Max Verstappen handed fresh F1 duty over regulation change

Former F1 driver David Coulthard has stated Max Verstappen will be the “ultimate gauge” regarding the success of the recently announced changes to the F1 cars.

Following various complaints from the drivers across the opening three rounds of the season, F1 used the April break to discuss potential modifications to the challengers.

The changes were confirmed earlier this week and will be in effect for the Miami Grand Prix next weekend.

While a number of drivers voiced their displeasure over the new cars this year, Verstappen was the most vocal, going as far as to suggest they could hasten his exit from the sport.

Coulthard has stated he will be paying close attention to Verstappen's comments over the race weekend, which he sees as a true measure of how well the changes have worked.

“One person who will be the ultimate gauge as to whether it's enough will be Max Verstappen,” Coulthard told the Up to Speed podcast.

“He doesn't pander to anyone. I know that F1 would prefer that he wasn't so vocal in his dislike of the current regulations.

“So let's wait and see what he has to say after Miami. Of course, every driver wants to be in the best car, because that gives you the best chance of winning

“But I do think that Max is mature enough in his career, with his four titles to go ‘actually, this now feels like my F1’.”

Should Verstappen be more relaxed and content with the machinery, Coulthard has predicted it will prolong the four-time champion's F1 career.

“So if he is calmer in the coming races, I think we can assume he's going to be around for a little while,” he said.

“If he's still dissatisfied, and it is genuinely beyond whatever lack of performance the team may have, then he may choose to step away at some point.”