Coulthard: success will change Hamilton

The Scot saw huge earnings, new temptations off the track and constant media attention presenting sharp challenges for the 22-year-old, who is 10 points clear in the championship after winning the last two races.

"So mature, so level-headed, so down to earth, so approachable, still travels EasyJet - that's what everyone says about every driver when they start," Coulthard said at the launch of the 2007 Race of Champions, a charity event at London's Wembley Stadium in December.

"Three years from now he will be less approachable with his own private jet, more distant, because you cannot expect someone to remain the same with that media attention and public recognition," he added.

"It will be interesting to see how he deals with that but all the evidence is that he'll deal with it very well."

Coulthard, 36, was full of praise for Hamilton's performances against teammate and double world champion Fernando Alonso.

"His start has been phenomenal. I don't think anyone could have really expected that," the Red Bull driver said. "He's been flawless, he hasn't made any mistakes that I can see.

"It's interesting to watch how he (Hamilton) has adapted to McLaren, a team that he's known for nine years, and how Fernando obviously isn't quite as comfortable, and just the excitement that's giving to the sport right now.

"He (Hamilton) is not racing the rest of the field. He's racing Fernando.

"And Fernando has shown a couple of times this year that when he's down, his performances have been pretty lacklustre. And when he has been hot, he has obviously delivered."