David Coulthard says Lewis Hamilton had a ‘luxury’ most F1 drivers never experience

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Lewis Hamilton enjoyed a level of stability throughout his career that many others in the sport didn’t, according to David Coulthard. The Scot pointed out that Hamilton was fortunate to have rarely found himself needing to seek out a new team.

Hamilton’s place in the history books is secure. His seven world titles are matched only by Michael Schumacher, and he holds the outright record for Grand Prix wins with 103.

The Brit claimed his first championship with McLaren in 2008, before adding six more during a dominant stretch with Mercedes.

There was plenty of expectation surrounding his arrival at Ferrari, but it wasn’t until May that he finally stood on the podium for them, finishing third in China.

Lewis Hamilton had a ‘luxury’ not many F1 drivers get, says David Coulthard

Speaking on the Up to Speed podcast, Coulthard touched on Hamilton’s seven world titles, claiming he enjoyed the luxury of having years of dominance, something only Michael Schumacher and Max Verstappen have experienced.

Coulthard said: “Past performances do not guarantee future success. I’m sure you have all seen it before.

“I think teams that are battling for titles have to go later and longer in battling for that title, so it naturally gives teams that have got world championship DNA an opportunity to start the development process much earlier.

“I think that explains why Mercedes have come out so strongly with their engine and car package. I think there have been several examples where drivers who have been very successful in the sport have won their world championships with some separation between them.”

The ex-Red Bull driver continued: “Win a title, and for whatever reason, the team becomes less competitive.

“I guess that trend got broken in the Michael Schumacher era because the reliability of the Ferrari at the time became so strong that they were always there or thereabouts.”

“Certainly, in my experience of this world of motor racing, not many people get the luxury of dominating year on year. It is only Michael and Lewis (Hamilton), and for the rest, well, Max (Verstappen) had to make do with four in a row.”

Oscar Piastri shares high praise for Lewis Hamilton

Piastri is one of the younger drivers who has spoken about Hamilton’s influence in the sport, and he didn’t hold back when asked about his opinion.

“Most inspiring people? I would say Michael Jordan. I would go Kobe Bryant as well. Obviously, a very similar mindset,” he said in an interview on McLaren’s official channels.

“Who else? Lewis and the success he’s had, how he’s gone about it, what he’s been able to achieve outside of the racetrack. It’s pretty inspiring for a lot of people, including myself.”

Hamilton will look to continue his good form when Formula 1 returns with the Miami Grand Prix next month.

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