Lewis Hamilton backlash as F1 star told he's in the wrong - 'That's not the case'
Lewis Hamilton sparked F1 controversy with his recent comments on Max Verstappen
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David Coulthard believes Lewis Hamilton got it wrong with his recent comments on Max Verstappen.
The Mercedes star suggested his Red Bull rival had it easier during his time in the sport due to the quality of his team-mates.
But Coulthard has now condemned Hamilton and believes he's in the wrong for two reasons.
In an interview with Formula1.com, the 52-year-old said: “I know Lewis had made a comment that he does not have tough team-mates.
David Coulthard has condemned Lewis Hamilton and thinks F1 star got it wrong
REUTERS
“First of all, that’s not the case, and second of all it’s not actually about who your team-mate is, it’s about who your competitors are.
"And the biggest competitor so far has been Lewis.
"And they have been unbelievable in the way they have gone wheel-to-wheel, and performed, and really delivered some great results."
Hamilton had triggered Red Bull fans by saying his own team-mates were far superior to Verstappen's, citing the likes of Nico Rosberg and Jenson Button as examples.
“When I qualified half a second, six tenths ahead of Valtteri [Bottas], they [the media] didn’t say the same thing as they say today when Max qualifies six tenths ahead of [Sergio] Perez," he said.
"It’s blown up much more. In my personal opinion, Valtteri and all of my team-mates have been stronger than the team-mates that Max has had.
"Jenson [Button], Fernando [Alonso], George [Russell], Valtteri, Nico [Rosberg]. I’ve had so many.
"These guys have all been very, very strong, very consistent and Max has not raced against anyone like that."
Hamilton's comments also sparked a response from Verstappen himself.
And the 25-year-old hit back by accusing the Mercedes star of being jealous.
"Maybe he's a little bit jealous of our current success," he said before the Italian Grand Prix earlier this month.
"I don't know why he says that.
"Maybe he thinks there is something to win or defend with comments like that, but for me it doesn't matter at all."
Meanwhile, Hamilton has faced calls to be stripped of the F1 title he won back in 2008.
Felipe Massa is actively looking to get the result of that season overturned, with the Brazilian's lawyers taking action.
Hamilton, however, didn't appear fazed when quizzed last week.
"If that's the direction Felipe wants to go in, that's his decision, but I prefer not to focus on the past," he stated.
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F1 champion Max Verstappen recently hit back at Lewis Hamilton and accused his rival of jealousy
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“Whether it’s 15 years ago, two years ago, three days ago, I’m just interested in the present and focused on helping my team this week.”
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