Lewis Hamilton’s return to form linked to new driving demands
The 2025 season was far from straightforward for Lewis Hamilton either. The seven-time world champion struggled during his first year with Ferrari and had to wait until this season’s Catalan Grand Prix to claim his first victory for the Italian team.
That result, alongside his other performances in 2026, has underlined how much more comfortable Lewis Hamilton appears to be with the new cars. David Coulthard believes the Ferrari driver’s resurgence is connected to the different technique required by a generation of Formula 1 machinery characterised by limited energy availability.
“Lewis’s return to form can be attributed to the different driving style required in today’s Formula 1, which is characterised by an energy deficit,” David Coulthard added when discussing the driver who currently occupies second place in the championship.
Lewis Hamilton’s position has also strengthened Ferrari’s championship prospects, increasing the importance of the team fully capitalising on his contribution to Ferrari’s constructors’ title challenge.
Isack Hadjar has moved closer to Max Verstappen
David Coulthard also highlighted the progress made by Isack Hadjar, who is contesting his first season with Red Bull in 2026. The former McLaren driver believes the new regulations have complemented Isack Hadjar’s driving style and helped him reduce the performance gap to Max Verstappen.
“If we compare Isack Hadjar with Max Verstappen, I would not want to diminish Isack’s driving ability, but he appears to have moved a little closer than others have,” David Coulthard concluded.
Isack Hadjar’s performances have already encouraged discussion about whether he could eventually become Red Bull’s next team leader. While David Coulthard’s assessment remains an opinion, the progress of Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Lewis Hamilton and Isack Hadjar illustrates how a major regulatory change can reshape the competitive order by rewarding different techniques and driving characteristics.
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