Former F1 driver David Coulthard has defended both Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton after the pair offered stern criticism of the new power unit regulations.
The first of two three-day tests in Bahrain saw several drivers speak out against the new regulations, with Hamilton telling the media that the new cars feel slower than GP2, now known as Formula 2.
READ MORE: Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton defended after handing F1 stern criticism
Lando Norris delivers Mercedes request after new Red Bull F1 truth emerges
Lando Norris is seeking greater energy efficiency from his Mercedes HPP F1 power unit, after Red Bull Powertrains' "good job."
During the test in Bahrain, the RBPT engine in the back of the Red Bull and Racing Bulls machines caught the eye, with Max Verstappen's strong running on Wednesday morning leading Toto Wolff to declare that Mercedes HPP could not match the energy efficiency of the new RBPT engine.
READ MORE: Lando Norris delivers Mercedes request after new Red Bull F1 truth emerges
Oscar Piastri warns of 'recipe for disaster' over growing F1 concern
Oscar Piastri believes F1 could be set for a "recipe for disaster" if drivers are allowed to use straight-line mode (SLM) at grand prix starts.
The new mode for 2026 is also known as the active aerodynamics and opens the rear-wing in a DRS-style whilst also lowering the front-wing flaps to dump drag before popping back up for corners.
READ MORE: Oscar Piastri warns of 'recipe for disaster' over growing F1 concern
Red Bull confirm problem with 2026 F1 car
Red Bull technical director Pierre Wache has confirmed the team has "some challenges with the weight" of the RB22 ahead of the new F1 season getting underway.
However, the Frenchman was quick to add that struggling to get their car to the minimum weight permitted by the revamped regulations will be "the case for everybody" up and down the pit lane.
George Russell makes 'Netflix fans' point after stunning Max Verstappen F1 attack
George Russell has defended F1's new technical regulations after a stunning broadside attack from Red Bull's Max Verstappen.
For 2026, the power units have been radically overhauled, with the removal of the MGU-H, fully sustainable fuels and a now 50-50 power output from the internal combustion engine and beefed-up batteries.
READ MORE: George Russell makes 'Netflix fans' point after stunning Max Verstappen F1 attack
Fernando Alonso uses former team to set Aston Martin 2026 F1 expectation
Fernando Alonso believes his Aston Martin team should be looking to follow the example of McLaren and enjoy a swing in fortunes after a slow start to an F1 season.
Aston's new AMR26 missed almost all of the Barcelona shakedown, only emerging late on Day 4 before 61 laps on Day 5, before further trouble hit during the first official pre-season test in Bahrain.
READ MORE: Fernando Alonso uses former team to set Aston Martin 2026 F1 expectation
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In this video, we explore a fascinating Mercedes engine theory that is engulfing the F1 paddock. We break down how it works, why it matters, and why this advantage — if real — may be brilliant, legal… but only temporary.
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