Coulthard: If it looks like your health is suffering, you should leave

The build-up of new generation cars at high speeds and the consequences associated with it is one of the main topics of this season and it has already come to the point where the FIA ​​has been forced to intervene in the situation. This happened after the Baku race, where the unpleasant phenomenon took on alarming proportions and some racers, including Lewis Hamilton, complained of very painful feelings.

Former Formula 1 driver and now popular British Channel 4 commentator David Coulthard has never driven a new generation of vehicles, but he has expressed his stance on what is happening. According to the Scot, riders who perform at such a high level must be prepared to endure the pain.

“I think it’s worth remembering that in this sport, nobody promised the kind of comfort that the princess and the pea was afforded,” Coulthard says. – If you are a boxer, you have to be prepared for someone to punch you in the face. If you’re a football player, you get kicked in the leg.

I think some teams are in a difficult position right now, but the situation will gradually change. In general, it all depends on how you understand the technical regulations. I’ve worked with Adrian Newey since I was at Williams and he always said you have to read the rules to understand what they say, but it’s even more important to find out what they don’t say.

Formula 1 teams build cars in the hope of finding an approach that will give them an edge. Of course, those who have problems always complain more than those who do well. However, they all received the same technical regulations.

I’ve been in situations where I had an advantage because our team did better than the others, but I’ve also driven for teams that have done worse, and driving their cars was painful too.

But I want to say this: if a rider feels discomfort, if it seems to him that his health is suffering, then you should leave. There are many young guys who are happy to take your place in the cockpit, even if it is not so comfortable.

Coulthard also praised the work of George Russell, who has been playing for Mercedes since this year. While, in his opinion, the 24-year-old British racer is destined for real sporting glory, don’t jump to conclusions by comparing him to Lewis Hamilton.

“I think George is a future world champion,” said David. – In my opinion he is a great driver and deserves a place in this team. But we won’t know what he is really capable of compared to Lewis until Mercedes has a car that can win races. The W13 Russell currently drives is the best car he has ever driven, while the same cannot be said of Lewis.

They’re at different stages in their careers, they’re in different moods, and someone’s already excited, “Oh, George beats Lewis!” I suggest not to rush and wait for the day they take the front row of the grid at the end of qualifying – no matter in what order. If Mercedes has a car that can win championships again, we’ll see.”