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David Coulthard has pushed back on the idea that he has been too critical of Lewis Hamilton, suggesting that he has the right to give his opinion.
Last year, during a turbulent first season with Ferrari, Hamilton received a lot of hate and criticism for the way he was handling the move.
Ahead of his move, Hamilton was eyeing a Michael Schumacher-esque run at Ferrari, hoping to receive the same level of love and adulation as the legendary German driver.
Predict at which race Lewis Hamilton will take his first Ferrari Grand Prix win?
And even with him turning his fortunes around with Ferrari this season, Lewis Hamilton is still not being fully revered for his return to form.
David Coulthard has been one of Hamilton’s most vocal critics over the last few years. And he has defended himself as his criticism has aged poorly.
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David Coulthard defends his ‘honest’ criticism of Lewis Hamilton before recent turnaround
Speaking on the Drive to Wynn podcast, David Coulthard was asked about his recent criticism of Lewis Hamilton and why he has been so harsh when it comes to him.
Coulthard reiterated his respect for Hamilton as a driver, but pointed out that his criticism was very much contextual to how he was performing at the moment.
“Lewis is an incredible driver. No one can ever dilute what he’s achieved. I certainly don’t want to. Lewis quite often will reference the fact that there are a lot of doubters out there, and it’s great to show them what I’m doing.
“If I was to ever make a comment about Lewis, it’s not because I doubt him. It’s because I’m commenting on that moment in history. In Lewis’ career, he more often than not beat his teammates… Then, in his last year at Mercedes, George was starting to look like the more consistent qualifier.
“In his first year at Ferrari, Charles looked like the more consistent qualifier. This isn’t a rookie. This is Lewis Hamilton. People can say now they’re starting to develop the car towards his style…
“I know Lewis is a bit sensitive to any criticism, but we all are… If I can have that honesty about myself, why would I be restricted in being in my opinion honest about other people’s performances?…”
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Photo by Andrea Diodato/NurPhoto
David Coulthard expects Lewis Hamilton to earn first Ferrari Grand Prix win this season
Speaking further, Coulthard looked forward to Hamilton’s upcoming performance at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix
“I’m really interested to see Lewis in Barcelona, a track where there is a bit more space for dipping a wheel here and there.
“Everything would indicate since the beginning of this year that he’s on form, he’s liking the car, he’s going to have a strong year, and probably win a Grand Prix at some point.”
After earning a great deal of momentum, Hamilton’s body language at Ferrari has improved drastically, with him now delivering consistent results and being in the top mix.
In fact, Hamilton is now in second place in the championship race, and could start to mount his first, genuine title challenge in five years.
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