Despite a tough outing in Barcelona, Coulthard believes Hamilton has reasons to stay optimistic amid Ferrari’s challenges and early-season struggles.
David Coulthard believes Lewis Hamilton has reasons to remain positive despite a challenging Spanish Grand Prix.
Hamilton finished sixth at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, three places behind his teammate Charles Leclerc. The seven-time world champion outqualified Leclerc for only the second time in 2025 but struggled to find pace during the race. Indeed, after just 10 laps, Hamilton was issued team orders after holding up Leclerc behind him.
Following the safety car period, Hamilton was overtaken by Nico Hülkenberg and his Sauber for fifth place, capping off a disastrous race.
After the race, a disheartened Hamilton said there was “nothing positive” to take away from the event.
However, Coulthard felt there were still encouraging signs for the seven-time world champion.
“I think, whether Lewis likes it or not, Ferrari made the right call.”
“If the team, in its current competitive state, had been in the opposite situation, it would have been him who was pushed ahead of Charles, because you always have to put your fastest car in front, even if you sort it out later in the Grand Prix.”
“In this particular case, Lewis came into the race but didn’t have the pace at the start. So yes, he took a hit. He got knocked out, and it stayed with him when he gave his comments after the race.”
“But there was a moment in the middle of the Grand Prix where he matched Charles and seemed to find a bit of comfort.”
“So there are reasons for Lewis to be positive, but for now, I think he’s a bit shaken from dealing with all these difficulties with the Ferrari and the tyres.”