Former Formula 1 driver David Coulthard scrutinizes the new regulations for 2026. The Scotsman anticipates that the new technical rules, in particular, will lead to a completely different style of racing. However, he believes this will not detract from the excitement during Grands Prix. ‘Because if it’s exactly the same for everyone, it’s still racing,’ explains the former Red Bull driver, drawing a comparison with sailing.
In 2026, a completely new set of regulations will come into effect in Formula 1. The cars will be smaller, lighter, and equipped with active aerodynamics. Additionally, the power will then be evenly distributed between the V6 turbo engine and an electric drive. According to David Coulthard, these new technical regulations will also result in a very different style of racing next year.
“Formula 1 is now entering an era where fifty percent of the energy is electric and fifty percent is internal combustion. This will result in a completely different style of racing,” explains the former Formula 1 driver. “The typical way of racing now is that you come out of the corner, keep accelerating, reach maximum speed, brake, and then enter the corner. Under the new rules, drivers will probably accelerate to a speed where there is no more electric energy and the car experiences more resistance than it has horsepower.”
Sailing
However, according to Coulthard, this new style of racing does not have to detract from the excitement during Grands Prix. “Because if it’s the same for everyone, it’s still racing.” The Scotsman then compares the premier class with a completely different sport: sailing. “I remember being on a sailboat, and many people might think, ‘How can it be exciting to race at 10 knots (around twenty km/h)?’ Well, if you have another boat going nine and a half or ten and a half knots, you’re suddenly in a race, and that’s where the excitement lies.”
