David Coulthard reckons the duel between teammates Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton will be hard to predict.
Jenson joined McLaren on the back of winning the 2009 championship with Brawn GP, now Mercedes GP. Many predicted the move would be a bad career choice, as it meant going up against one of the highest rated drivers on the grid.
Coulthard agrees in part. When asked if Jenson had entered the lion’s den, he said: “I think that’s true, He could have stayed within the comfort of Brawn – which has obviously now become Mercedes Grand Prix – and defended his title there, but what he’s done is to give us all the opportunity to really see how good he is.”
With multiple regulation changes coming into force in 2010, including the ban on re-fuelling, it put’s greater pressure on drivers to conserve their rear tyres. This in effect benefits Jenson as he is regarded as a smooth driver, whereas Hamilton is heavy on his tyres.
This could give Jenson the edge at McLaren.
“I’m curious, genuinely curious, to know which one is going to best handle the 2010 regulations and the challenge of competing against each other,” added Coulthard.
“There’s no question that Lewis Hamilton is a great driver and there’s no question that Jenson is a great driver, but one of those guys come the end of the season will be on top – and it’s going to be fascinating to watch.
“I don’t know the answer – let’s wait and see.”
