Former Formula 1 driver David Coulthard reacts to the mixed reactions to the new 2026 regulations – a meeting with a fan causes a stir
Former Formula 1 driver David Coulthard has called on fans to give the new regulations a fair chance before making a final judgment. The 2026 season marks the beginning of a completely new era in the premier class. So far, however, reactions in the paddock and in the stands have been rather mixed.
While critics mainly criticize the “artificial” overtaking, the so-called “superclipping” and the extreme energy management of the drivers, others celebrate the thrilling season opener in Australia – above all the intense duel between George Russell and Charles Leclerc for the lead.
The numbers speak for themselves: the race in Melbourne featured a whopping 120 overtaking manoeuvres, compared to just 45 in the previous year 2025.
High-end customer frustrated
In an episode of the Up To Speed podcast, Coulthard recounted an encounter at the airport after the start of the season that illustrates the current dichotomy. “I was standing behind a man who was even older than me at passport control when I left Australia. He said: ‘I’m done with Formula 1. I go to six Grands Prix a year, own all the Ferrari models and am waiting for my RB17 to be delivered’ – a car costing five million pounds,” said Coulthard.
“So we’re talking about a real high-end customer here. And he said, ‘I don’t want to see managers, I want to see racing drivers’. I replied to him: ‘Okay, I understand you, but let’s give it some time’.”
From his own perspective, the Scot can certainly see the positives in the new era. “Looking at it from my point of view, I really enjoyed the first few laps of the Grand Prix. There were overtaking maneuvers and direct counterattacks. The drivers first had to figure out how best to use the tools at their disposal. But hasn’t that always been the case?”
Does Formula 1 need more time?
The 2001 world championship runner-up draws a historical comparison: “When Cosworth came along with the DFV engine, the rules of Formula 1 were rewritten. Anyone who didn’t have this engine could basically forget about it. That’s why I think we have to be patient.”
According to the Scot, the top talents will adapt anyway: “The best drivers will always be able to make the best use of the resources available. I think we’re seeing some interesting tactics at the moment. Mercedes probably didn’t give its customer teams the information [about the drive] until quite late. Why wouldn’t they? They’re not in the business of letting McLaren or other customers win.“
Coulthard’s conclusion before the second round of the season in China, which has now been completed: ”As we know, things change quickly in Formula 1. Let’s have this conversation again in six months’ time.”