Mansell: Hamilton Can Be Greatest Of All

British Formula 1 champion Nigel Mansell believes Lewis Hamilton can now beat Michael Schumacher’s record of seven world championships after the Mercedes driver became the most successful British racer in F1 history by securing a fourth title.

- Stephen Lickorish

Hamilton was previously tied with Sir Jackie Stewart on three crowns, but his latest triumph means he has become the first Briton to take four titles.

Hamilton has joined Sebastian Vettel and Alain Prost on four championship wins with only Schumacher and Juan Manuel Fangio having claimed more.

It was a record-breaking season for Hamilton as he broke Schumacher’s tally for the most number of pole positions for any driver in F1 history.

And Mansell believes that Hamilton will be able to break more records in the coming years.

“Lewis is one of the greats,” Mansell told TalkSPORT radio. “I forecasted it a few years ago, that I think Lewis can beat all the records, he’s that good. He can be the best of the best of the best – I think he can go on to win eight world titles.

“Lewis is a breath of fresh air. He crosses so many boundaries, he’s a nice lad and he’s misunderstood at times. Now he should be revered in every way he can be.”

Toughest win

Hamilton described his latest title victory as his toughest after spending much of the season trailing Vettel in the points, only wresting the advantage after triumphing in the Italian Grand Prix in September.

However, his route to the title in Mexico – with two races of the 2017 season remaining – was far from straightforward as a first-lap collision with Vettel caused a puncture, leaving Hamilton to fight through the field.