David Coulthard names driver he thinks F1’s 2026 rule changes could be ‘detrimental’ to

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F1 drivers will face a new challenge when the new regulations kick in come 2026. They may play into the hands of some and force others to adapt.

First and foremost, the cars will be lighter and smaller. This should make them more nimble, while also facilitating easier overtaking in theory.

They will also feature active aerodynamics, with the front and rear wings opening up on the straights before closing in the corners. Sky Sports F1 pundit Martin Brundle says he’d be ‘nervous’ of this system failing.

DRS will be no more, with drivers instead able to deploy additional electrical power in pursuit of the car ahead. The aim is to triple the current battery output.

After the introduction of the V6 turbo/hybrid power unit in 2014, Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes embarked upon a historic period of dominance. Between them, they would win 14 of the 16 possible championships from 2014 to 2021.

But the Silver Arrows regressed following the transition to ground effect aerodynamics in 2022. Max Verstappen and Red Bull have taken over and could well end up sweeping the titles in this era.

David Coulthard thinks 2026 F1 rules could hurt Daniel Ricciardo

Speaking to Planet F1, ex-Red Bull driver David Coulthard explained why Daniel Ricciardo could suffer from the upcoming changes. He expects the cars to be slower on the straights in 2026, which will naturally reduce braking distances.

Ricciardo has developed a reputation as the last of the late brakers, executing a number of memorable lunges down the inside of his competitors. But Coulthard, who was in the same room as the 35-year-old at the time, warned that these would now be harder to pull off.

This could also hamper the sport’s efforts to produce a more exciting spectacle. Some have questioned the timing of the rules reset given that the field has closed up in 2024, leading to some thrilling races.

“If they’re slower at the braking zone, they’ll brake later,” Coulthard said. “So we could end up with a shorter braking distance which may be detrimental to overtaking – so Daniel Ricciardo’s dives on the inside may not happen.”

Ricciardo may not make it onto 2026 grid with F1 team CEO against signing him

Ricciardo’s main concern for now will be ensuring he has a place on the grid for 2025 and beyond. He’s out of contract at RB and still needs to prove to the team that he merits an extension.

In a sense, it may actually be in his best interests if Yuki Tsunoda or Liam Lawson replaces Sergio Perez at Red Bull. That would ease the competition for his spot at the junior team.

If Perez stays or Christian Horner goes for an external option, then Lawson could well take Ricciardo’s seat. Aware of this possibility, his camp have started shopping around.

Ricciardo has been offered to Audi, but their CEO Andreas Seidl isn’t interested. He advocated the sacking of the Australian in 2022 following a disappointing stint at McLaren.

That may not be his only option. Ricciardo has also held talks with Williams, though he would have to overcome stiff competition from drivers like Valtteri Bottas to get that seat.