Coulthard: Hamilton should be more celebrated
- Published on 03 Nov 2018 15:14
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- By: Fergal Walsh
David Coulthard believes that Lewis Hamilton should receive more praise after the Briton wrapped up his fifth world title last weekend. Hamilton crossed the line in fourth place, which was more than enough to secure his second back-to-back championship.
The Briton had quite an unspectacular race, suffering on the Pirelli tyres as Ferrari and Red Bull got the better of Mercedes. Hamilton only needed to finish in seventh place to secure the title, but it was safe as Sebastian Vettel failed to win the Grand Prix.
Hamilton's lifestyle has been criticised by some in recent years, as the Mercedes driver spends a lot of his free time travelling and exploring other opportunities outside of Formula 1. However Coulthard says that his results should stand alone and prove his value as a driver.
"There's no question he's an exceptional driver," Coulthard told BBC Sport. "He can be divisive but whether you like his personality or like his lifestyle, you have to recognise he is an iconic and successful British racing driver and we should be celebrating that more.
"I think we're quite shy about our success in the UK. If we look at America, they just had their World Series in baseball, it's a domestic championship but they talk about it like it's the world. We don't really celebrate how good we are across the board. We're good at what we do, not just in motorsport, and we need to shout about it more."
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Replies (12)
Login to replywarhoward
Posts: 3
Hami's a massive flog ..... thats why people ddont give him the respect he thinks he deserves.
blade
Posts: 341
what's a flog?
ajpennypacker
Posts: 2,475
Well it's so often the case with dominant athletes. They have a lot of haters, but after they retire and emotions are not so high, people tend to come together. I know I felt like that with Michael Schumacher.
Lewis similarly divisive, has ardent fans and some like the bloke above.
sadosalo
Posts: 198
Please David he celebrates himself over the top a bit constrain yourself please as Lewis is a narcissist, self described multiple talented in music, motivational speaker, fashion model, a vegan, God loving, please guys this man drives the best car, start from pole every race because of Bottas then blocks anybody close. He lost in 2016 from Nico Rosberg not in the top 10. Confused when somebody else start from pole? have Max in the same car voila he retires quick as he wont & cant manage defeat.
ajpennypacker
Posts: 2,475
What you say about Lewis'personality is absolutely true. His very much in love with himself. But question his driving ability is stupid. It's the sort of things fools do, who allow their personal feelings on drivers cloud their judgment. Lewis is a prick. But he's also inmensely talented, one of the best ever. Schumacher won most of his championships driving an even more dominant Ferrari. But I el call out the stupidity of anyone undermining Schumacher talent because of that. Finally... The comment about Max? Well you seem to fit the stereotype of Max's fans lol
sadosalo
Posts: 198
this question; WILL HAMILTON BEAT SCHUMACHER'S CHAMPIONSHIP RECORD?
its no period! Verstappen is on his way and no pussy like the ham man.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
I'd probably temper my expectations for RB a bit for 2019. They'll be initiating a new deal with a new partner, and I dont think they'll be ready to challenge for titles in 2019.
Mansell
Posts: 104
Just cause I'm not a fan of his , doesn't mean I dislike him, yeah he's won those titles and all still don't think he's that great personally but don't hate him
xoya
Posts: 583
Same. Although I really think he is on par with Senna regarding (at least) qualifying.
mcbhargav
Posts: 1,332
Hamilton is a one of the quickest racers ever. But, He never built a quick car from a dog, and simply lucked into it twice. Prost imo is better racer than him having lesser number of titles, without going upto MS.
Rindtchamp
Posts: 304
DC shut up. Lewis is a great driver but would he have 5 titles if he wasn't driving for the most dominating team in F1's history or his teammate wasn't a wingman who lets him past 1 - 2 times a race? Nope! Lewis is a great driver for sure, but he's just lucked out in the biggest way possible.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Oh for sure, but doesnt the same kinda apply to Senna, Hunt, Lauda, and all the others? They all were fortunate to get into good cars and had a team mate they could either overpower or use team orders on. Lewis has had both: A Lauda vs Senna stint with Rosberg, and a Schumi vs Barrichello stint with Bottas. Not that Im a fan of Hammy (my mum, boss and colleague would never forgive me), but he does deserve some degree of merit. Wont celebrate him, but I recognize him for this year.