David Coulthard has raised concerns about whether Lewis Hamilton has lost the competitive edge that once made him a dominant force in Formula 1. The discussion comes as Hamilton, now 41 years old, enters his 20th season in the sport, pursuing an unprecedented eighth world title to surpass the record he shares with the legendary Michael Schumacher.
Hamilton last secured the championship in 2020, after which he was dethroned by Max Verstappen. The Red Bull driver has since established himself as a formidable competitor, clinching three consecutive titles and witnessing Lando Norris claim the 2025 championship. In contrast, Hamilton has struggled with the new ground-effect aerodynamic cars, managing only two race victories over the past four years. Last season proved challenging as he transitioned to Ferrari, where he finished without a podium finish for the first time in his career.
Coulthard, reflecting on Hamilton’s recent performances, suggested that the former champion may have lost the crucial “half a tenth” that previously distinguished him from his teammates. He drew parallels to his own experiences in 2008, when he retired from racing at the age of 37. On the Up To Speed podcast, Coulthard stated, “When the stopwatch stopped talking to me and the lap times weren’t there anymore, I realised you just lose that edge.” He likened Hamilton’s situation to a football player losing speed, suggesting that the slight decrease in performance could impact the driver’s overall competitiveness.
The former driver also highlighted that Hamilton’s recent seasons have not showcased the dominance he enjoyed in the previous 15 years. Over the past two seasons, Hamilton has not secured a pole position, contributing to his struggles against teammates, first George Russell and now Charles Leclerc.
A significant factor in Hamilton’s challenges at Ferrari may stem from changes in his team dynamics. After a lengthy stint at Mercedes, where he had a strong rapport with key personnel, including race engineer Peter Bonnington and physio Angela Cullen, Hamilton faced new hurdles. Although Cullen returned to support him at Ferrari, he lost Bonnington, and his partnership with Ferrari engineer Riccardo Adami was short-lived, ending after just one season.
Coulthard emphasized the importance of the driver-engineer relationship, stating, “The relationship with your engineer is the most important in the team.” He noted that this partnership is vital for strategizing during races and ensuring the driver has access to necessary information. Hamilton will begin the new season working with Carlo Santi, before a new engineer, rumored to be Cedric Michel-Grosjean, takes over.
As Hamilton navigates these changes and seeks to regain his competitive edge, the focus remains on whether he can adapt to the evolving landscape of Formula 1. The upcoming season will be crucial in determining if he can reclaim his status as a leading contender in the sport.
