Former Champs Praise Hamilton

After becoming the first black driver to compete in Formula One, Lewis Hamilton managed to break another historical record in the competition – he made a podium appearance in every event that he started in his very debut F1 season. And that didn't get unnoticed. More, most of the former F1 champions see Hamilton as a real title contender this season.

Nigel Mansell, the Briton who won a championship crown with Williams in 1992, talked about Hamilton's performances this season and, despite admitting his incredible skills, brought relativism into discussion: “Lewis has the chance of driving a fantastic car. Last season, before starting a race, young drivers would only test the car once or twice during a practice session. More, not every young driver has the chance to start his F1 career on board of a good team. On the other hand, almost none of the current drivers has the technical formation that Hamilton possesses. Even so, it would have been far more difficult for him with the traction control system and power steering”.

McLaren team chief executive Martin Whitmarsh, the man who pressured Ron Dennis for almost a year to sign the young Briton as a race driver for his team, was delighted with how things turned out after the first 3 races of the season.

“It's too early to analyze but if the trend continues there is no reason why he could not become the greatest driver ever. What I'm seeing so early in this man's career is remarkable. Since I joined McLaren in 1989 I've worked with a lot of great drivers, including Prost, Senna, Mika Hakkinen and now Fernando Alonso with Lewis - and I think it's pretty clear Lewis ticks all the necessary boxes”, said Whitmarsh.

Also, when asked about Hamilton's impressive run this season, Sir Jackie Stewart stunned everyone with his enthusiastic statement: “He is, of course, driving for one of the best teams in the world at the present time, with a competitive car, but nevertheless he's been able to accomplish more in a shorter time than any driver I've ever seen enter Formula One. Not to be making the kind of mistakes that new drivers usually make is a remarkable achievement. Can he become world champion? It's not inconceivable it could be done this year because McLaren look like the team to beat. If not, expect it within the next three”.

The 22-year old Englishman stunned all F1 experts in the start of the season, when he became the first driver to make a podium appearance at his very debut F1 Grand Prix after Jacques Villeneuve (1996). Following his 3rd place in Australia, Hamilton started going for his first win in the championship and took 2nd place in both Malaysia and Bahrain.