David Coulthard explains why Max Verstappen could drop his biggest F1 future hint yet in Miami

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Max Verstappen has suggested that his time in Formula 1 may be coming to an end soon, but David Coulthard thinks the FIA’s latest amendments to the technical regulations could offer the Dutchman some respite.

Following months of scrutiny over F1’s new ruleset for the 2026 campaign, the FIA announced on Monday that there would be some amendments for the upcoming round of racing at the Miami International Autodrome.

While F1 fans expressed their dismay over one aspect of the changes, many figures within the F1 paddock have welcomed the move with open arms, with Williams boss James Vowles issuing a ‘sensible’ verdict on the governing body’s ruling.

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However, it remains to be seen how the amendments affect the action on track.

Max Verstappen has been one of the most vocal critics of the new regulations, and his future in F1 has been thrown into question because of his highly-publicised frustrations.

There has been talk of the four-time world champion following in the footsteps of Fernando Alonso and Michael Schumacher by taking a sabbatical from the sport in the coming years.

Still, Verstappen risks losing out on the final years of his prime if he does go ahead and take a hiatus from F1.

• READ MORE: Zak Brown predicts Max Verstappen’s future F1 team as McLaren have ‘no intention’ to change line-up

David Coulthard explains why the upcoming races will be critical for Max Verstappen’s F1 future

During the latest episode of the Up to Speed podcast, the cast discussed the FIA’s recent amendments to the technical regulations, which led former F1 driver David Coulthard to explain how it could affect Verstappen’s future in light of his qualms with the 2026 ruleset.

“One person who will be the ultimate gauge as to whether it’s enough will be Max Verstappen,” Coulthard told his colleagues. “Because he, he doesn’t pander to anyone.

“I know that Formula 1 one would prefer that he wasn’t so vocal in his dislike of the current regulations. So let’s wait and see what he has to say after Miami.”

The 13-time Grand Prix winner then highlighted how he thinks Verstappen will give an honest verdict on whether he is fighting at the front of the pack or remains in the midfield.

He added, “Of course, every driver wants to be in the best car because that gives you the best chance of winning, but I do think that Max is mature enough in his career, with his four titles, to go, actually, this now feels like my Formula 1.

“So, if he is calmer in the coming races, then I think we can assume he’s going to be around for a little while.

“If he’s still dissatisfied and it is genuinely beyond his whatever lack of performance the team may have, then he may choose to step away at some point because he has been out in this break from Formula 1, he’s been out racing and practising in a GT3 car.

• READ MORE: David Coulthard claims Red Bull have ‘achieved their goal’ even if Max Verstappen were to leave F1