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Max Verstappen isn’t happy at all with F1’s new regulations after the first week of pre-season testing, and David Coulthard has explained why the four-time world champion is right to complain about being given “less advanced” machinery.
After day two of testing in Bahrain, Max Verstappen made his feelings clear on the new F1 regulations by likening them to ‘Formula E on steroids’ and simply stating that the new crop of cars are no fun to drive.
Lewis Hamilton shared a similar sentiment to Verstappen, highlighting that the necessary energy management tactics go against what racing is about.
This pair of F1 world champions are rarely on the same page, so it seems like the sport may have an issue on its hands regarding the longevity of its biggest stars if they don’t turn out to be satisfied during the new season.
- READ MORE: Esteban Ocon echoes Max Verstappen that 2026 cars lack ‘fun’ despite three overtakes a lap potential
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David Coulthard understands Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton’s frustrations with new F1 regulations
During an appearance on TalkSPORT from inside the Formula E paddock in Jeddah, 13-time Grand Prix winner David Coulthard was asked if he could understand the frustrations that Hamilton and Verstappen have regarding the new set of F1 regulations.
The Scot replied, “I can because they’ve lost an element of what they previously had. So, you know, if I were to give you an iPhone 3, even though it was brand new, you’re not going to thank me for it.
“It’s a little bit less advanced, but in the end, when the lights go out, it’s racing. And the best driver will exploit the potential of all of that technology to the best of his abilities.
“Of course, I’m sure the governing body, the FIA, are not enjoying the fact that they’re outspoken in a way that could be seen as negative.
“And I’m also sure that Liberty, the owners of Formula 1, would probably prefer if they weren’t saying anything other than just how wonderful it is.
“Meanwhile, back in the real world, there is no such thing as bad publicity; Formula 1 is riding on the crest of a wave.”
F1 officials reportedly demanded a meeting with Verstappen in the aftermath of his comments. It’s certainly not a good look, considering Verstappen is one of the biggest names currently on the grid.
Have the 2026 regulations made F1 worse, with Max Verstappen likening driving the new cars to Formula E?
Max Verstappen’s verdict on 2026 F1 regulations has thrown a question mark over his future
Verstappen has previously touched upon his career in F1 coming to a close once he is no longer having fun out on track, which doesn’t bode well at all for him continuing in the sport past the 2026 season.
Of course, the Dutchman may see the regulations in a better light once racing begins in Melbourne next month, but his early verdict isn’t looking promising.
In 2023, Verstappen gave an early verdict on the new regulations, in which he explicitly said that they looked ‘pretty terrible’.
His worst fears have now come to fruition, and it remains to be seen what it means for the future of the four-time world champion in F1.
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