David Coulthard Defends Verstappen and Hamilton Over F1 2026 Criticism

Formula 1, Sportrik Media - Former Formula 1 driver David Coulthard has defended Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton after both drivers delivered strong criticism of the new 2026 power unit regulations during the opening Bahrain pre-season test.

Across the first three-day test overseen by the FIA, multiple drivers raised concerns regarding the extreme energy management demands of the new-generation cars. Hamilton told media the 2026 machinery felt slower than GP2 — now known as Formula 2 — while Verstappen described the heavy energy-saving requirement as “Formula E on steroids,” highlighting the intensity of battery management across a lap.

Energy deployment quickly became a focal discussion point, with onboard footage showing several cars losing speed at the end of straights as battery reserves depleted. Lift-and-coast techniques to recharge the system are expected to become a defining strategic element in 2026, but the visible drop in peak speed has prompted debate over the balance between efficiency and spectacle.

Asked whether he understood the frustration expressed by Verstappen and Hamilton, Coulthard said he could relate to their perspective given the shift in technical philosophy compared to previous eras.

“I can because they’ve lost an element of what they previously had,” Coulthard told talkSPORT.

“If I was to give you an iPhone 3 — even though it was brand new — you’re not going to thank me for it because it’s a bit less advanced. But when the lights go out, it’s still racing, and the best driver will exploit the potential of that technology to the best of his ability.”

Coulthard acknowledged that the FIA and Liberty Media, as the commercial rights holder of Formula 1, may not welcome public criticism that frames the new regulations negatively. However, he suggested that controversy does not necessarily harm the sport’s broader commercial trajectory.

“Formula 1 is riding on the crest of a wave,” he added, referencing the championship’s sustained global growth and entertainment momentum.

With electrification and energy efficiency forming the core of the 2026 regulatory overhaul, the competitive implications of aggressive energy management remain under scrutiny ahead of the season opener. The coming races will determine whether the new technical balance can satisfy sustainability objectives while preserving Formula 1’s performance-driven identity.