Hamilton will lose 'clean' image: Coulthard

David Coulthard fears Lewis Hamilton will lose his nice-guy image as the years roll by in the full glare of Formula One’s searing spotlight.

Hamilton has been praised for his polite, well-mannered, endearing charm in his debut season in a sport he has taken by the scruff of the neck.

The 22-year-old British rookie leads the drivers’ championship by 10 points following back-to-back wins in the Canadian and United States Grands Prix.

There is no doubt he is one of the most talked-about sportsmen in the world at present, and in turn is in great demand.

It has led to speculation he may have to leave his home in England and move abroad to escape the attention that is also focusing on his family.

Veteran Coulthard, now in his 14th season in the sport, believes that without a doubt Hamilton will change over time.

“Whenever a new driver starts, everyone says that they’re always so mature, level-headed, down to earth, approachable, that they still travel EasyJet,” remarked Coulthard.

“In three years from now, he’ll be less approachable, more distant and with his own private jet.

“You cannot expect someone to remain the same with all the media attention, public recognition, and from having £2.50 in his Post Office account to having millions of dollars sloshing around.

“Then there are the various temptations that will come to him off track once he starts maturing into the life he’ll end up leading.

“That journey is something all of us have gone through and it will be interesting to see how he deals with that, but all the evidence suggests he will deal with it very well.”

Coulthard was speaking at the promotion for the Race of Champions event, which this year will be staged at the new Wembley Stadium on December 16.

The 36-year-old will partner rally driver Colin McRae for Team Scotland, while Jenson Button links up with World Touring Car champion Andy Priaulx in the English line-up.

Seven-times world champion Michael Schumacher, who retired from Formula One last year, is to return to motor racing as one half of the German team.

Event organisers are hoping Hamilton will also compete, although they are having to play a waiting game as McLaren have informed them they want Lewis’ attention on the world title.

RoC founder Fredrik Johnsson confirmed: “I’ve spoken to Lewis and his father Anthony several times this year, including twice after the Monaco Grand Prix.

“Lewis has expressed a keen interest to take part, although at the moment McLaren are keen for him to concentrate on Formula One.

“We fully understand that, but he really wants to do it, and we hope he is able to participate.

“It would be a unique occasion – the only occasion to see him go up against Michael Schumacher.

In the next couple of months, we should have an answer.”