David Coulthard: Former Red Bull Driver Suggests Reason for Lewis Hamilton’s Struggle With Mercedes

• British driver, Lewis Hamilton, has endured a torrid start to the 2024 Formula 1 season
• The seven-time champion could only manage a ninth-place finish at the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix
• A Formula 1 race winner has suggested the reason behind the Britons' current struggles at Mercedes

Lewis Hamilton is currently experiencing his worst start to a Formula 1 season, after only mustering a seventh-place and a ninth-place finish in the opening two races of 2024.

The seven-time drivers’ champion, who stirred the motorsport world with his decision to join Ferrari in February, has seen his performances fall short of his lofty standards.

Notably, he has been consistently out-qualified by his teammate, George Russell, in both qualifying sessions and races through the early stages of the season.

To highlight Hamilton’s woes, Ferrari rookie, Oliver Bearman, who made his F1 debut at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, managed to outshine the seasoned 39-year-old despite starting three grid places behind him.

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This unexpected struggle has prompted former Red Bull driver, David Coulthard, to speculate on the underlying reasons behind Hamilton's downturn in form.

Coulthard speaks on Hamilton’s struggle

In an interview with Channel 4, as reported by GP Fans, the 53-year-old remarked:

"He's clearly struggling to adapt to this car. George [Russell] is really dialling in the lap times, and you can sense that Lewis [Hamilton] is playing catch-up.

"We do know, though, that once he gets into his groove, he will deliver. But at the moment, his focus seems to be on Ferrari. Mentally, he's already moved on."

The sentiments of the 13-time F1 race winner appear to echo the thoughts of many within the sport.

Hamilton appears to have adopted an indifferent attitude towards the Mercedes W15 Silver Arrow. The British driver’s demeanour often reflects someone whose mind is fully focused on his upcoming switch to Ferrari for the 2025 season.

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Verstappen reacts to Red Bull exit talks

In another report, Sports Brief mentioned that Dutch driver, Max Verstappen, has responded to speculations linking him with a move away from Red Bull.

The 26-year-old, who spoke to the press after the conclusion of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, did not give a definitive answer regarding his immediate future.

Verstappen is considered a potential candidate to fill the void left by Hamilton's departure at Mercedes.