Formula One news

Early debut could break Hamilton - Coulthard

David Coulthard reckons that McLaren could risk destroying the career of Lewis Hamilton by giving him his debut in F1 so soon. Coulthard, a former McLaren driver from 1996-2004 said that coming up against Alonso in his debut season could break Hamilton.

"I believe McLaren have given him his break way too soon," Coulthard told the News of the World. "He could face a very tough time with Alonso as his team mate."

"Alonso maybe new to McLaren but he's a double world champion," he added. "the first person you are compared to is your team mate and if Lewis struggles alongside Alonso it could destroy his confidence,"

"I've known him since he was a kid in karting and I've absolutely no doubt he has the right attitude and work ethic to be successful in F1," Coulthard went on. "But he would have been better off with a year's testing. He's still only 21 and has plenty of racing ahead of him."

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