Webber: Hamilton more complete than Schumi

Mark Scott
Lewis Hamilton

Lewis Hamilton PA

Mark Webber feels Lewis Hamilton should be considered the best Formula 1 driver of all time, ahead of the legendary Michael Schumacher.

Hamilton is looking to join Schumacher as a seven-time World Champion this season, but ex-driver turned pundit Webber thinks the Mercedes driver has already surpassed Schumi in terms of on-track talent and that the records will soon follow.

When asked by Speedcafe.com if Hamilton should be considered the all-time great, Webber categorically said: “Absolutely, no question about it.

“I think he’s more complete than Michael.

“I think he went about those results in a technically cleaner executed way, just by the way of wheel-to-wheel combat and no real trickery in his contracts with the other drivers.

“I think he’s certainly up there. I mean, obviously Alain Prost, where do you go with the [Niki] Laudas, the [Jackie] Stewarts, or [Ayrton] Senna?

“Clearly Michael is absolutely in there, he’s got all the records in terms of championships and race victories, but I’m confident that Lewis can give those a red hot go.”

While Hamilton has long been a polarising figure in the sport, Webber said he had no such issues with the six-time World Champion when he shared the grid with him.

“I personally get on with him well,” he added.

“I don’t have any issues with Lewis, but it’s not something for everyone.

“But on the track he is Nadal and Federer-esque. He just executes, and he does it in a way that is very, very clinical.

“He doesn’t go to the stewards often; when was the last time he was done for speeding in the pit lane?

“He’s got so much mind management and composure. He’s an extraordinary, extraordinary talent now, and he keeps reinventing himself, so deserves everything.”

You can follow us on Twitter @Planet_F1 and like our Facebook page.