Ex-Formula 1 driver David Coulthard believes Lewis Hamilton is starting to take control again at Mercedes, following a recent spell behind team-mate George Russell.
Russell shocked the F1 paddock last season and claimed Mercedes’ only pole position and victory in 2022, whilst Hamilton’s streak of winning a race in every campaign since 2007 came to an end.
The former Williams driver also became just the third team-mate of Hamilton’s to beat him in the Drivers’ Championship, something which very rarely happens.
Many wondered if it was a sign that the seven-time World Champion was finished; however, he’s come back with a bang in 2023.
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Hamilton has claimed three podiums this season compared to Russell’s one, whilst the 38-year-old also sits 37 points ahead in the Drivers’ Championship.
The 103-time race winner is certainly starting to show his superiority in the Mercedes garage once again, with Coulthard admitting that he “gave warning” to Russell that the veteran could become “formidable” again.
“We gave warning of ‘be careful of getting ahead of yourself’ because Lewis, when he is on form, is a formidable teammate,” Coulthard said on the Formula For Success podcast.
“We have definitely seen a turning of the tide, in terms of Lewis is looking pretty sharp, there’s this spring in his voice when he’s talking to the team.”
Ex-F1 team owner Eddie Jordan seemingly agrees with Coulthard that there is a “turning of the tide” at Mercedes, with Hamilton very much being back on top.
Jordan was “super concerned” about Russell being partnered with Hamilton but has been pleased to see how well the 25-year-old has done, to the extent where he’s “surpassed everything”.
However, Jordan does think that Hamilton has rediscovered his “mojo again”, something which could be very dangerous for the King’s Lynn-born star.
“I was super concerned [about Russell],” added Jordan.
“However, George has absolutely surpassed everything I thought he could be and he is a brilliant potential future World Champion, if he is in the right position and the right car, he has got everything.
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“Lewis has upped his game, however. He has found his mojo again. He drove a good tactical race [in Canada], giving the car the best chance.
“I think it is encouraging what we are seeing at Mercedes but they still have a bit to catch up with the Aston Martin which still looks very strong, and the Red Bull.
“But I don’t see the Red Bull suffering in the future. I think the championship is over, sad to say, but that’s what I think – I don’t see anyone touching Max [Verstappen].”