Coulthard Picks Verstappen Over Hamilton, Citing Maturity and Current Peak
Former F1 driver David Coulthard picks Max Verstappen over Lewis Hamilton, arguing the Dutchman is more grounded and still developing, while the seven-time champion is past his peak.
Former F1 driver David Coulthard has named Max Verstappen as his choice over Lewis Hamilton, citing the Dutchman's grounded nature and continued development as key factors. Coulthard, now a Red Bull ambassador, believes the seven-time world champion is past his absolute peak, suggesting Verstappen's current form and potential make him the superior driver today.
Why it matters:
Coulthard's opinion, as a respected 13-time race winner and current team ambassador, adds significant weight to the ongoing debate over the sport's top drivers. His perspective highlights a potential shift in the sport's hierarchy, suggesting Verstappen's current dominance and mental edge may now surpass Hamilton's legendary consistency and speed.
The details:
- On Verstappen's Mentality: Coulthard praised Verstappen for being "very grounded" and authentic. "He owns his beliefs... you know whether he’s happy, you know whether he’s sad," he said, valuing the Dutchman's transparency.
- On Hamilton's Peak: The Scot controversially stated he doesn't believe Hamilton is at his peak anymore. "The greats match or beat their teammates," Coulthard noted, pointing to Hamilton's recent battles with George Russell and Charles Leclerc as evidence.
- On Outright Speed: While respecting Hamilton's legacy, Coulthard hinted that the stopwatch may no longer favor the Mercedes driver, saying, "I think the outright speed is maybe not there with Lewis anymore."
- On Future Potential: In contrast, Coulthard feels Verstappen is still evolving and has yet to reach his ceiling. "It still feels like he’s developing... it still feels like, how far can this guy go?” he added.
Looking Ahead:
This debate is far from over, especially with Hamilton's high-profile move to Ferrari on the horizon. Coulthard's comments reflect a growing sentiment that while Hamilton's legacy is cemented, Verstappen is the driver defining the current era. The ultimate answer will likely be decided on track in the coming seasons.