Coulthard Explains Possible Cause of Hamilton’s Ferrari Test Crash “it was due to…read more
Former Formula 1 driver David Coulthard has weighed in on Lewis Hamilton’s recent crash during a private Ferrari test, offering his theory on why the incident occurred.
Hamilton, who is set to begin his highly anticipated first season with Ferrari after leaving Mercedes, was participating in a Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) session at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya when he lost control and crashed in the final sector of the track.
The seven-time world champion’s accident sparked discussions within the F1 community, but Coulthard believes it is being overanalyzed. Speaking on the Formula For Success podcast, he downplayed the significance of the incident, stating that such mistakes are part of the sport, regardless of a driver’s experience or success.
Coulthard Dismisses the Crash as a Routine Off
During the podcast, Coulthard emphasized that minor mistakes and crashes happen even to the best drivers.
“People made a big deal about his recent test in Barcelona,” Coulthard noted. “He had a small off, and any off can be labeled a crash. But going off track is just part of being a racing driver. It doesn’t matter if it was Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher, or the current Ferrari driver, Lewis Hamilton. Everyone makes mistakes at some point.”
Power Unit Adjustment Could Be Key Factor
While the crash was not deemed significant, Coulthard suggested that Hamilton’s unfamiliarity with Ferrari’s systems might have contributed to the mishap.
For the first time in over a decade, Hamilton is stepping away from Mercedes, a team he has been with since 2013. Even before that, during his six-year stint with McLaren from 2007 to 2012, he was still driving cars powered by Mercedes engines.
Now, in his first-ever experience with Ferrari’s power unit, Hamilton is adapting to a completely different system. Coulthard believes this adjustment could have been a factor in the crash.
“I think it’s as simple as this—he has to get used to Ferrari’s control systems and power delivery,” Coulthard explained. “These modern F1 cars use hybrid engines, meaning they don’t just rely on the natural torque of an internal combustion engine. The electrical energy kicks in differently, and that affects how the car accelerates.”
Coulthard suggested that Hamilton’s extensive experience with Mercedes’ hybrid engine might have influenced his muscle memory, possibly catching him off guard when dealing with Ferrari’s unique power delivery.
“He’s spent so many years driving a Mercedes-powered car that his instincts are naturally aligned with that system,” Coulthard added. “It’s very possible that this difference in how the power is delivered led to his off-track moment.”
