David Coulthard believes Charles Leclerc will cause Lewis Hamilton "huge problems" when the Brit eventually makes the switch to Ferrari in 2025.
The world of F1 was stunned at the start of the month when news broke that Hamilton was set to rip up his Mercedes contract to sign for Ferrari at the end of the season.
Hamilton has long been linked with a move to Ferrari throughout his career, but he previously admitted to fearing that "ship had sailed".
The seven-time world champion appeared content with the possibility of ending his career with Mercedes and signed a two-year extension at the end of last season.
Lewis Hamilton will be 40 by the start of the 2025 season
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But it was later revealed that contract included a release clause, which Ferrari activated for the 2025 season.
He will form a super team with Leclerc next year, replacing Spaniard Carlos Sainz.
And Coulthard feels Hamilton will struggle to compete with his future Ferrari team-mate with the F1 icon approaching his twilight years.
"It is very nice for Formula 1 and it will also give Ferrari a big boost," Coulthard said on the Formula for Success podcast.
"Nevertheless, I think he will have a huge problem with Leclerc.
"He is a young and brilliant racing driver.
"He may not have the championships and experience that Lewis has, but he is truly a champion in the making.
"Charles is perhaps the fastest driver over one lap.
"Lewis is of course a fantastic racer, but he is almost forty.
Lewis Hamilton will go up against Charles Leclerc
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"That doesn't exactly improve his speed over a lap. In addition, Leclerc is in his best years."
Coulthard was in conversation with Eddie Jordan and the former McLaren driver called Hamilton's switch to Ferrari "unbelievable".
But Jordan hit back at Coulthard's remark, insisting they both predicted the move five months ago.
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David Coulthard feels Lewis Hamilton will struggle
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He replied: “It’s not unbelievable. Don’t be silly, David, even by your own standards.
"Last September you asked me, ‘What about the rumours of Lewis going to Ferrari?’ And what did we say? We both agreed [that it could].
“So, why are we now, suddenly – four, five months later – all perturb and saying, ‘Oh my god! Oh my god!’ Look what’s happened. We told everyone in September.”
