Former champion Damon Hill believes David Coulthard could win the Formula One championship this year. He also praised the rule changes that were implemented in the first race on Sunday.
Former champion Damon Hill believes David Coulthard could win the Formula One championship this year. He also praised the rule changes that were implemented in the first race on Sunday.
Hill said Coulthard’s victory at the Australian Grand Prix was an indication of what Coulthard could do. “He could absolutely be the world champion this year,” Hill told .
“If he can qualify 11th and then come into the pits and come out dead last and still win a race, then he is in good shape. It is going to be a very exciting season. David has matured a lot. He showed last year that he is a lot more solid than when he was younger.
“And McLaren looked competitive – they didn’t look nearly as uncompetitive as we thought they would. I don’t think Ferrari have the dominance right now.”
Coulthard said he had been encouraged after Sunday’s victory. “All I have ever said is that if I can win Grands Prix, and if I can then keep it together for the season, I can win the championship. It’s only logical,” Coulthard said.
“There are lesser drivers than me that have won the championship and that’s a fact.”
Hill also welcomed the rule changes. “I tried falling asleep, but I had to watch what was going on. It was a proper motor race,” Hill said.
“Hats off to Max Mosley and the FIA for being bold enough to take these measures and I’m really pleased with the way it’s turned out. I think qualifying has lost some of its excitement, I’m not so sure about that – but it doesn’t really matter because the race itself – the thing we’re all interested in – was a belter.
“It just shows you – shuffle the grid up and throw in a load of random factors and you get an interesting race.”