Max Verstappen backed by Coulthard amid 2026 F1 rules backlash

Following a point-less weekend in Shanghai, where Verstappen was forced to retire from the Grand Prix due to an ERS problem, the Dutchman's disdain for F1's "Mario Kart" rules in 2026 has only grown stronger.

But after an exciting race in China, several prominent figures in F1, including Juan Pablo Montoya, have criticised the Dutchman, with the former Williams driver urging F1 to 'show the door' to drivers "disrespecting the sport."

Coulthard, however, disagrees with the view that Verstappen and current world champion Lando Norris are only criticising F1 2026 because they are not fighting at the front, instead arguing they are simply being honest in their assessments of the new rules.

Speaking on the Up To Speed podcast, Coulthard accepted Verstappen's criticism has been "pretty scathing," but has urged caution in questioning the expertise of a four-time world champion.

"When we spoke to him in pre-season, he was very clear that there were some different challenges that weren't necessarily what he considered about getting the maximum out of the driving potential,” Coulthard said.

While Coulthard also said that some elements of F1 in 2026 will need some tweaks, he did concede that the new rules have given fans more on-track action.

Meanwhile, team principal Laurent Mekies believes the gap Red Bull must close to the current on-track benchmarks - the W17 and the SF26 - is “substantial”, adding that a proper development race will be needed to bridge the deficit.

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