Former F1 ace Coulthard says Hamilton cannot be 'part time' grand prix driver

London, Mar 9(ANI): Former Formula One ace David Coulthard has warned former champion Lewis Hamilton that he cannot be a part time Grand Prix driver as off-track diversions busted his 2011 championship challenge.

Coulthard hailed McLaren driver Hamilton as a great driver but believes that he needs to focus completely on driving, leaving aside his personal problems.

"Lewis is a great driver and would be an asset for any team. But he has been through the growing pains of living his life in the public eye," The Sun quoted Coulthard, as saying.The on/off relationships, his change of management, all of this inevitably affected his form because at this level you can't just turn up and think, 'This is a Grand Prix, now I'll focus.' You have to focus 100 per cent all the time," he said.

"We've been hearing Lewis is in a happier place over the winter. Let's see if that gives him pace on the racetrack," he added.

Coulthard, who is now an established pundit for BBC TV's F1 coverage, named McLaren's other champion driver Jenson Button as the top dog heading into this season.

"The comeback is required from Lewis. In overall performance last year, Jenson was clearly the team leader," Coulthard added. (ANI)