David Coulthard admits he is “uncomfortable” with few new aspects of F1

David Coulthard pointed out a few things in F1 that have made him uneasy.

David Coulthard admits he is “uncomfortable” with few new aspects of F1

David Coulthard (Via IMAGO)

Formula 1 is the pinnacle of motorsport. F1 teams spearhead technological advancements in the racing world. As they try to extract an extra tenth of a second over their rivals. However, former F1 driver David Coulthard has pointed out a few aspects of the sport in recent years that have made him uneasy.

Coulthard made it clear that Formula 1 remains the proving ground for new technology in the auto industry with the cars being engineered works of art. However, the 52-year-old was concerned about the increasing weight of the current cars in F1 which was now on par with sportscars. Moreover, the Briton highlighted that drivers have resorted to lifting and coasting to save fuel.

I’m slightly uncomfortable that they’re almost as heavy as a sports car. I didn’t really enjoy the period, which I think is passing though.
David Coulthard said on the Formula for Success podcast (H&T: PlanetF1)

The former Red Bull driver claimed that devices such as the fuel flow meter made the sport similar to endurance racing. Coulthard believed that F1 needs to be about the fastest drivers pushing themselves to the limit throughout a Grand Prix. The 52-year-old gets uncomfortable when he sees drivers try to manage their tires or fuel for race strategy.

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We had fuel flow metres and things like that. All of these rule changes brought it closer to endurance-type racing, rather than what I think the Grand Prix is.

David Coulthard wants F1 cars to be louder in 2026

Formula 1 will have a major regulation change in 2026. The sport will have new power units and cars. David Coulthard believes that F1 is aiming to have louder cars in 2026. After the sport received severe criticism for the lack of sound with its Hybrid power units that were introduced in 2014. Coulthard reckoned that more noise would lead to more passion amongst the fans.

Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen at Las Vegas GP
Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen at Las Vegas GP (Via IMAGO)

Certainly, Formula 1 has been trying to meet the demands of fans in recent years. The sport has made races entertaining and attractive to newer audiences. This has resulted in the sport’s successful rise in the past few years. With millions of new fans following Formula 1 across the globe.

Red Bull’s domination in 2023 might’ve bored some fans. However, the sport remains strong commercially and has sustained its growth. The 2026 rules are a major opportunity for Formula 1 to ensure that it creates the perfect spectacle for fans and critics such as David Coulthard. However, it remains to be seen how things pan out in the coming years.

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