Wolff more 'shocked' by Abu Dhabi than "bored" Hamilton - Coulthard

Former F1 driver David Coulthard feels the shock of what unfolded in last year's season-ending race in Abu Dhabi will have been far greater for Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff than for Lewis Hamilton.

Although Hamilton has not spoken publicly since shortly after the end of the race that determined the destiny of the title, Coulthard believes the seven-time champion will no longer care as to what people say or think about the incident.

“I think he will be bored with everyone saying to him, ‘You were robbed, Lewis!’ or ‘You’re the people’s champion, Lewis!’" said Coulthard, speaking to the Telegraph newspaper in the UK.

"He’ll be avoiding even having those conversations.”

Instead, the 13-time GP winner feels the seismic implications of FIA race director Michael Masi's decisions will have impacted far more heavily on Wolff.

“The big decision was when he committed to that new two-year [Mercedes] contract midway through last season,” added Coulthard.

“I don’t think Abu Dhabi changes anything. Of course, he would have liked to have won. And I think he was very emotional, as anyone would be under the circumstances.

"But I think the reality is the shock was probably far less for him than it would have been for Toto, or the rest of the team, or his fans."

Believing Hamilton will return, Coulthard remarked: “I can’t compare myself to Lewis in terms of success or speed but one thing I think I can relate to is that emotional detachment, once the moment’s gone.

"The euphoria of success wears off quite quickly, and the disappointment of defeat wears off quite quickly as well.”

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