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 yr 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 will likely be underneath intense scrutiny, notably given Charles Leclerc’s status as one of many grid’s quickest drivers in qualifying. This follows a season the place Lewis Hamilton has been constantly 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 effectively result in a rejuvenation of efficiency and a struggle for the world championship. However it’ll be difficult as a result of he has obtained [to beat] a really quick Charles Leclerc.”
Regardless of holding the all-time report of 104 profession pole positions, Lewis Hamilton has overtly acknowledged his struggles to match his earlier one-lap tempo this season. In keeping with David Coulthard, the British driver’s hopes of reaching a record-breaking eighth Method 1 world title hinge on his capability to regain his kind on Saturdays, as sturdy qualifying performances will likely be essential in his battle towards 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 And if Lewis, at 40 years outdated, has misplaced a yard in footballing phrases, then he might effectively battle to beat Charles over the course of a yr. That may be a authentic query that anybody needs to be asking, however it’s for him to indicate us. It isn’t 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 Method 1. Schumacher, extensively 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 achieved 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 method, when Michael got here again from retirement to signal for Mercedes, it was actually surprising to think about him being something apart from a Ferrari legend.” – David Coulthard added.
“However the draw of coming residence to Mercedes, the will and perception that he may do it nonetheless, introduced him in. He did a few years, he did okay, however it 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, latest 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 solid 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 ultimate second of brilliance in his Mercedes profession. The previous racer shared his optimism, saying, *”He may very effectively win his final Grand Prix for Mercedes in Abu Dhabi, and what a becoming tribute to their unbelievable journey collectively that may 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 deliver, but when he doesn’t safe that ultimate win, it received’t be the celebratory farewell they may have envisioned for such a exceptional chapter.”*
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