Is Lewis Hamilton a lamb among wolves? That’s to sum up the opinion of former McLaren F1 driver, David Coulthard.
The Scot described Lewis Hamilton as a « anomalies » among the other great world champions. Indeed for Coulthard, while Michael Schumacher, Ayrton Senna or Max Verstappen are very aggressive drivers, Lewis Hamilton would have a much gentler and respectful driving style. An exception, therefore.
“Max deserves to be in the same category as an Ayrton [Senna]a Michael [Schumacher]. »
“I say Lewis, but I put Lewis in parentheses because Lewis, in fact, achieved championship titles in a very, shall we say, non-controversial way. »
“I know there was contact with Max in the first year [2021] of the duel against Max at Silverstone, that’s about the only borderline contact I saw from Lewis. He’s a very clean driver, he manages to stay away from a lot of controversy throughout his career, so he’s this sort of an anomaly in this group of villains that you’re talking about. »
But if Lewis Hamilton has such a reputation, isn’t it also because he was able to largely dominate races at Mercedes F1, without having to fight hand to hand against other drivers…? Except maybe Nico Rosberg?
“You are absolutely right. There was a comfortable period for Lewis where they had a car advantage, and he is an exceptional driver. This in no way diminishes the results he achieved. »
“Of course, when he went wheel to wheel with Max… normally Max came out in front because he has that absolute fighting spirit. »
“We will debate this beyond our lives about the rights and wrongs of each. This transcends other sports. »
Max Verstappen is therefore much more aggressive according to Coulthard: more than Senna and Michael Schumacher in their time?
“There will always be those who are perceived as being a little on the edge,” he explained.
“But what they actually did was redefine the modern era by showing where the line is. Michael did it. Ayrton did it. »
“Max does it. And that’s because every generation should be better. Now, better doesn’t mean nicer. Best just means they deliver. »
