DC: F1 needs a fully-functioning Lewis

Editor

David Coulthard is hoping Lewis Hamilton’s victory in Abu Dhabi is the start of a revival as he reckons F1 needs him to be firing on all cylinders…

David Coulthard is hoping Lewis Hamilton’s victory in Abu Dhabi is the start of a revival as he reckons F1 needs Hamilton to be firing on all cylinders.

The McLaren driver has had a difficult 2011 season, plagued with both on-track and off-track issues.

However, Hamilton may have turned a corner last time out in Abu Dhabi when he claimed just his third race victory of the campaign.

One person who is hoping that is so is Coulthard.

“After all the column inches, the speculation over his mental state and his driving, he came back and delivered a near-faultless weekend,” the Scot wrote in his column for the Daily Telegraph.

“We will never know what might have happened had Sebastian Vettel’s Red Bull not blown a tyre on the opening lap but that’s immaterial now. Lewis was in position to capitalise and didn’t put a wheel out of place.

“Lewis is a naturally emotional guy, and there will be times when this handicaps him, but when you see the unadulterated joy, the relief, the passion on his face, after a win like he had on Sunday, you can’t help but admire someone who is prepared to let it all hang out. I saw him afterwards, away from the cameras, holding hands with his mother and it was deeply touching.

“Can this be a turning point for Lewis? I have no idea. As he has told us enough times, his problems stem from issues off the track – personal issues – but there has never been any doubting his talent or speed.

“I hope he comes back strong next year because Formula One needs a fully fit, fully functioning Lewis Hamilton.”