David Coulthard addresses suggestions that he’s got an ‘anti-Lewis’ Hamilton agenda

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David Coulthard has hit back at suggestions that he has an ‘anti-Lewis’ Hamilton agenda after he criticised his driving this season.

The former F1 driver has been critical of Hamilton this season given his performances relative to George Russell, who has scored more points than him in the Drivers’ Championship.

He remarked that he felt Hamilton was ‘mentally’ at Ferrari already after the race in Jeddah when he finished P9 behind Lando Norris and Oliver Bearman, which Russell disagreed with upon reading his comments.

Coulthard would later criticise Hamilton for his strategy during the Belgian GP in which Russell managed to make the unlikely one-stop work, however, he was later disqualified for excessive plank wear and the win was handed to Hamilton.

Addressing his remarks in an interview with PlanetF1.com, Coulthard explains why he does not view them as being part of the anti-Hamilton agenda.

David Coulthard addresses ‘anti-Lewis’ Hamilton agenda claims

Coulthard, who is now a pundit and commentator on Channel 4’s coverage of F1 in the UK, has hit back at suggestions that he singles out Hamilton and believes it is all part of being balanced.

“I know that, for those who see me as being sort of anti-Lewis – bearing in mind, I’ve worked with Lewis since he was a wee boy at McLaren and I’m not at all anti-Lewis – but, if he does brilliant, I praise him,” said Coulthard.

“If he does an average job, I’ve got to say that’s not what we expect from us – you know, the facts don’t lie. The data shows whether someone’s done a good job or not.

“This is one of those things that goes on forever. The minute somebody says something other than absolute praise for their favourite driver, you’re being biased.”

Is Lewis Hamilton past his peak in Formula 1?

Hamilton has drawn some attention ahead of his move to Ferrari in 2025 amid a lacklustre season at Mercedes this season.

Damon Hill has responded to comments made by former Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson, who believes the seven-time world champion is past his prime.

READ MORE: Toto Wolff shares the Pep Guardiola advice he used when Lewis Hamilton told him he was leaving Mercedes

It is expected that Hamilton should have a car that is capable of being able to challenge for the title next season, with Charles Leclerc confident that Maranello will produce a car that will win races.

It will be an important test to see if Hamilton is still at the level demanded to win titles, after three seasons of being hamstrung by the problems facing Mercedes.