Former Method 1 driver David Coulthard has voiced his perception that questions surrounding Lewis Hamilton’s perceived decline are each legitimate and price inspecting.
The previous British Method 1 driver predicts that subsequent 12 months will present a definitive check of Hamilton’s enduring talents, because the seven-time world champion joins Ferrari to accomplice with Charles Leclerc. David Coulthard emphasised that Lewis Hamilton’s efficiency shall be underneath intense scrutiny, significantly given Charles Leclerc’s popularity as one of many grid’s quickest drivers in qualifying. This follows a season the place Lewis Hamilton has been persistently outperformed in qualifying by his present Mercedes teammate, George Russell.
“Lewis is rolling the cube once more with Ferrari,” David Coulthard confirmed in a current interview for Mirror Sport. “It could properly result in a rejuvenation of efficiency and a battle for the world championship. However it will be difficult as a result of he has bought [to beat] a really quick Charles Leclerc.”
Regardless of holding the all-time document of 104 profession pole positions, Lewis Hamilton has brazenly acknowledged his struggles to match his earlier one-lap tempo this season. In accordance with David Coulthard, the British driver’s hopes of attaining a record-breaking eighth Method 1 world title hinge on his capacity to regain his type on Saturdays, as robust qualifying performances shall be essential in his battle in opposition to a formidable new teammate.
“The important thing ingredient of the entire greats over the historical past of time has been to have the ability to qualify and race. And if Lewis, at 40 years previous, has misplaced a yard in footballing phrases, then he might properly battle to beat Charles over the course of a 12 months. That may be a official query that anybody must be asking, however it’s for him to point out us. It’s not about us placing him down and saying he can’t do it, as a result of it’s in his fingers. All of those guys have it in their very own fingers to form their very own future.” – continued the British former racing driver and broadcaster from Scotland.
Drawing a parallel with Michael Schumacher’s profession, the previous McLaren and Crimson Bull driver cautioned that there is no such thing as a certainty of a fairytale conclusion for Lewis Hamilton in Method 1. Schumacher, broadly considered one of many biggest drivers within the sport’s historical past, returned from retirement for a three-season stint with Mercedes. Nevertheless, throughout that interval, he was unable to safe a single race victory, serving as a stark reminder that even essentially the most completed champions can face challenges in recapturing previous glories: “Mercedes doesn’t exist for Lewis Hamilton, and Lewis Hamilton has made it clear that he doesn’t exist for Mercedes. In the identical manner, when Michael got here again from retirement to signal for Mercedes, it was actually surprising to think about him being something aside from a Ferrari legend.” – David Coulthard added.
“However the draw of coming dwelling to Mercedes, the will and perception that he might do it nonetheless, introduced him in. He did a few years, he did okay, but it surely was not the identical as how he was in his first stint in Method 1.” – he continued.
Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes are undoubtedly desperate to conclude their long-standing partnership on a triumphant observe. Nevertheless, current performances counsel this can be an uphill battle. The British driver endured a difficult triple-header in Austin, Mexico, and São Paulo, culminating in his admission that his automotive felt worse than ever earlier than. These struggles have forged doubt on whether or not a excessive observe is achievable earlier than the season’s finish.
Regardless of this, David Coulthard stays hopeful that Hamilton can ship a remaining second of brilliance in his Mercedes profession. The previous racer shared his optimism, saying, *”He might very properly win his final Grand Prix for Mercedes in Abu Dhabi, and what a becoming tribute to their unbelievable journey collectively that will be.”*
Nevertheless, the previous F1 driver additionally tempered expectations, acknowledging the uncertainty surrounding the remaining races. He remarked, *”Neither of us is aware of what the following few races will convey, but when he doesn’t safe that remaining win, it gained’t be the celebratory farewell they could have envisioned for such a exceptional chapter.”*
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