Hamilton can surpass such greats as Mansell and Co

Published on Thursday 4 December 2008 09:05

DOUBLE Formula One world champion Mika Hakkinen believes Lewis Hamilton has the talent and time to become the best grand prix driver England has ever produced.

Hakkinen, a two-time world champion, has been impressed with Hamilton's ability to cope under pressure despite making high-profile mistakes on his way to becoming the youngest F1 world champion.

Hakkinen reckons Hamilton ranks alongside such drivers as Stirling Moss, Nigel Mansell, James Hunt, Graham Hill and Damon Hill – and can even surpass them.

He said: "He can be the best England has seen because he is a young guy and he has plenty of time to make this his goal.

"He is in a great team and has good commitment to it, so I don't see any problems there.

"He has a fantastic fitness programme and will have the energy for many, many years to maximise his performance. So I don't see any reason why he can't be the most successful."