(Motorsport-Total.com) – David Coulthard, former Formula 1 driver, is confident: Charles Leclerc has the necessary maturity to handle the enormous pressure of expectations alongside seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton. He emphasizes that the Monegasque will realize that a victory over the Brit is not achievable at every race weekend.
Read more Marc Surer: This is why Mercedes should get Max Verstappen
The dynamics at Ferrari have come into focus after Hamilton’s maiden win for the team at the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona-Catalunya. While the 41-year-old celebrated this milestone, Leclerc experienced a frustrating weekend: after a crash in qualifying, he retired from the race due to a power steering failure.
In the podcast Up To Speed, Coulthard commented on the ongoing discussions about Leclerc and how he will handle the new pressure from his teammate: “I think he has now reached a point in his career where he is mature enough to understand that in a duel against a seven-time world champion, you certainly won’t come out on top every time,” explained the former racer.
“When Hamilton came to Mercedes, it was probably a bit easier for him than expected. He was basically still the one setting the pace in the team. But what we have seen this year – just think back to Shanghai, where they overtook and fought each other.”
“Back then we wondered: ‘Is Ferrari doing the right thing by letting their guys race each other?’ But actually, it was brilliant entertainment for us, and it was the first sign that Lewis Hamilton is back in absolute top form.”
Read more Marc Surer: This is why Mercedes should get Max Verstappen
“He will therefore be disappointed with his own performances at the past Grands Prix. But he has a multi-million, long-term secure contract for the future,” said Coulthard.
| Race | Leclerc (Q) | Hamilton (Q) | Leclerc (R) | Hamilton (R) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 4 | 2 | 5 | |
| Australia | 4. | 7. (+0.151) | 3. | 4. (+0.6) |
| China | 4. (+0.013) | 3. | 4. (+3.6) | 3. |
| Japan | 4. | 6. (+0.162) | 3. | 6. (+9.8) |
| Miami | 3. | 6. (+0.176) | 7. (+10.5) | 6. |
| Canada | 8. (+0.108) | 5. | 4. (+33.4) | 2. |
| Monaco | 4. (+0.072) | 3. | Retirement | 2. |
| Barcelona | 10. (no time) | 2. | 15. (+4 laps) | 1. |
“Even if the worst case happens for him and Lewis consistently delivers, wins races, and wins the championship: Lewis will certainly only be around for another two or three years. I can’t imagine him racing for the next five years – which probably corresponds to the contract length Charles has.”
Hamilton currently holds second place in the drivers’ standings, 41 points behind leader Kimi Antonelli. Leclerc ranks fourth, 40 points behind his teammate.
Read more Marc Surer: This is why Mercedes should get Max Verstappen