What the F1 legends think of Lewis Hamilton

Four-times champion Alain Prost described Hamilton as “phenomenal”

And there are many top F1 drivers of the past and present who reckon he can do it.

Trackside’s Keith Collantine looks at what F1 winners and champions make of Hamilton.

Alain Prost

Alain Prost won four world championships from 1985-1993 - more than any other driver bar Michael Schumacher and Juan-Manuel Fangio.

Prost thinks the banning of traction control will play into Hamilton’s hands. He said: "This year electronic aids will disappear so life will get harder for the drivers. But I'm convinced of one thing: contrary to what could be thought, Hamilton will draw an advantage from this change, and you know why? Because he's phenomenal.

"Last year he did something exceptional, but not so much for his performances, which were fantastic anyway. He was twice exceptional at a psychological level: first in the way he put up with the pressure of his debut, and then for the way he put up with the ever-increasing pressure for a season that went on until the last GP and with all the mess that had happened.”

Johnny Herbert

Johnny Herbert won three Grands Prix – but severe leg injuries incurred before he reached F1 kept him from reaching his potential.

Herbert says Hamilton’s bruising end to 2007 will make him a tougher opponent this year. He said: “I hope he does learn from his experience in China. He was waiting for the team to tell him when to come in and as a driver sometimes in certain situations, and that was one of them, he needed to tell them: 'I can't drive this damn thing any more, I am coming in.'

"For this season, hopefully that is something he can take on if he is in the same situation again. So that will be a mental strength that will carry him forward."

Sir Jackie Stewart

With three world championships and 27 wins from 99 starts, Scotsman Jackie Stewart is one of F1’s true greats. He praised Hamilton’s start but added a note of caution.

He said: “Lewis Hamilton is an extremely talented young man, who has the ability and the attributes to win the F1 title.

“But a lot of factors have changed this season and Kovalainen's arrival at McLaren could mean that the shoe is on the other foot.

“Hamilton is in the position where people are expecting him to win every race he starts, and although I have no doubt that he will be competitive, I wonder whether he will have the car to take on Ferrari in 2008.”

When we spoke to Sir Jackie last year he said Hamilton should have won the title in 2007.

Fernando Alonso

They may not get on, but even two-time champion Fernando Alonso has admitted his former team mate Hamilton is a force to be reckoned with.

Alonso explained why Hamilton should find his second year of F1 easier than the first, saying: “After one year's experience things become easier and that will give him an advantage. You know all the circuits and how the races go.

"You understand the pressures so there are many things that will give him an advantage compared to last year."

But Alonso also tipped the man many are expecting to claim the title for a second year in a row. He said: “If I have to name one then Ferrari and Kimi Raikkonen because he is the world champion and will be the driver to beat.

"At the end of last year, Kimi had some very good final races, and was also lucky, to be world champion being so far behind.

"But he has the self confidence and he is obviously very quick, so he has put himself in a very strong position."

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