Hamilton dropping title to Bottas would give F1 'dilemma' - Coulthard

David Coulthard believes Valtteri Bottas beating Lewis Hamilton to the Formula 1 world drivers' championship in 2019 would be bad for the sport's global appeal. Hamilton has won four of the last five championships, giving F1 exposure across the world as he dips into other spheres of entertainment.

A level of celebrity follows Hamilton like no other driver on the grid and the five-time world champion often rubs shoulders with luminaries from the words of sport, fashion and music.

News of Hamilton's success is global news in a way that Coulthard says would not be the case if the more understated Bottas were champion.

Six races into 2019, Bottas has won two races to Hamilton's six, trailing his team-mate by 17 points.

Coulthard told Mirror Sport of Hamilton: "He is the biggest star in Formula 1 - but therein lies a dilemma.

"Not taking anything away from Valtteri, who has really learned from his mean season last year. He came back strong this year, put in some great performances and could well win this world championship.

"But if Valtteri Bottas won the world championship, it's big news in Finland and big news in the world of Formula 1 but it's not going to move the dial in global markets.

"Lewis and his profile in America, his fashion line with Tommy Hilfiger, and all of the various things he does take him and Formula 1 to another audience.

"That's not a reason to give him the championship, but it's a much bigger thing than just who wins the championship - and it does look he's in the driving seat."

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