Hamilton Could Outdo Schumacher, Says Mosley

Lewis Hamilton could eventually eclipse Michael Schumacher as formula one's most outstanding talent, according to Max Mosley, the president of the sport's governing body.

"Ron [Dennis] said the other day that, when all is said and done, to have missed the championship by one point, to have won four races and been on the podium in the first nine in his first season - it will be a long time before that is improved," said Mosley. "And if he goes on as long as Michael [Schumacher] did, then he might beat his records. But there are some great young drivers about, so he is not going to have an easy time."

The FIA president, speaking yesterday in London, predicted that the sport would be in a healthier state following the "spy-gate" controversy involving the McLaren-Mercedes team last season.

"I think formula one comes out of things like this stronger, because I think it has demonstrated a willingness on our part to do what we had to do to make sure it was fair," said Mosley. McLaren were fined £50m and lost their constructors' championship points for illegally being in possession of Ferrari technical data.

"I think at the same time Lewis's success and the success of some of the other young drivers renewed interest in the whole of formula one," he said, making the point that several young stars were overshadowed by Hamilton. "There are a whole lot of people who would be superstars if it wasn't for Lewis. [Sebastian] Vettel, for example, and I think [Sébastien] Bourdais will surprise some people this year - plus [Robert] Kubica, [Nico] Rosberg and [Adrian] Sutil," said Mosley.

Mosley made it clear he thinks justice was done in the spy case. He also believes the affair had no impact on Hamilton's late-season troubles that cost him the title. "I don't think we did anything, and I don't think it had any real effect on Lewis," said Mosley about whether the FIA punishment increased pressure on the young British driver.

Meanwhile Mosley says he is yet to make up his mind about whether or not he will seek to continue as head of the governing body when his current term expires. He first took office in 1991 and is currently in his fourth successive term.

"I've definitely got until October 2009 and it is going to be make-your-mind-up time in a year or so," he said. "I think an awful lot depends on what the [national] clubs want. It is a bit like being a guest at a dinner party, you have got to know when to go. And just because the host says 'oh, don't go' doesn't mean it isn't time to go."