Former Red Bull driver urges F1 to bring a major rule change amidst Max Verstappen’s dominance

David Coulthard suggested a return to an F1 rule from the 2000s that could potentially challenge Max Verstappen's dominance.

Former Red Bull driver urges F1 to bring a major rule change amidst Max Verstappen’s dominance

Max Verstappen at the Dutch Grand Prix (via IMAGO)

Max Verstappen and Red Bull have dominated Formula 1 for the past two seasons. The Dutch driver has been in a league of his own compared to the rest of the competition. Many have urged F1 to bring a rule change that could potentially limit Verstappen’s pace advantage. Now, former Red Bull driver David Coulthard has suggested a return to the era of tire wars in F1.

The Briton made it clear that Formula 1 was not looking to bring back competition between tire suppliers in F1. The Bridgestone-Michelin rivalry in the 2000s remains one of the most iconic eras of the sport. However, Pirelli will remain the exclusive tire supplier in F1 for the foreseeable future. David Coulthard reckoned that two tire suppliers could enhance competition in the sport.

I don't think there's a desire right now to have a tyre competition, but I think it would be better.
David Coulthard said on the Formula For Success podcast (H&T: Racingnews365)
YouTube video

The 52-year-old reckoned that this would allow a shift in the advantage between the tiremakers. At a particular circuit, one tire supplier would be better suited to the conditions. Things could potentially switch completely the following weekend. Max Verstappen’s level of dominance would become unlikely due to this additional factor.

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Sometimes it would be Pirelli that had the right tyre for the circuit and sometimes, let's say for argument's sake, it was Bridgestone would have the right tyre.
 You would naturally have this competitive shift circuit to circuit based on the only thing that touches the ground, which is the tyres.

Max Verstappen remains the favorite for the upcoming F1 season

Max Verstappen undoubtedly has proven himself as an all-time great. The Dutch driver has consistently delivered some incredible results in recent years and outshone the competition. The three-time world champion shattered over a dozen records during his historic 2023 campaign. The 26-year-old remains hungry for more.

Max Verstappen, Abu Dhabi GP
Max Verstappen, Abu Dhabi GP (Via IMAGO)

Verstappen would be aiming to win his fourth-consecutive world title in F1 this year. This would put the Dutchman right alongside former Red Bull driver Sebastian Vettel who achieved a similar feat at Milton Keynes a decade ago. Certainly, the 26-year-old is the favorite for the upcoming season.

Red Bull has worked extensively on its 2024 car for several months. So much so, that the Austrian team might soon shift its focus to 2025 altogether. However, it remains to be seen if the three-time world champion gets a car capable of clinching his fourth world title.

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