Bartek Sikorski

Stewart: Lewis could be champion this year.

Tue 17 Apr, 11:25 AM


Three-time Formula 1 world champion, Sir Jackie Stewart has said that it is not 'inconceivable' that Lewis Hamilton could win the title this year in his debut season.
Hamilton has been on fire since his first grand prix in Australia back in March and took his third podium finish in as many events on Sunday, when he finished second at - ONLY REGISTERED AND ACTIVATED USERS CAN SEE ALL LINKS - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER, less than three seconds behind eventual winner, - ONLY REGISTERED AND ACTIVATED USERS CAN SEE ALL LINKS - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.
Speaking to BBC Sport, Stewart noted that what he has achieved in his first three events really is remarkable.
"It's not inconceivable it could be done this year [that he takes the title] because - ONLY REGISTERED AND ACTIVATED USERS CAN SEE ALL LINKS - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER look like the team to beat. If not, expect it within the next three," said Stewart.
"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 1.
"It's no easy matter getting into Formula 1 and attacking the great talents that are out there. For a new driver to do that with such consistency and not to be making the kind of mistakes that new drivers usually make is in itself a remarkable achievement.
"It's not unusual for a driver to do very well in his first year and have a bit of a dip in the second year. That's par for the course. But I think within the next three years, Lewis Hamilton will certainly be in contention and could easily win the world championship." Niki Lauda meanwhile told British newspaper The Times that the reason Hamilton is so good, is because he has been groomed so well over the years on his way up the ladder to F1. "He had a perfect build-up, which nobody has ever done before," added Lauda, who like Stewart, won the Formula 1 World Championship three times. "Ron, or somebody, took care of him since he was 12 and then they realised the talent in him and made him race in one category after another in such a perfect way that he won most of them."

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siko

Good for him if he does... but I don't think he should be spending time thinking about that, he's a rookie so he should concentrate on gaining experience... the rest is bonus.

Centurion

Looking at the current standing I'd say things are looking pretty bright for Hamilton. His driving has exceeded expectations and he has proven that he's not going to be an Alonso side kick like Batman and Robin. Although it's going to be tough for him to win this season I wish him good luck and encourage him to aim high.

450SEL6.9

I have lost some respect for Jackie Stewart over his undying hype telethon and his brand of 'advice' for Hamilton.

Has Jackie lost the plot? He claimed that he earned £1.5 million in '71. However, he also suggest that it costs, get this, £100 million a year to live like a racing driver today! Maybe he ought to call Schu up and ask if he needed to make £100 million to live. These are the reasons for him suggesting that Hamilton leave Britain.

Niki Lauda describes Hamilton well, as does Nigel Mansell. Old Nige reminded that Senna and Schumacher produced early career results with vastly inferior cars. I think Jackie is just arse-kissing and tripping over himself. He should line up with Stirling Moss and James Allen.

Bartek Sikorski

McLaren boss says Hamilton can be the greatest.


LONDON (Reuters) - Rookie Lewis Hamilton could become the greatest driver Formula One has ever seen, according to - ONLY REGISTERED AND ACTIVATED USERS CAN SEE ALL LINKS - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER chief executive Martin Whitmarsh.
"Why not?," he told Wednesday's Guardian newspaper, after the Briton's third podium finish in three races at the weekend. "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."
Whitmarsh, who has worked at - ONLY REGISTERED AND ACTIVATED USERS CAN SEE ALL LINKS - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER with the likes of Brazilian Ayrton Senna and France's quadruple champion Alain Prost, said he had "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."

ADGvast

At this moment, he is nothing to lose, getting high in position is a bouns.... maybe after many race, the pressure will build up with him...

Imhotep Evil

I honestly don't know if Moss, Stewart or even Lauda and Mansell know about F1 today. It changed to the point that it kept the F1 name and a few other things but that's it.

Yep I'd like to know what would have Hamy done in the crapy Toleman/Jordan/Minardi of Senna/Schumacher/Alonso.

Imhotep Evil

Last time at McLaren, in the days of Prost Senna, things didn't turned out quite rosy.

Alfie

Am I the only one who get the impression that these old stars are trying to earn an extra dollar just by opening their mouths?

Imhotep Evil

I think it goes beyond financial reasons but I agree with the idea.

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