Ex-F1 driver claims Lewis Hamilton ‘less controversial’ than Max Verstappen on track

David Coulthard highlighted Lewis Hamilton's less aggressive on-track approach compared to Max Verstappen in F1.

Ex-F1 driver claims Lewis Hamilton ‘less controversial’ than Max Verstappen on track

Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen (images via IMAGO)

Former F1 driver David Coulthard commented on the difference in the driving styles of Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen. He believed both the drivers possessed great qualities and abilities and drove brilliantly under high speed. However, Coulthard highlighted that the Dutch driver made some more polarizing moves.

David Coulthard highlighted that Lewis Hamilton is less aggressive on track compared to Max Verstappen. Verstappen is known for his bold and sometimes risky driving style, often pushing hard to overtake and defend positions. However, Hamilton on the other side tends to be more calculated and measured in his approach. Coulthard mentioned that in the Austrian GP Sprint, when the Briton was overtaken, he attempted a daring move to regain his position quickly. He stated that Hamilton’s driving style is less about taking high risks and more about making smart, strategic moves.

Lewis is a little less controversial on track when it comes to going all out and seeing what happens. We already saw that in the Austrian Sprint, when he was overtaken and then went all out on the inside in the next corner.
David Coulthard said, as reported by soymotor.com
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Further, Coulthard explained that when he referred to ‘controversial’, he meant that Verstappen often creates situations on track that make people think about what might happen. He stated, when a driver like him makes a daring move, it makes everyone wonder if there will be contact or if something unexpected will occur. Perhaps in relation to Verstappen’s clash with Lando Norris in Austria. However, Lewis Hamilton sometimes took bold actions, but he usually managed to handle the car well and regain his position without causing any major issues.

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We all think about what could happen and what happened is that he was able to stop the car and regain his position. When I say controversial, I mean that he creates moments that make us think about what could happen, whether there will be contact.
David Coulthard added

David Coulthard pinpoints ‘generational gap’ between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen

David Coulthard mentioned the significant age gap between Lewis Hamilton and young drivers like Max Verstappen. He noted that this age difference is a generational divide in racing. Coulthard explained that by the end of his own career, he realized how this gap affects drivers. For Hamilton, who is older, he may find it challenging to relate to younger drivers who grew up with new technologies. On the other hand the Briton had used older technology in his racing career.

There's a big age difference between the two, it's a generational thing, it's something I realised at the end of my career. With Lewis, he looks around and wonders what kind of connection he has with these 21- or 22-year-olds, because he's grown up with different tools at his disposal.
David Coulthard stated
Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton
Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton (via IMAGO)

Coulthard further stated that the Dutchman is a skilled online gamer and has been passionate about gaming since he was a child. This hobby had stayed with him into adulthood and had influenced his real life racing. The 53-year-old expressed that Verstappen’s love for online games, which involves strategy and quick reflexes, has become a part of his racing style and mindset. Hamilton, on the other hand, could not adopt this during his childhood.

Max is a sophisticated online gamer, it's been a passion of his since he was young and he's carried that into his adult life.
David Coulthard added

Certainly, David Coulthard highlighted that Max Verstappen’s generation is largely different from that of Lewis Hamilton. He reckoned Hamilton might find it challenging to relate to younger drivers of this generation like Max Verstappen.

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