Lewis Hamilton is an “anomaly in a group of villains" like Max Verstappen, Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher, according to Coulthard

Former F1 driver David Coulthard claims Lewis Hamilton is an "anomaly" when compared to Michael Schumacher, Ayrton Senna and Max Verstappen. He stated that the Brit has always been a clean driver and has not involved himself in controversies.

Hamilton's stint with Mercedes helped him equal himself with the legends of the sport. He has won seven World Championships, at the top with all-time scorer Michael Schumacher. Furthermore, he also holds the record for most race wins in the sport.

Other drivers in the same category, according to former F1 driver David Coulthard, are Senna and Verstappen. However, speaking on the Red Flags Podcast, he said Hamilton is an "anomaly" when compared to these "villain" sort of drivers.

"Max is, that's why he deserves to be in the same category as an Ayrton, Michael. I see Lewis, but I put in brackets Lewis because Lewis actually has done it in a very, let's say, uncontroversial way," he said.

"I know there was a contacts with Max and his first championship year at Silverstone. That's about as much on the edge contact I've seen from Lewis. He's a very clean racer. He manages to keep out of a lot of controversy through his career. So he's this sort of anomaly in that group of the villains," he added.

Michael Schumacher and Ayrton Senna were known for their aggressive style of driving. So is the case with Max Verstappen, who has indulged in multiple close battles on the track. While these drivers remained within the rules of the sport, they were always on the limit of their cars.

Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton has seemingly always remained out of any dangerous maneuvers (considering the fact that he was mostly ahead of the grid during the Mercedes domination era). But, no F1 driver's racing portfolio remains completely clean as the 39-year-old has had his fair share of incidents as well.

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Former F1 driver feels Lewis Hamilton could bring £1,000,000,000 to Ferrari

After racing with the Brackley-based manufacturer for over a decade, Hamilton is set to move to Ferrari in 2025. The deal was finalized prior to the start of the current season after the Brit used the exit clause in his 1+1 contract with Mercedes.

Joining the Italian outfit has been outlined as one of the biggest moves in F1's history. Ferrari has been growing competitive in the past few seasons, and Lewis Hamilton is still hungry for his eighth title.

At the same time, however, Martin Donnelly feels Hamilton would bring a lot more to the table. He claimed that the team would earn a £1,000,000,000 profit through merchandising alone.

"It’s a great move for Ferrari," Donnelly said (via RacingNews365). "You bring in over a billion pounds in merchandising for the company. Few people realise how much money they make from merchandise. It’s also good for the sport."

Hamilton will replace Carlos Sainz, who has been racing with the team since the 2021 season. While the Spaniard is seemingly excited about his move to Williams Racing, he said if Ferrari manages to contend for the Drivers' title in 2025, it would hurt him.