Hamilton receives 'controversial' criticism as Ferrari sent warning

Former F1 driver David Coulthard has pinpointed Lewis Hamilton as 2024's "biggest disappointment", a statement he recognises as being "controversial". 

The seven-time world champion slumped to seventh in the F1 drivers' title last year, scoring 22 points fewer than George Russell. 

It was the younger Briton who had the edge over Hamilton, both in points and their head-to-head battles. Russell out-qualified Hamilton 19-5, but also defeated the 40-year-old 15-9 in the races. 

Coulthard cannot remember the 105-time race winner ever performing the way he did last season, and criticised Hamilton for being unable to unlock speed from Mercedes' W15. 

"I would still point to Lewis as the biggest disappointment," said Coulthard on Viaplay. 

"I know that’s controversial as he’s a seven-time world champion and a real winning machine, but I’ve never seen this Lewis in Formula 1.

"He was beaten in qualifying, while the greats can always find speed somewhere to squeeze out a qualifying lap when it really matters."

Ferrari concern

Hamilton's campaign last year was largely overlooked by his announcement on February 1, 2024, that he would join Ferrari in 2025. 

It is one of the biggest driver moves in F1 history, resulting in an extraordinary buzz, something Coulthard recognises. 

However, the former Red Bull driver does think Ferrari should be concerned by how Hamilton performed last year.

At the same time, Coulthard also notes that Hamilton's switch to Maranello could be what the driver needs to get the best out of him again.

"Ferrari of course signed him early in the year and then everyone was very enthusiastic," Coulthard added.

"Ferrari’s shares shot up so fast that they have probably already eliminated all the costs of bringing in Lewis and [Fred] Vasseur [Ferrari team principal] of course knows him well.

"But Formula 1 remains a sport that is very dependent on data. The stopwatch doesn’t lie and at the moment it just doesn’t deliver in terms of lap times. So they have to worry a little bit.

"But sometimes change is also good. Maybe the switch to Ferrari for Hamilton, putting on that red suit, works the same as Superman putting on his suit. But it will be an exciting time anyway."