Formula One: Hamilton Could Be the Best

Lewis Hamilton may become the greatest driver of all time, according to Martin Whitmarsh. "Why not?" said the chief executive of Hamilton's team, McLaren-Mercedes, still taking in the rookie's surge to the joint lead in the world championship. "It's obviously too early to analyse but if the trend continues there is no reason why he could not be the greatest driver ever.

"Since I joined McLaren in 1989 I've worked with a lot of great drivers including [Alain] Prost, [Ayrton] Senna, Mika Hakkinen, Kimi Raikkonen and now Fernando Alonso with Lewis and I think I've developed a pretty clear picture of what gives the top guys that crucial edge over the simply good or average drivers. And I think it is pretty clear that Lewis ticks all the necessary boxes."

Whitmarsh said that to be one of the very best a driver had "to assemble a selection of components. Firstly, and obviously, you need the natural skill. Secondly you require a considerable degree of natural toughness. Thirdly some technical empathy is a major benefit because it helps a driver to integrate better with his engineers, which in turn speeds up the car development progress.

"Finally there is fitness, determination and application. Even over their cornflakes the top guys are always thinking what they can do to improve their own performances and work hard. It is almost as if they have some special genetic capability. Lesser drivers don't do this, possibly because they aren't smart enough, aren't committed enough or simply don't care."

Whitmarsh's comments came after praise from the Williams team owner, Frank Williams, who described Hamilton's achievements in recording three successive podium finishes in his debut season as "superhuman".

Williams said: "I thought after we got rid of Michael [Schumacher], now we've got a chance again. But then another superhuman turns up. Michael was many things but he was also a very, very simple human. Hamilton is a different character, I think, but, purely in terms of calibre or quality of skill, what I'm seeing so early in this man's career is remarkable."