There have been a handful of great drivers who have driven for the masterful F1 team McLaren including 2-time world champion Mika Häkkinen, David Coulthard and 7-time world champion Lewis Hamilton.
ADVERTISING
Article continues under this ad
Part of McLaren’s success in Formula 1 naturally goes to Norbert Haug, who played a key role in the negotiations between the British team and the German manufacturer Mercedes-Benz. He was part of the band for 15 years before retiring.
Since he was part of the McLaren-Mercedes era, Haug therefore spoke about who he would rate as the best McLaren driver. The German journalist chose 3 names, Hamilton, Häkkinen and Coulthard.
ADVERTISING
Article continues under this ad
What did Norbert Haug say?
During a podcast, Haug compared the successes of the ex-McLaren drivers with the team. It was the first Häkkinen to beat over his weight most of the time and fight against the formally strong Michael Schumacher.
“It’s difficult to judge. I think we had a lot of really good and fast drivers. I mean, Mika was very, very specialized in some qualifying sessions. If you have to fight Michael Schumacher in Suzuka, it’s not easy at all, ”he said while starring on the F1 podcast Beyond the Grid.
Formula 1 F1 – Styria Grand Prix – Red Bull Ring, Spielberg, Styria, Austria – June 26, 2021 Lewis Hamilton from Mercedes wears a protective face mask after qualifying in third place REUTERS / Leonhard Foeger
“And David Coulthard on his day was amazing. But David himself only describes him very often, was not quite as fast as Mika.
“And then of course Lewis. I mean, Lewis had some fantastic races. Once at Silverstone in the rain, if you remember. I think he was over a minute ahead of runner-up Nick Heidfeld. And Fuji was a great race too, ”added Haug.
Lewis Hamilton, the most successful F1 driver: Haug
The 68-year-old revealed his decision and, unsurprisingly, pointed his finger at the 7-time world champion. That didn’t necessarily mean he spoke less of the other two, however.
“So the fastest, of course the most successful in Lewis. Mika deserved more because we had a few failures here and there, ”he said.
Lewis Hamilton (R) from Great Britain and McLaren listens as Michael Schumacher (L) from Germany and Mercedes GP at the drivers press conference during the preview of the Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix at the Monte Carlo Circuit in Monte Carlo, Monaco , speaks. (Photo by Clive Mason / Getty Images)
“I mean, the cars aren’t as bulletproof as they are today. But all in all it was a great time. The McLaren days were fantastic. “
ADVERTISING
Article continues under this ad
Overall, Hamilton had an uncomplicated phase at Mercedes until 2020 and secured titles with the sheer pressure of others.
However, in 2021, Hamilton presented what might be his greatest F1 challenge in the form of Max Verstappen. So can the Briton bring his A game to the table to defeat the 2021 title favorite, Verstappen?
ADVERTISING
Article continues under this ad
View history: From Lewis Hamilton to Miz: When F1 & WWE crossed over
The post Hamilton, Häkkinen or Coulthard! Ex-Mercedes director chooses fastest McLaren F1 driver first appeared on monter-une-startup.
