Schumacher Was Not the Best, Says Coulthard

McLaren driver David Coulthard believes this year’s drivers’ title was not won by the most deserving driver, referring to Ferrari star Michael Schumacher.

Schumacher, who clinched his third title after nine wins, finally ended Ferrari’s 21-year wait for a drivers’ championship, finishing nineteen points ahead of Coulthard’s teammate Mika Hakkinen and 35 ahead of the Scot.

However, Coulthard said the German was somewhat lucky.

"He wasn't the best driver, because he was helped by too many factors," Coulthard said in Stuttgart, where McLaren’s engine partner Mercedes-Benz was holding a reception.

"Next year it's going to be tough for him because I want to win my first title and Mika his third."

Coulthard, who took three victories during this season, will start next year with equal number one status in the McLaren team, as Mercedes-Benz President Jurgen Hubbert confirmed.

"Both drivers will be given a chance to win the title back for McLaren-Mercedes," said Hubbert. "And we will give them a package that is more reliable than this year's."

McLaren boss Ron Dennis was also present in at the reception, and took the opportunity to warn Ferrari about the possibility of another long wait before winning again.

"We all know that history repeats itself," Dennis said. "But we will do everything in our power to try and prevent them from winning the title for the next 21 years."