David Coulthard warns the FIA over F1 losing its ‘DNA’ during 2026 regulations cycle

Follow us on Google Discover

F1 legend David Coulthard has warned the FIA that the sport is losing its ‘DNA’ due to the current regulation cycle, which has divided the grid since its introduction this year.

The 2026 F1 season was always destined to start with fireworks due to the brand-new engine formula, and that is exactly what fans have been given over the last few months.

The new 50/50 split between combustion and electrical power in the 2026 hybrid power units has left the grid divided, with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen emerging as the biggest critic of F1’s new technical lifecycle.

Has F1 made itself unappealing to drivers from other categories?

Pato O'Ward claims F1 is no longer the best series to race in 👀

Comment

Like or Comment

Have your say Sign-in now for free

The artificial overtaking, lack of full throttle action and slower starts off the line have all contributed to the concerns that F1 drivers have for the current regulations, and their qualms have been backed up by someone who is well aware of the sport’s golden era.

• READ MORE: David Coulthard senses Lando Norris’ unhappiness with F1 is ‘simmering’ at McLaren right now

David Coulthard warns F1 is losing some of its ‘DNA’ in new regulatory cycle

During an appearance on ServusTV’s Sport and Talk from Hangar-7 show in Austria, former F1 driver David Coulthard offered his thoughts on the current state of the sport following the first three rounds of the 2026 season.

Coulthard previously leapt to the defence of Verstappen during the early stages of the Dutchman’s frustrations with the new ruleset, and also praised the FIA for attempting to stamp out some of the issues through a technical amendment at Suzuka.

Still, the 55-year-old is wary of the trajectory that F1 is currently on. “We need to be careful now,” he warned. “What we must never lose sight of is that in qualifying, we need to have the driver at the front who gets the most out of the car.

“When you think of corners like Becketts and Eau Rouge, if you can now cruise through them at full throttle, I don’t know…

“Schumacher, Hamilton, Verstappen – these drivers who dominated have all shown what they’re capable of and how they can excel. We have strong drivers now too, but we’re losing some of Formula 1’s DNA.”

Both Hamilton and Verstappen shared a similar viewpoint following the very first day of pre-season testing at Bahrain in February.

The two stars of the F1 grid, who share 11 world championships between them, highlighted how the sport is losing its identity with the current rule cycle. Hamilton’s qualms have become less vocal in recent weeks, while Verstappen continues to voice his frustrations.

• READ MORE: Damon Hill says 2026 F1 cars are ‘highly dangerous’ after Oliver Bearman’s Japanese GP crash

David Coulthard emphasises Oliver Bearman’s crash at Suzuka ‘was bound to happen’

One of the most damning accidents that occurred as a result of the new regulations came at the most recent Japanese Grand Prix, where Oliver Bearman suffered a 50g crash after being forced to take avoiding action against Franco Colapinto at the entry of turn 13.

Colapinto’s Alpine had switched into harvesting mode as Bearman approached him at full throttle. The Haas star was caught out by the speed advantage he held, and was seen limping out of his VF-26 with the help of race marshals.

During his appearance on the Austrian TV show, Coulthard added, “It was clear that an accident like Colapinto’s was bound to happen. You see accidents like that at Le Mans, too.

“But when a car takes off, as Mark Webber and Kovalainen did in Valencia, nobody has control anymore. Let’s wait and see how it goes in Miami. The question is whether the difference is now big enough.”