At 41 years old and after having won almost everything in Formula 1, Lewis Hamilton still impresses David Coulthard with his motivation and level at Ferrari.
Read more The designer of the Madring responds to the critics: «Possible changes are minimal»
Lewis Hamilton may have nothing left to prove in Formula 1, but his desire to continue fighting at the highest level still impresses David Coulthard. The former driver even believes that after such a long career and such an exceptional record, the motivation displayed by the Briton remains particularly remarkable.
After a difficult first season at Ferrari in 2025, Hamilton has significantly turned things around this year. At 41, the seven-time world champion currently holds third place in the championship and leads Charles Leclerc by 24 points in the standings.
Coulthard impressed by Hamilton’s motivation
Hamilton already has one of the most impressive records in the history of Formula 1. He notably holds the records for the number of wins, podiums, and pole positions, while his seven world titles place him equal with Michael Schumacher.
Despite all he has already achieved, the Briton continues to devote all his energy to competition. It is precisely this ability to maintain his motivation that impresses Coulthard.
“I find it really remarkable that after all these years and all these successes, he still wants to be there.”
The Scot also points out that Hamilton is not just extending his career. His performances still allow him to compete with the best drivers on the grid and, above all, to hold his own against Leclerc within Ferrari itself.
“When you look at his performances this year, he is ahead of Charles in the championship. We always say that data doesn’t lie and, most of the time, he has been the best-performing driver at Ferrari.”
Hamilton has regained form in 2026
The situation contrasts strongly with his first campaign under the Scuderia colors. His arrival from Mercedes had raised huge expectations, but Hamilton needed time to adapt to his new environment and to a car he sometimes struggled to understand.
The technical regulation change in 2026 seems, however, to have suited his driving style better. Hamilton has regained greater consistency and has repositioned himself among the main protagonists of the championship.
Coulthard admits he finds it hard to understand why a regulatory change can so strongly alter the hierarchy between certain drivers, even though the characteristics of the cars can naturally better match each driver’s preferences.
Read more Australia closes the door on a 2027 F1 season start despite uncertainties in the Middle East
“We know that this regulation change suited some drivers more than others. To be honest, I still don’t fully understand why, since you still have to turn the wheel left and right, accelerate and brake.”
“Lewis still performs at a very high level”
For Coulthard, the essential element remains the level displayed by Hamilton. Despite his age and many seasons in Formula 1, the Briton remains sufficiently competitive to be ahead of Leclerc after much of the season.
The question is therefore no longer whether he still has the necessary speed, but rather to understand what continues to fuel his desire after having already achieved practically all possible goals in this discipline.
“Lewis still performs at a very high level. How does he maintain this need to continue? Why does he still feel this need?”
Hamilton is obviously pursuing a historic goal with Ferrari: to win an eighth world title that would allow him to surpass Schumacher and become the sole holder of the record.
An eighth title would not change his legacy
For Coulthard, this possible eighth crown would not be necessary to confirm Hamilton’s place among the great names of Formula 1. His record and longevity are already more than enough to establish his reputation.
“Even if he wins an eighth title… I don’t need him to be eight or nine times world champion to tell me that this guy really knows how to drive.”
The former driver believes that Hamilton has long since earned this recognition and that no additional result is necessary to legitimize it.
“He has earned this status. He will keep it for the rest of his life.”
The 2026 season is unlikely to offer Hamilton this much sought-after eighth title, Kimi Antonelli having now taken a considerable lead in the championship. But for Coulthard, the simple fact that the Briton remains capable, at 41, of fighting at the front and beating Leclerc at Ferrari already demonstrates impressively his longevity at the highest level.
Read more Ferrari sounds the alarm on its engine