Coulthard questions whether 2026 F1 rules explain driver struggles

David Coulthard doubts that Formula 1’s 2026 cars are, on their own, a convincing explanation when a driver struggles. Speaking on the Up To Speed podcast after the United States Grand Prix, the former F1 driver argued that a driver’s underlying level should not change with the rulebook.

That argument comes amid a major regulation change for 2026 and several drivers struggling to find consistent pace in the new generation of cars. Coulthard drew on his own career in active and passive cars, with 3.5-, 3- and 2.4-litre engines, grooved tyres and slicks, and the tyre wars. He said his performance stayed broadly similar through those changes; a tenth short in qualifying, he recalled, made it harder to gain track position against a team-mate.

Coulthard said Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher had not had a bad formula. He also judged the United States Grand Prix more difficult for Hamilton than for Charles Leclerc. On Hamilton’s difficulties, Coulthard wondered whether the explanation was an ill-suited formula or fatigue. He speculated that Hamilton’s enthusiasm for the sport may have waned at the time, while saying Hamilton’s comeback had impressed him.