Lew-sing is a short blip
LEWIS HAMILTON will silence the doubters and take Mercedes back to the top, says driver-turned-pundit David Coulthard.
Hamilton has drawn a rare blank in his first two races as the Silver Arrows were blown away after close-season changes to the regulations.
The seven-time former world champion is already playing catch-up but Coulthard (below) believes the Brit will prove his commitment and hunger by closing the gap, and then mount a title challenge.
“What has happened with Lewis and Mercedes might be slightly demotivating,” he said. “I expect him to do what he has done for many years – get the feedback on his car and be the voice of it.
“The workload is the same whether you are winning or losing. What is different is the frustration because you don’t have a winning car. But I was massively impressed that he committed himself into signing a two-year contract.
“That told me he had a hunger and a focus. It only takes a bad run and a bit of frustration for a driver’s motivation to tail off.
“The question is for him, ‘Am I prepared to go through the motions this season or am I actually going to consider my future?’
“This will show to any of the doubters his absolute underlying commitment.”
After a spell of dominance Mercedes have been pegged back with Red Bull maintaining their competitiveness and Ferrari racing out of the blocks.
Coulthard believes Hamilton’s Brackleybased team will regain their mojo – but that one key question remains. “I think there is cause for concern with Mercedes. They have
pedigree and a track record for overcoming issues and producing fast cars,” he said.
“But the concern is, how long will it take?”
David Coulthard will be presenting F1 highlights of the Australian Grand Prix from 3.05pm on Channel 4 today, which is preceded by live coverage of Formula E from Rome at 1.30pm.