Lando Norris
McLaren
Mercedes
Red Bull
Ferrari
Williams
Racing Bulls
Aston Martin
Haas
Alpine
When reflecting on Lewis Hamilton’s recent success, David Coulthard explained why talking about his performance over the last few years was so difficult.
Hamilton’s win in Barcelona had everyone in agreement that the seven-time world champion was finally back after a difficult few years.
Not since 2021 have we seen Hamilton look like a championship contender, but his performance in Barcelona showed just how dangerous he can be.
What is the BIGGEST reason for Lewis Hamilton’s turnaround at Ferrari this year?
Many feel Hamilton has now surpassed Leclerc as Ferrari’s lead driver, having outperformed his teammate throughout this season.
But this resurgence is in stark contrast to how Lewis Hamilton was performing over the last four years, which made discussing him very difficult for David Coulthard.
READ MORE: Where Lewis Hamilton ranks in F1’s oldest race winners after Barcelona Grand Prix victory
David Coulthard questioned whether Lewis Hamilton would ever win another race at Ferrari
Speaking on Channel 4’s coverage of the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix, David Coulthard reflected on Lewis Hamilton’s first Ferrari win, and how it was a long time coming.
Coulthard explains that Hamilton’s dip in form made it very difficult to talk about him, which is why he is so relieved to see the seven-time world champion thriving once again.
“There were moments where it was feeling like this time would never come again. He’s been on the ropes the last couple of years. It’s been uncomfortable, frankly, to just reflect the facts, reflect the data that he wasn’t getting results.
“There were times last year when he was going, ‘I’m just rubbish.’ He’s old and he’s human. He’s only human. He’s an amazing human being, the way he conducts himself. And his results in Formula 1 are incredible. But this moment is so special.
“For him to do it, the way he did it, with Ferrari, at the age he is, I feel a sense of relief because we can now celebrate Lewis again rather than having to point out the results were lacking.
“What a way to do it. People will say the VSC played into his hands, but the pace was so strong, I don’t think he needed that. He could have won from behind.”
READ MORE: What ‘almost every’ mechanic in the F1 pit lane did after Lewis Hamilton won Barcelona GP
Lewis Hamilton wins his first race with Ferrari! 🎉 Where does this rank in Hamilton’s most satisfying wins?
David Coulthard believes Lewis Hamilton showed ‘world championship’ form during Barcelona GP win
Speaking further, Coulthard admitted that seeing Hamilton’s performance reminded him of the Hamilton of old, when he was in the championship mix every year.
“He’s brilliant behind the wheel. They’ve upgraded that car. He managed the tyres on a day when others were struggling. Three stops is never easy.
“You have to push and it was reminiscent of Lewis in World Championship form, banging on the qualifying laps. I feel emotional for them… This is a remarkable moment.”
Hamilton is benefiting from the new regulations this season, and is showing that his struggles came down to him not being suited to the cars in the ground effect era.
With a performance like that, it’s hard not to be in awe of Hamilton’s first Ferrari win. And if he can carry this momentum forward, he will be a strong presence in the championship race.
Receive exclusive F1 news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
