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Both Lewis Hamilton and Kimi Antonelli had a 2025 that left a lot to be desired, with David Coulthard now highlighting how both have excelled in Formula 1’s new set of technical regulations for 2026.
The two frontrunners in the 2026 title race have been in top form since getting behind the wheel of the respective challengers for the sport’s new era, with Antonelli currently running away with the drivers’ title as Hamilton attempts to keep him in sight in second place.
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While a Ferrari title bid still looks to be a long shot considering Mercedes’ ultimate dominance in the opening half of 2026, there is some inkling of hope for the Tifosi of a possible end to the Scuderia’s near-20-year title drought.
David Coulthard says 2026 F1 rules have been ‘to the benefit’ of Kimi Antonelli and Lewis Hamilton
Speaking via the Up To Speed podcast, David Coulthard named three drivers whom he believes have benefited greatly from F1’s new era of technical regulations this year, including Antonelli and Hamilton.
The 13-time Grand Prix winner began by outlining how it is clear to see that the new ruleset has been kinder to some than others, saying, “What we have to acknowledge is that in the championship this year, with this set of regulations, some drivers are more comfortable than others with the way you have to drive these cars.”
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Antonelli extends his lead in the standings to 44 points after Spa!
Coulthard then started with Hamilton: “Lewis coming back to form has to be linked to the different driving style that’s required in this energy-starved Formula 1 that we have today.”
Next was Isack Hadjar, who’s currently holding his own against Max Verstappen: “If we look at comparisons with Hadjar to Max, I wouldn’t take anything away from Isack in terms of his driving ability, but he does seem to have been a little bit closer than some others have.”
In the case of the championship leader, Coulthard sees a clear trend in favour of Antonelli, concluding: “This big regulation change has also been to the benefit of Kimi and has brought him on, and it’s obviously been massively frustrating for George.”
- READ MORE: Kimi Antonelli knows Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari will be ‘fearsome’ at Hungarian Grand Prix
Antonelli’s superiority over Russell was once again on display at the recent Belgian Grand Prix. Of course, the Briton’s race lasted less than five corners, but the 19-year-old had a chokehold over his more experienced teammate over the entirety of the race weekend.
The Italian’s victory at Spa also helped to bolster his lead at the top of the F1 standings. Antonelli went in with a 25-point advantage over Russell, and left with 50 points over his teammate’s head, as well as a strong 45-point advantage over Hamilton in P2.
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