David Coulthard: Max Verstappen has 'got into Lewis Hamilton's head'

Former Formula 1 driver David Coulthard has said that he feels as though Max Verstappen has got into Lewis Hamilton’s head after their epic duel over the course of the 2021 campaign.

The two F1 heavyweights battled it out for the entirety of last year with no quarter given, and that provided for some spectacular, dramatic racing.

Indeed, the two drivers had one or two tangles along the way, that is safe to say, with both desperate to win the championship – something Max obviously did come the final race in Abu Dhabi in controversial circumstances.

Speaking to ViaPlay, then, Coulthard said that he felt that Verstappen was a worthy world champion and also suggested that his attacking driving style has perhaps got into Hamilton’s head a little bit after last year.

“I think Max has managed to get into Hamilton’s head,” said Coulthard.

“Lewis is a great driver and deserved to win in Abu Dhabi. However, I also think that Verstappen deserves the title. He has a huge fighter’s heart.

“Wherever he sees a gap, he immediately attacks. That makes him a worthy World Champion.”

It’s an interesting argument that Coulthard makes but Hamilton will feel as though he is as mentally resilient as ever, despite whatever Verstappen has and will throw at him.

Both will be eyeing a title challenge in 2022, meanwhile, and it remains to be seen who proves successful.