Coulthard: Hamilton’s move is part of growing up and becoming a man
29 September, 2012
Lewis Hamilton talks with Lee McKenzie (GBR) and David Coulthard after winning the Canadian GP
Sep.29 (Reuters) Lewis Hamilton’s Formula One switch from McLaren to Mercedes next year is an essential step that could be the making of him as a man, former McLaren driver David Coulthard said on Saturday.
The Scot, who started his career at Williams and ended it with Red Bull, wrote in a Daily Telegraph column that he felt that the 2008 world champion had grown out of McLaren and had to make a move.
“Sometimes relationships just reach their natural conclusion,” he said.
“You don’t live your whole life at home, even though the fridge is always full and the laundry gets done for you. At some stage you have to move out. Grow up. Become a man. This is that moment for Lewis.”
McLaren principal Martin Whitmarsh told reporters on Friday, when Hamilton’s three-year deal was announced, that it was a mistake to leave a winning team like his.
Hamilton, 27, has never driven for any other team after being backed from his early teenage years by McLaren – then co-owned by Mercedes – and making a sensational Formula One debut in 2007.
He has won three races this year, and 20 in his F1 career with McLaren.
Coulthard saw the move as a sign of Hamilton wanting to take control of his own destiny, after replacing his father Anthony as manager with XIX Entertainment and moving abroad, first to Switzerland and then Monaco.
“One by one he has moved out of the shadows cast by his father, Anthony, by [former McLaren team boss] Ron Dennis, and now Martin [Whitmarsh], the current McLaren team principal, as well,” said the Scot.
“It isn’t all about winning. It is at least as much about the journey, about how you act and how you feel within yourself.”
Hamilton’s move triggered a shake-up in the paddock, with Mexican Sergio Perez signing a deal taking him from Sauber to McLaren as the Briton’s replacement.
Germany’s seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher, the most successful driver the sport has ever seen, with 91 race wins, has had to move aside for Hamilton.
“So many questions are thrown up by Lewis’s decision to join Mercedes and F1 is undoubtedly the better for it. With luck Lewis will be as well. This could be the making of him as a man,” said Coulthard.
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@Nichole, who cares what you think and what have you done in your life to make us listen and try to understand you? Have you ever drove an F1 car for Williams, McLaren or Red Bull? No? Or in Lauda’s case get into a crash, be on fire and yet get over mental blocks your brain produces to win another world’s driver championship after it… Until then he can say what he thinks… and so can you. But to an outsider who’s thoughts make more sense? Don’t diss people off because you don’t agree with them.
Who listens to DC a loser, never won a c/ship. He too would love the move anything to get rid of Michael. Jealous scott. why these losers hang around the paddock and give their opinions I really do not know. Another is Lauda, I wish he would enter the home-for-the aged, the best place for him. He is a traitor to his country.
I think a driver should be where he is happy, even i was Disappointed by his decision, and we could clearly see that He wasn’t happy at Mclaren, maybe because whenever he tried to give his Best ,something on the other happened, if he is happy and motivated , and has a good car for 2013 , maybe he can win for Merc ..
And when ever did the opinion of DC ever matter. He’s gone to another team for money because his gangster like management company get a big pay out and they can convince the gullible Hamilton that it’s best for him. Too right he needs to man up and manage himself for goodness sakes…
DC is right. While not always the case, a talent growing up in a family business- and that is virtually the case with Lewis and McLaren – will grow their overall maturity only by expanding their horizons and getting out of the cloistered evirionment. I’d bet we’ll see a better balanced Lewis next year.
DC was never a man in his racing days..who is he to judge others..and with hammy’s switch i have a feeling that there will b alot of boo from mclaren fans for him in 2013 silverstone
David has lost his marbles.
David’s lost his marbles.
@Stewy33: No, but apparently you’re one of the ones who didn’t hear, or didn’t want to hear, that the Mercedes board agreed to 8 more years in F1 before the deal was finalized.
Sorry to rain on your schadenfreude.
@Mighty K: also part of “growing up”. You should try it yourself.
@Stewy33:
Actually no but I must admit I thought that has been cleared with Merc agreeing to the new Concord agreement.
But I have to say it would be just deserts.
@ Stewy33 yeah that IS a bit funny… we’ll just have to wait and see now!
Anyways loyalty aside, DC has a valid point. Some people just think they need a fresh challenge. We’ll never know what Lewis’ main reason is, but we must just respect it. Maybe he can turn Mercedes around, maybe not.. who knows.
Remember Jenson in 2009 when he stayed at Brawn (formerly Honda)? I guarantee NOBODY would expect that he could win the WDC! What team? Brawn? Hah! But he did..
2007? Kimi also said at one point, the chance of him winning the title has gone.. but he still managed to win it at the very last race! So you see, anything can happen. Best of luck to Lewis!
@stewy33
How funny would it be for Lewis to receive all those millions not driving for mercedes and at the same time get an IMMEDIATE vacant seat in a subtopteam.
Am I the only one that remembers that Mercedes wants to pull the plug on their F1 program… How funny will it be if they shut down their program and Lewis gets stuck looking for a ride again? Maybe a HRT seat will be available!
Just to add that i too am a Merc, Shu, Merc and Mclaren fan and Lotus …
All ya Merc, Hamilton ,Shumacher and Mclaren fans lets put aside these things and wait for 2013 season, as it is useless to say know that who should have done what , since they have already signed the deals, all we need to do is wait for 2013 season….. and then well see the fun… lets hope that Shumi stays in f1, with another team !!
Thank you, Dad, for that riveting insight. So what I surmise from your opinion here DC is that had Lewis been a member of Mercedes AMG F1 team last season, then his ‘spoiled brat-my personal life is in shambles-the first thing I’ll let suffer is what I’m being paid millions to do-don’t bother me’ persona would never have surfaced because he would have been “a man” by virtue of having switched teams. Hmmm, well I guess we’ll all see soon enough.