David Coulthard dismisses excuses related to F1 regulations by drawing parallels with Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher.
Former Formula 1 racer David Coulthard has rejected the argument that drivers can attribute subpar performances to the new regulations set for 2026, asserting that the legends of the sport are capable of adapting to any vehicle.
In 2026, F1 implemented significant regulatory changes. While numerous drivers have found it challenging to harness consistent speed from the new generation of cars, Coulthard maintained that a driver’s fundamental performance should remain largely unaffected by the rules.
During his appearance on the Up To Speed podcast after the United States Grand Prix, the 13-time race winner referenced his own experiences to challenge the notion that certain vehicles are inherently unsuited to particular drivers.
"I drove active cars, passive cars, 3.5-litre, 3-litre, 2.4-litre, groove tyres, slick tyres, tyre wars, and my performance across all of those was relatively consistent, to be honest, in that I was missing a tenth in qualifying, which complicates your ability to secure track position against your teammate," Coulthard stated.
Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing, Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari
"I comprehend when we discuss, 'This car doesn’t fit this driver,' but [Ayrton] Senna never truly had a poor formula. [Michael] Schumacher didn’t have a poor formula. As for Hamilton, did he have a poor formula, or was it simply weariness? The guy's been in the game for ages; relationships can become strained. Perhaps his passion for the sport at that moment wasn't quite there, but he's impressed me with how he's rebounded.
"Today was a bit more challenging for him compared to Charles, but I’m not sure I truly subscribe to the idea that this generation doesn’t match this driver."
Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli, who is in his second year in F1, had the opportunity to secure his first championship at the United States Grand Prix. While he claimed victory in the race, his championship contenders George Russell and Lewis Hamilton garnered enough points to extend the battle to the Mexican Grand Prix.
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