Coulthard: Hamilton biggest 2024 disappointment, Ferrari have to worry

Hamilton is getting ready to finally put on the Red racing suit as his Ferrari debut edges closer, which might be the best thing for the Briton to get over a disappointing final season with Mercedes.

Hamilton struggled with the W15 Mercedes put at his disposal and was outqualified by teammate George Russell 19 to 5 while also being outraced 13 to 7. And while he was level on wins with Russell, Hamilton's win at Spa was down to his teammate being disqualified for a weight irregularity on the #63 Mercedes.

Former F1 driver Coulthard did not mince his words when asked about Hamilton's 2024 season; he told The Mirror: "I would still point to Lewis as the biggest disappointment.

"I know that's controversial as he's a seven-time world champion and a real winning machine, but I've never seen this Lewis in Formula 1. He was beaten in qualifying, while the greats can always find speed somewhere to squeeze out a qualifying lap when it really matters," the Scot explained.

Following Hamilton's struggles with Mercedes in 2024, there was a lot of speculation regarding the mindset of the Ferrari management and whether they may be worried about their star signing in 2025, which Fred Vasseur denied.

But Coulthard commented: "Ferrari of course signed him [Hamilton] early in the year and then everyone was very enthusiastic.

"Ferrari's shares shot up so fast that they have probably already eliminated all the costs of bringing in Lewis and [team principal Frederic] Vasseur of course knows him well. But Formula 1 remains a sport that is very dependent on data.

"The stopwatch doesn't lie and at the moment it just doesn't deliver in terms of lap times. So they have to worry a little bit. But sometimes change is also good.

"Maybe the switch to Ferrari for Hamilton, putting on that red suit, works the same as Superman putting on his suit. But it will be an exciting time anyway," Coulthard concluded.