David Coulthard: Max Verstappen won't 'regret' Spain clash with 'weaker minds' explanation
David Coulthard says Max Verstappen's "here and now" mentality means he won't regret the Spanish GP clash with George Russell that cost him vital points and arguably the 2025 title. The former F1 driver argues "weaker minds" might dwell on it, but Verstappen's psychological wiring allows him to move on without it affecting his self-worth, a crucial trait with an uncertain competitive future ahead.
David Coulthard believes Max Verstappen will not look back with regret on his costly collision with George Russell at the 2025 Spanish Grand Prix, arguing the Red Bull driver's mentality is wired for the present. The incident, which resulted in a 10-second penalty and a drop from fifth to tenth, ultimately cost Verstappen nine points—a decisive margin in a championship he lost to Lando Norris by just two points.
Why it matters:
In a season decided by the slimmest of margins, any single moment can be retrospectively scrutinized as the title decider. Coulthard's insight challenges the conventional narrative that a driver would dwell on such a pivotal, self-inflicted error, suggesting Verstappen's psychological makeup is a key component of his success and resilience.
The details:
Speaking exclusively to RacingNews365, the former Red Bull driver and 13-time Grand Prix winner dissected Verstappen's mindset.
- Coulthard stated, "I don't think he'll regret it, because I think Max is absolutely in the here and now."
- He elaborated that "weaker minds might have regret," but Verstappen is simply not "wired that way."
- The Spain incident was entirely within Verstappen's control and preventable, making it a clear turning point in the championship battle with Norris.
- Coulthard also addressed Verstappen's self-perception beyond titles, affirming the driver's own stance that his sense of self-worth is not tied to championship totals.
The big picture:
Coulthard's comments highlight a defining trait of top athletes: the ability to compartmentalize failure and focus forward. This mentality is especially crucial for Verstappen as he faces an uncertain competitive future. With Red Bull Powertrains becoming a new engine manufacturer for the 2026 regulation overhaul, there is no guarantee of a title-contending car, a reality Coulthard acknowledged could lead to a "lame period." Verstappen's ability to race to win in the moment, without the burden of past regrets or anxiety over future legacy, may be his greatest asset in navigating the coming seasons.