David Coulthard says Lewis Hamilton has enjoyed a ‘luxury’ barely any Formula 1 drivers get

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David Coulthard has claimed that Lewis Hamilton enjoyed a ‘luxury’ that many Formula 1 drivers have never been able to experience.

Hamilton will forever be etched into F1 history as one of the greatest drivers, having won seven world titles.

The Brit won his first title with McLaren back in 2008 before winning six world championships while driving for Mercedes.

However, recent times have been tough for Hamilton, especially after his high-profile move to Ferrari before the 2025 season.

The 41-year-old is looking to produce much better performances in 2026 and has already secured his first podium for Ferrari after finishing third at the Chinese Grand Prix. 

What do you expect from Lewis Hamilton in the 2026 F1 season?

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Lewis Hamilton enjoyed ‘luxury’ that many F1 drivers never had

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.”

Which four drivers belong on McLaren’s Mount Rushmore? 🗻

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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.”

READ MORE: Lewis Hamilton went into ‘voluntary isolation’ after making ‘pact’ with Ferrari to avoid 2025 repeat

Lewis Hamilton is one of the ‘most inspiring’ athletes in the world

Having been involved in F1 since 2007, it comes as no surprise that Hamilton has had an impact on a number of the current drivers.

According to McLaren star Oscar Piastri, Hamilton is one of the ‘most inspiring’ people in the world.

Speaking to McLaren’s official channels, Piastri said: “Most inspiring people? I would say Michael Jordan. I would go Kobe Bryant as well. Obviously, a very similar mindset.

“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.”

Having enjoyed a much-improved start to 2026, Hamilton will look to continue the momentum when F1 returns with the Miami Grand Prix, which will take place next month.