Former System 1 driver David Coulthard has voiced his perception that questions surrounding Lewis Hamilton’s perceived decline are each legitimate and value inspecting.
The previous British System 1 driver predicts that subsequent yr will present a definitive take a look at 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 will likely be underneath intense scrutiny, notably given Charles Leclerc’s repute 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 latest interview for Mirror Sport. “It could properly result in a rejuvenation of efficiency and a struggle for the world championship. However it’ll be difficult as a result of he has bought [to beat] a really quick Charles Leclerc.”
Regardless of holding the all-time report 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 System 1 world title hinge on his capacity to regain his kind on Saturdays, as robust qualifying performances will likely be essential in his battle towards a formidable new teammate.
“The important thing ingredient of all the 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 wrestle to beat Charles over the course of a yr. That may be a reputable query that anybody ought to be asking, however it’s for him to indicate us. It’s not about us placing him down and saying he can not do it, as a result of it’s in his palms. All of those guys have it in their very own palms 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 Purple Bull driver cautioned that there isn’t any certainty of a fairytale conclusion for Lewis Hamilton in System 1. Schumacher, broadly thought to be one of many best 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 probably 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 house to Mercedes, the need and perception that he may 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 System 1.” – he continued.
Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes are undoubtedly desirous to conclude their long-standing partnership on a triumphant word. Nevertheless, latest performances recommend 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 word is achievable earlier than the season’s finish.
Regardless of this, David Coulthard stays hopeful that Hamilton can ship a last second of brilliance in his Mercedes profession. The previous racer shared his optimism, saying, *”He may very properly win his final Grand Prix for Mercedes in Abu Dhabi, and what a becoming tribute to their unimaginable journey collectively that might 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 carry, but when he doesn’t safe that last win, it gained’t be the celebratory farewell they could have envisioned for such a outstanding chapter.”*
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