David Coulthard believes Lewis Hamilton's title defeat last month in Abu Dhabi was likely more of a shock for Mercedes boss Toto Wolf than it was for the seven-time world champion.
Since last month's controversial shootout at Yas Marina, the debate over the circumstances surrounding Max Verstappen's triumph continues to rage.
As for Hamilton, the seven-time world champion switched off from the rest of the world in the days following his bitter defeat and the Briton hasn't been seen or heard from since, which has put a cloud of uncertainty over his immediate future.
However, in an interview with Britain's The Telegraph, Coulthard believes Hamilton is remaining out of the public eye to avoid the incessant deluge of comments regarding last month's title decider.
"I think he will be bored with everyone saying to him, 'You were robbed, Lewis!', or, 'You're the people's champion, Lewis!'" Coulthard contended.
"He'll be avoiding even having those conversations."
The former Grand Prix driver also rejects the idea that Hamilton will pop out of the woodwork to announce his retirement from the sport, reminding fans that the Mercedes driver committed last summer to a two-year contract with the Brackley squad that runs until the end of 2023.
Coulthard also suggested that rather than Hamilton himself, Wolff and the Mercedes team were perhaps the most hard hit by the drama that took place in Abu Dhabi.
"The big decision was when he committed to that new two-year [Mercedes] contract midway through last season," added the Scot.
"I don't think Abu Dhabi changes anything. Of course, he would have liked to have won. I think he was very emotional, as anyone would be under the circumstances.
"But I think the reality is the shock was probably far less for him than it would have been for Toto, or the rest of the team, or his fans."
Speaking from his personal experience, Coulthard reckons that Hamilton will have likely quickly detached himself from any somber thoughts that may have lingered in the aftermath of his Abu Dhabi defeat.
"I can't compare myself to Lewis in terms of success or speed but one thing I think I can relate to is that emotional detachment, once the moment's gone," he explained.
"The euphoria of success wears off quite quickly, and the disappointment of defeat wears off quite quickly as well."
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