Ex-Red Bull driver snubs Lewis Hamilton to pick best F1 driver in overtaking
Lewis Hamilton is statistically the greatest driver in F1 but is not the greatest in overtaking according to David Coulthard.
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Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton (via Racefans.net), David Coulthard (via @motorsportcom/Instagram)
Lewis Hamilton has so far amassed an impressive 105 wins and seven driver’s titles, which is more than any other driver in the history of F1. This would make fans interpret that the Brit is one of the best drivers when it comes to overtaking. However, ex-Red Bull driver David Coulthard thinks otherwise as he reckons Hamilton’s arch nemesis Max Verstappen is the best in overtaking.
Max Verstappen made his way into the sport just at the age of 17. His young demeanor was usually visible through his aggressive maneuvers which often ended up in him DNFing out of a race. However, as he has gained experience, his racecraft has got better and his moves despite being aggressive, have helped him claim the top spots.
The exploits of the Dutchman over the last few years have made David Coulthard glance over Lewis Hamilton to deem Verstappen as the best driver in terms of overtaking.
But I go for the modern era and I go for Max, of the current drivers. You know if he’s behind you, then the driver in front of him knows: Either he’s going to pass or you’re both going to go off.
David Coulthard said on the Formula For Success podcast
On the other hand, the reigning champion’s overtaking masterclass could play an important role in him keeping his current lead in the driver’s championship. Otherwise, Lando Norris could potentially dethrone the Dutchman from the top spot and take home his maiden F1 championship.
Lando Norris commends Max Verstappen’s on-track awareness
Despite the two drivers being in a high-stakes title fight, Norris and Verstappen have remained friends and have often commended each other’s abilities. Subsequently, the Brit explained how the Red Bull driver has been a strong rival owing to his impressive on-track awareness.
Though the 24-year-old commended his Dutch friend’s awareness, the pair had a flashpoint in Austria when both drivers collided, resulting in Norris retiring out of the race. On the other hand, the 27-year-old finished in fifth place.
Max is probably the hardest guy to race on the track. He’s probably one of the most aware in terms of situations. For me, it’s still quite new.
Lando Norris said in an interview as quoted by RacingNews365
The Austrian Grand Prix result could play an important role in deciding the 2024 driver’s champion. Norris currently trails the reigning world champion by 52 points. Keeping in view everything that has been discussed, the remaining six races of the campaign will be an all-out brawl between the title contenders.
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Geetansh Pasricha
(772 Articles Published)