Hamilton confidence in Mercedes 'dented ' believes Coulthard

Former driver and BBC pundit David Coulthard believes Lewis Hamilton's trust in Mercedes strategy calls has eroded since the German team's epic pit stop fail in Monaco two weeks ago.

Although Hamilton also engaged in the ill-fated decision to pit during the Safety Car period and  was therefore partly responsible for his race's disappointing outcome, Coulthard still thinks the current world championship leader will exert caution the next time his team makes a strategic call.

“The next time Mercedes come over the radio and tell Lewis to come into the pits, expect him to be a little more than wary in his response. And quite rightly so," Coulthard wrote in his Daily Telegraph column.

The Scott believes any unintentional undermining between team and driver will undoubtedly work against Hamilton's quest for success.

“It will be extremely tricky to manage. An instruction from the team does not necessarily have to be obeyed, but if as a driver you start doubting every call then the fundamentals of how Formula 1 works start to break down.
“Lewis will come back in Canada knowing that he has the speed, but it will take time to heal the wounds and rebuild his total trust in the team.”

Click here for F1i's Canadian Grand Prix preview

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.

Recent Posts

Verstappen warns of ‘big shunts’ at daunting new Madrid circuit

Max Verstappen is expecting Formula 1’s latest new race on the calendar to come with…

1 hour ago

Brundle: Russell likely ‘bruised’ by painful Monza defeat

Sky F1's Martin Brundle suspects George Russell has every reason to look back on Monza…

2 hours ago

Scheckter brings it home for Ferrari and himself at Monza

On this day in 1979, Jody Scheckter delivered the world title to himself and to…

4 hours ago

A new Iceman cometh: Robin Raikkonen joins Red Bull Junior Team

The legend of the Iceman officially enters its next generation. Robin Räikkönen, the 11-year-old karting…

5 hours ago

Hamilton sends Ferrari fans clear message: ‘I don’t race dirty’

Lewis Hamilton has moved to extinguish any fears that his opening-lap clash with Charles Leclerc…

6 hours ago

Wolff: Antonelli ‘like an AI agent’ in relentless F1 evolution

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has watched Kimi Antonelli’s rise from promising rookie to Formula 1…

7 hours ago