EX-F1 driver David Coulthard believes Max Verstappen's title fight this season has extended Lewis Hamilton's F1 career.

Hamilton currently trails Verstappen by 32 points in the championship and the Brit has never overcome such a deficit to win a title before.

But despite having the slower car this season, Hamilton recently put pen to paper on a two-year contract extension with Mercedes.

And Coulthard believes the battle Hamilton is having with Verstappen is what has helped persuade the eight-time world champion to stay in F1.

Coulthard said: "I think that he is truly relishing the challenge. 

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"Of course he wants a title and wants to win, who doesn't? But he's done so much winning.

"I think the fact he has signed up for another two years, he's just so motivated by the challenge.

"I truly believe Verstappen and Red Bull this year have extended his career.

"Because if he doesn't win this year, he won't go off into the winter crying his heart out.

"He will go 'You know what? As a team we didn't deliver, how can we do better next year?'

"I just think he's such a pure racer, the way he's been brought up by his family, he's got total focus and dedication.

"I think he loves it, due to the fact he's not winning right now and he's extended his career."

Coulthard has also noticed Hamilton's maturity in the face of defeat this season compared to his previous rivalries.

He added: "What I have observed from the last couple of races he has lost, he's been much calmer and much more magnanimous in defeat. 

"When he was beaten by Nico Rosberg when they were team-mates he could be a bit chippy and he could be a bit of a spoilt-child multi-millionaire racing driver.

"But I have not seen that, what I've seen is an elegance, confidence and a different Hamilton in this challenge.

"Therefore, I think that he is truly relishing the challenge."

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